WALING (SYANGJA), Nov 24: An agreement on purchase of potato has been signed between the farmers of Syangja and a company making potato products.

Farmers' Group, cooperative and Agriculture Knowledge Centre and local levels in Syangja signed such an agreement with the First Choice Foods Company of Rupandehi district on potato procurement, Chief of Agriculture Knowledge Centre Syangja, Binod Hamal, said.

This is the first agreement of its kind in the district, which has encouraged the farmers here to grow more potatoes, it is said.

Hamal shared that farmers from eight local units in the district are engaged in potato farming in 1,700 ropanis of land by uniting in 28 different cooperative organizations. 

They are sowing the potato varieties released by the Nepal Agriculture Research Council and the potato species include Khumal Ujjwal, Khumal Bikas and Janakdev, Hamal added.

The selected cooperatives have got 75 per cent subsidy in seeds procurement while they would be provided with grants in equipment purchase, collection, processing, irrigation system and infrastructure development as well. 

The potatoes produced by the farmers will be sold to the company at the market rate. "This has ensured a good market for the potatoes produced here," he said.

Likewise, the farmers will get Rs 2 per kilogram as incentives.

As the market is ensured for potatoes, the cooperatives in Syangja are hopeful of good income and are excited to grow more potatoes.

The First Choice Foods Company is making potato chips, French fries and other potato products. The company said that it is preparing to unveil new products from the upcoming year.

(RSS)

 
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