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In the last couple of years, momentum has been building towards sustainable agriculture, local entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in food production in Nepal. In the midst of this shift, there is one significant opportunity for farmers and small operators: mustard oil production via a small cold-press oil mill machine, locally known as a Tori ko tel expeller.
Mustard (tori) has been a common and important crop in many regions of Nepal, from the fertile plains of the Terai to the hilly areas of Palpa, Makwanpur, and Sindhuli. For generations, mustard oil (tori ko tel) has been used for cooking, but also for massage, hair care, Ayurvedic treatments, and in religious rituals. The oil market in Nepal is generally controlled by large oil refiners, most of whom use a chemical extraction process and import oils.
Now, Nepalese individuals, cooperatives, and small farmers can process mustard seeds locally and produce high-quality, pure oils with a cold-press oil mill machine. Tori ko tel expeller is a compact, energy-efficient machine that provides a sustainable business for individuals and communities while creating new income, jobs, and supporting local economies!
Tori oil mill machines, also known as Tori oil expellers, are mechanical expellers used to extract oil from mustard seeds. Modern machinery more frequently uses cold press technology. Cold pressing refers to the process of extracting the oil by gently pressing the mustard seeds without the input of external heat. This preserves the natural aroma, nutrients, and medicinal qualities of mustard oil. Many of the local producers in Nepal have experience working with compact Tori oil mills, which are generally portable, inexpensive, easy to operate, and intended for small-scale farmers, women's groups (Mahila Samuha), agricultural cooperatives, youth-led startups, and home-based oil producers.
Cold-pressed mustard oil has been growing popular in Nepal, as people become aware of the health and purity aspects of the oil. Unlike refined oils, cold-pressed mustard oil does not contain chemicals and has more essential nutrients; it has multiple mineral benefits:
Despite the availability of blended or refined oils in the market, cold-pressed Tori ko tel offers an alternative organic, local product which provides distinction.
Given the ongoing trend of local entrepreneurship, highlighted by programs like the Prime Minister's Employment Program (PMEP) and agricultural subsidies distributed by local municipalities, many Nepalese are now purchasing and operating oil extraction machines to generate income.
Here’s why compact mustard oil machines are so popular throughout Nepal:
The majority of cold press machines are priced between Rs. 80,000 - Rs. 200,000, depending on capacity and brand. These machines have low running costs and high local demand, so a local entrepreneur can recover their investment in less than one year.
You can fit the machines in a corner of your house, or a tiny agro-shed, or even a community center - they require very little space (a mere 3x3 feet). Some models are portable, so they can be moved from village to village.
Generators with single-phase motors (1.5 to 2 HP) can use domestic electricity with low voltage. Some others are solar compatible, which is ideal for rural areas with very little to no reliable electricity.
Basic training is all you need for a single person to operate the machine. Most units have an automatic temperature control, reverse gear unblocker, and very basic maintenance requirements.
Here are the simplified steps of the mustard seeds being processed through a cold press machine into oil:
Depending on the machine, expect to produce 10 to 20 liters/hour of oil with a recovery of 30–35% oil, depending on seed quality.
Sikali Multipurpose Cooperative in Khokana of the Kathmandu Valley, a historical town famous for its traditional mustard oil, has taken on the challenge of preserving its heritage while navigating financial difficulties. The cooperative was started in 2002, with contributions from the local people, to revive and maintain the mustard oil mill. Members of the cooperative made investments of 2.5 million rupees to restart the operation of the mustard oil mill, which used traditional methods of oil extraction. In the face of high production costs and competition from modern mustard oil mill machines, the cooperative faces annual losses. Nonetheless, the cooperative continues to operate, producing approximately 150 liters of mustard oil per day, which can be obtained locally in the Kathmandu Valley.
Beyond its economic value, the Khokana oil mill has remarkable cultural and historical significance. The extraction of mustard oil has served important functions in the daily life of this Newar community for generations, including cooking, worship, and Ayurveda. As per the local’s statement, while most people are now using mechanical mills rather than the water-powered traditional oil mill, we are still producing an artisanal product that highlights values of purity and craftsmanship.
Although we are experiencing incursion by the commercial economy (through refined oils), consumer behaviour shifts that influence acceptance of our product. Our cooperative continues to attract not only local but also international visitors seeking heritage-based products of local significance. There are more and more calls locally from residents and heritage activists alike to support Khokana and the revival of its oil production for cultural tourism. This will contribute to the community through the interplay of tradition, community, and agro-entrepreneurship.
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Feature |
Why It Matters in Nepal |
|---|---|
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Single-phase motor |
Works in most homes/villages |
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Cold press system |
Preserves quality without external heat |
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Easy maintenance |
No need for specialized technicians |
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Oil output of 10–20 L/hr |
Suitable for small businesses |
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Durability (stainless steel) |
Withstands Nepal’s humidity and seed oils |
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Spare parts availability |
Choose machines with local dealer support |
Look for Nepal-made or India-imported models with solid after-sales support.
There are many government and non-government bodies in Nepal promoting the establishment of small-scale oil processing:
When it comes to supporting small-scale enterprises in Nepal, the cold-press mustard oil expeller is more than just a machine; it is an instrument of change in rural Nepal's economy. As consumers become more aware of organic food, locally based production, and diversifying income for poverty reduction, the demand continues to grow for a pure, cold-pressed, Tori ko tel.
By bringing these small but powerful machines into the marketplace, farmers, youth, and cooperatives can turn mustard seeds into opportunities. Quite literally golden opportunities.
Want Help Getting Started?
If you're in Nepal and looking for the right mustard oil expeller machine, training resources, or business planning assistance, feel free to reach out to Changing Nepal. From choosing the right model to packaging and marketing, the right guidance can set you on the path to success.
Typically, you require 2.5 to 3 kilograms of mustard seed to obtain 1 liter of cold-pressed oil, based on the seed type and moisture content. Quality cold-pressed seeds will have more oil content, so a cold press with a good seed content is likely to have better output. Furthermore, moisture-free and well-kept seeds will lead to better oil recovery.
Yes. Most cold-press mustard oil machines in the Nepalese market today are designed to use a single-phase electricity supply of 220 to 240V, similar to your household supply. Some models have the capacity to operate with solar inverters or generators, and are a great option for rural areas where the electricity power supply is inconsistent, This option would make them very useful as home-based or off-grid operations.
Yes, several local municipalities and agricultural offices are distributing or providing subsidies of 30% - 60%, given some rural entrepreneurship or self-employment schemes. Likewise, youth returning from abroad can get funding through the Prime Minister's Employment Program (PMEP) or the Youth and Small Entrepreneur Self-Employment Fund (YSEF). Check with your nearest Agriculture Knowledge Center or ward office for additional information.