Banana farmers incur loss from recent flooding in Sunsari

KATHMANDU: Binod Mehata from Inaruwa-4 in Sunsari had high hopes of earning up to Rs 1.2 million supplying the fruit from his banana farm during this Chhath festival, but his dream was dashed by recent flooding caused by monsoon rains.

Mehata, who cultivated bananas on two bighas (approximately 13,545 square meters), has already invested Rs 800,000 in his farm.

Unfortunately, his banana plantation has suffered significant damage due to the disaster.

He imported Madarasi (Chini Champa) seeds from Madras, India, but the stagnant water has started to adversely affect the remaining banana plants of this variety in the plantation.

According to Nilkamal Singh, Chief of the Agriculture Research Centre in Inaruwa, the flooding has impacted banana farming across 50 hectares, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 5 million.

The flood has also devastated banana crops in Bhokraha, Harinagar, and Devangunj Rural Municipalities.

Farmers are calling on the government for compensation for their losses.

In total, banana farming in the district covers 510 hectares of land.