PHUNGLING, Jan 4: The farmers here are worried about the marketing of kiwifruit. Although they had begun kiwifruit farming expecting good sales, they are now selling the produce at a low price.

Most of the farmers in the eastern belt of Taplejung district launched kiwi farming seven years back. But, they are worried because of the declining demand in the market.

A farmer from Pedang of Sirijung Rural Municipality-5, Khel Prasad Budhathoki, said that there was currently almost no demand for kiwifruit. Most of the farmers began kiwi farming at the same time. The district produces nearly 1,000 quintals of kiwifruit a year at present. 

“At a time when the kiwi is for sale, there is no market at all,” Harkaraj Gurung from Phungling Municipality-6 shared his plight. He demanded that local governments should provide help to the farmers in view of farmers' plight. If there were cold stores, farmers would get some relief, Gurung added. 

Bijay Dangi from Tiringe of Pathivara Yangbarak Rural Municipality-3 also expressed concern why all layers of government did not pay attention to the farmers' problems. If the farmers' concern is not addressed, they are on the verge of losing a huge amount. Such disappointment among commercial farmers in the district is a bad omen, he observed.

In the beginning, the farmers could sell the kiwi at Rs 600, which has now declined to Rs 80 to 100. Even at such a negligible price, farmers are not able to sell all their produce. 

Although farmers could reap huge benefits from the kiwifruit, the lack of infrastructures as cold centers and markets forced the farmers to sell the product at a negligible price, Kumari Buddha Kangbang from Phaktanglung Rural Municipality viewed. Kiwifruit is said to have numerous health benefits.

(RSS)

 
• Farmers
 
• Agriculture
 
• Kiwi