Representatives of Wonders International join Luang Prabang officials and coffee farmers for a photo at the Coffee Processing Station opening ceremony in Luang Prabang last month.

First coffee processing station becomes hub in Viengkham, Luang Prabang

The establishment of the first coffee processing station in Mokvat village, Viengkham district, Luang Prabang province, is set to bring significant improvements to the coffee value chain in northern Laos. The station, a collaboration between Wonders International, a South Korea-based NGO, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aims to boost income and improve the quality of life for local communities. Wonders International has been working in northern Laos since 2019, supporting coffee farming and fostering sustainable development in Viengkham district.
In 2024, Wonders International provided coffee seedlings, equipment, and training to local farmers, helping over 102 farmers from six villages join the coffee industry. To further enhance the coffee value chain, the construction of a processing station began in mid-2024, with the aim of turning coffee into a more profitable, sellable product.
Thanks to the cooperation of Wonders International and the Viengkham District Agriculture Office, the Coffee Processing Station in Mokvat village officially opened on December 12, 2024, with key officials attending the grand ceremony, including Viengkham District Governor Mr Thanakon Volavong and representatives from the Luang Prabang Provincial Agriculture Department.
Mr Thanakon noted the station’s transformative impact, saying, “This project benefits our district immensely, providing farmers with higher incomes and reducing labour costs. Wet coffee processing ensures quicker production of parchment coffee, which commands better market prices.” He also highlighted coffee farming’s role in forest conservation, as coffee is grown in protected forests, contributing to environmental preservation and future tourism opportunities.
The new station, capable of processing 900kg to 1 ton of coffee cherries per hour, is a significant milestone for Viengkham. Future plans include a nursery to grow 30,000 coffee seedlings, further enhancing the region’s coffee industry.
This initiative represents a sustainable investment in local communities, equipping farmers with tools and knowledge for long-term success. It also underscores Wonders International’s commitment to empowering villagers and fostering confidence in the region’s coffee potential. By processing raw coffee cherries into a higher-value product, the station creates new market opportunities, ensuring a brighter future for Viengkham’s coffee farmers.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update January 17, 2025)