BHAIRAHAWA, Jan 7: Rohit Kumar Pasi, 37, from Siyari Rural Municipality-4 spends most of time at farm taking care of bananas. When he shifted to banana farming from vegetables last year, he was not sure if it was worthwhile. But even within a year, he finds it more profitable than vegetable farming.
At the river bank where his farm is situated, the environment is good -- with proper irrigation, fertile soil, and accessible market. He has rented land plots for five and seven year terms for this purpose.
“I don't own any land. With my children, we are a big family. It was difficult for me to manage all my expenses with vegetable farming. My sister and brother-in-law are also involved in banana farming and they urged me to get involved in banana farming. I came to know of its advantages through them,” said Pasi.
Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Urban Development in Nepal
“Vegetable farming requires more investment and hard work. But it does not give returns according to investment. I have started banana farming from tissue culture. The first crop gave me good income,” Pasi told Republica. He expects to earn above a million rupees in a season.
Pasi started banana farming with Parasi and Bethari species. He employs three persons at his farm.
“Storm and insects are my major challenges. If there is no storm or disease, then there is good profit," said Pasi. “Now I can pay for the household expenses and children's school fees. I will also make some savings."
According to Pasi, he invested Rs two million and the agriculture ministry of Province 5 provided a subsidy of Rs one million to him. He has plans to expand his farm in future.
