“As the demand for organic products is growing, we have added more varieties -- vegetables and fruits, fish, lentils, spices, and tea -- among others in the organic category,” said Hem Sagar, sales in-charge of Big Mart at Kamalpokhari. Sagar informed that with the increase in demand organic food covers 30 percent of the total food commodity sold by the store.[break]
Traders say that due to increased health awareness among the upper middle class in Kathmandu customers are willing to fork out 40 percent extra for organic products.
Organic products are produced in the Himalayan areas of Lamjung, Kaski, Myagdi, Parasi, Humla, Jumla, Sankhle Khola, Godavari, Dhankuta, Ramechhap and Kavre.
Samir Newa, founder of Organic Village said that though organic foods are expensive they prevent people from falling prey to health hazards.
“Demand for organic food is gradually increasing with the availability of organic products at various stores,” said Newa.
Different restaurants and hotels in Kathmandu-- Bu Keba in Bakhundol, Organic Cafe in Thamel or U Cafe in Sanepa just to name a few -- are also making the switch to organic food. Besides, Summit Hotel every Wednesday and Sunday hosts an organic food bazaar where more than 30 items are sold.
Shankar Kanta Adhikari, chairman of Mets Organic Store at Dhapasi, said people are gradually becoming conscious about their health.
Adhikari informed Republica that earlier only organic coffee was in demand in the European countries but now organic rice, pulses, beans and spices, among others, have also become popular.
In the local market, 500 ml of pure organic honey costs Rs 1,000 whereas normal honey is available for just Rs 350. Likewise, organic pulses cost Rs 300 per kg while the ordinary ones cost Rs 165, organic garlic powder costs Rs 105 per 100 gm whereas non- organic ones cost Rs 52 per 100 gm.
Similarly, organic tea named Ilam Gold costs Rs 150 per 75 gm whereas ordinary tea of same brand is available for Rs 140 per 250 gm.
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