Lawmakers stress on promotion of betel nut production and export

KATHMANDU: Lawmakers have stressed the need to promote betel nuts farming and increasing its export.

Taking part in discussions on ‘Export Management of Betel Nuts Produced in Nepal’ organized by the Committee on Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance under the National Assembly today, they pressed the need to promote both production and supplies of the fruits.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, said the rise in the production and imports of areca nuts will contribute to increase the size of revenue collection.

He apprised the gathering that in this current fiscal, Rs 30 million has been allocated for processing of this fruit in Jhapa. Now Nepal imports betel nuts from third countries and its domestic consumption as well, he added.

He also stressed the need of increasing productions of food grains within the country. “Despite prohibition in the imports of peas and black peepers, their imports are taking place though an illegal channel,” he claimed.

Committee President Kamala Pant underlined the need of facilitating farmers to find a better market for their products.

Bamdev Gautam advised the government not to entertain an open border system to control the cross-border smuggling of goods.

Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma was of the view that exports of betel nuts could contribute to the revenue collections while Bhawan Bahadur Sunuwar stressed the need to explore the potentialities of betel nuts exports through collective efforts of farmers and the government.

Dr Anjan Shakya said 15 districts in Nepal suggest potentialities for betel nut production, insisting on quality production.

Jhakku Prasad Subedi said if the exports of fruit without DNA test is not allowed, the issue should be sorted out promptly instead of discussing the same matter time and again.

Sabitri Malla said the fruit is produced only n four districts in the country and it could be expanded to other remaining 10 districts.

Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, Govinda Bahadur Karki said that the DNA test of the fruit and its quality be ensured first to enhance its imports to third countries.