MUSIKOT, Dec 3: Kiwi farmers in Aathbiskot municipality in Rukum district had problems in selling their produce despite growing it in abundance. Lack of road connectivity and faraway market made it difficult for them to sell their produce.
However, things have changed now with a local wine industry in the municipality agreeing to buy all their produce. The Karnali Beverages Pvt Ltd has announced to buy the kiwi produced by farmers in the municipality.
Mayor of Aathbiskot Municipality Ravi KC said an agreement has been reached between the company and farmers to purchase Kiwi fruit at Rs 125 per kg. According to him, 142 quintals of kiwi have been produced in wards number 1, 2, 3, 10, 11 and 12 of the municipality.
Govt announces farmer-focused programs to promote agriculture
There are 47 farmers involved in commercial farming of Kiwi fruits in the municipality. After the local government emphasized on kiwi cultivation, the number of farmers cultivating kiwi in the municipality has increased. The government had distributed kiwi seedlings to the farmers.
Over 2,100 kiwi plants were planted in the municipality last year alone. Currently, the municipality estimates that around 1,500 kiwi plants are bearing fruit in the municipality.
The municipality is also providing subsidies to transport these products. Mayor KC said that the municipality will pay the fare for transporting kiwi from the farmer's field to the company that is located in ward number 12 of the municipality.
Ganesh Shahi of Aathbiskot Municipality-10 produces 25 quintals of kiwi annually. He had a lot of trouble selling kiwi fruit due to lack of transportation facilities. He is, however, happy now as kiwifruit will be consumed in the municipality itself along with subsidies for transportation.
Karnali Beverages produces wine and various kinds of fruit juices. (RSS)
