Farmers in Rong turn to bitter gourd farming

KATHMANDU: Farmers in Rong Rural Municipality, Ilam, are increasingly turning to the cultivation of bitter gourd, driven by branding and marketing support from the local government.

According to Raghunath Aryal from Rong-4, bitter gourd was previously grown solely for household consumption due to the lack of market access.

However, the rural municipality’s efforts to brand and market the produce have encouraged farmers to adopt commercial cultivation. “Now, the municipality has started branding dried bitter gourd. With no worries about market access, we have shifted to commercial production,” Aryal said.

Aryal shared that he has planted 1,000 bitter gourd saplings on sloped farmland this year. “Even if the fresh produce isn’t sold, the local government assures us it will buy the dried bitter gourd.

That gives us confidence to expand our farming,” he added. Many farmers across all wards of the municipality are reportedly showing interest in bitter gourd cultivation.

The rural municipality has begun processing bitter gourd into dried products for sale. “This year, we have prepared 200 kilograms of dried bitter gourd for the market,” said Municipal Chairperson Manikumar Syangbo. “With many farmers embracing commercial cultivation, we expect much higher production next year. A factory capable of processing 50,000 kilograms of fresh bitter gourd at once is under construction.”

Chairperson Syangbo explained that the municipality plans to package dried bitter gourd for off-season markets to meet consumer demand. “After conducting studies and research on bitter gourd, we launched marketing initiatives,” he said.

Dried bitter gourd can also be used as a culinary ingredient. Farmers note that it can be soaked in hot water for 5–10 minutes to restore its original texture and taste, making it versatile for various dishes, including pickles mixed with gundruk ((fermented leafy green vegetable).

Lalmi Lapcha, a farmer from Pyure in Rong-3, mentioned that the municipality’s processing and marketing efforts have significantly boosted farmers’ enthusiasm for bitter gourd farming.

Vice-Chairperson Bishnu Maya Bhujel highlighted the municipality’s previous branding initiatives, including products like gundruk, sisno (nettle), turmeric, honey, tea, and brooms. “The demand for Rong’s gundruk and honey is particularly high, and meeting market demands has been challenging,” she said.

Rong’s branding and marketing strategies have not only enhanced the value of agricultural products but also inspired local farmers to explore new opportunities in commercial farming.