DOPLA, Jan 29: A group of nine local political leaders of Dolpa are currently in Nasik of India to study grape farming.

The group is studying grape farming, processing and marketing from the Indian experts. The group consists of former lawmaker from Dolpa, Ram Bahadur Budha (50) who is now a successful farmer. Kamrsi Thapa (50), ward chiefs of Tripurasundari Municipality 1; and Dharmajit Bohora of Tripurasundari-6. Likewise, Raj Bahadur Roka of Tripurasundari-6, Prakash Budha of Tripurasundari-4, and Bishnu Prasad Neupane, Jayabir Ukheda, and one other farmer of Tripurasundari-1 are also in the team led by Chief Administrative Officer of Tripurasundari Municipality, Bhim Bahadur Dharala.

The team will explore the possibilities of cultivating grapes and dragon fruit in Dolpa.
Nasik, which lies in Maharashtra state of India, is considered ideal for dragon fruit and grapes farming. Climatic condition, topography and soli type there is said to be similar of Dolpa. 

“Dolpa can be an appropriate site for cultivation of these fruits. We believe that commercial farming of these fruits will help improve financial situation of the people of Dolpa,” Dharala said.

The executive council meeting of Tripurasundari Municipality held on July 18, 2017 has allocated Rs 10 million to promote wards 1, 6 and 4 as pocket area for production of grapes. 
“We have bought 9000 grape saplings for transplantation in 10 hectares of land. We will carry the saplings all the way to Dolpa from Nepalgunj,” said Dharala.

Talking to Republica, Indian expert of grape farming, Sunil Kishan Sindhe, said that he had made a visit to Nepal to study climate and topography. “The Nepali environment is favorable for Jumbo Seedless breed of black grape, Sonaka breed of green grapes and dragon fruit cultivation,” Sindhe added.
 

 
• dolpa
 
• leaders
 
• india
 
• grape
 
• farming