The two-day exhibition and fair is being organized jointly by Fruits' Wholesalers Association, Kuleshwar and Fruit Development Directorate, Kirtipur to promote sale of mango as well as its commercial farming.
Amar Baniya, president of the association, said the exhibition has 11 stalls -- five retail stalls and six wholesale stalls. "We have showcased all 18 different varieties of mangoes available in Nepal through different stalls,” Baniya said, adding, “Some stalls will also cater information to public on different varieties of mangoes food items made from mangoes.”
He further said the fair aims to encourage people to consume mangoes grown in the country rather than imported ones. "Our mangoes are pesticide-free and contain no chemical,” he said, adding that increased consumption of domestic mangoes will encourage local farmers to start commercial farming.
KhimNidhiLohani, senior agronomist of the directorate, said mango farming is done in 46,469 hectares across the country. Similarly, commercial mango farming is done in 38,052 hectares. He further added that 2,778 tons of mangoes are consumed in Nepal. Nepal exports around 1,223 tons of mangoes to India and other counries, according to Lohani.
Saptari and Siraha are the top mango producers in the country.
Mango production in Saptari expected to double this year