Bhojpur. Farmers of Bhulke area of Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality-3 have lately been attracted towards commercial fruit farming.

The farmers have turned to commercial farming by expanding the traditional subsistence-based farming system after receiving necessary financial, technical and material support from the local level.

Farmers here have now started commercial farming of fruits like orange, avocado, lemon, junar among others. Some farmers have been adopting mixed farming system and have been producing seasonal vegetables along with fruits. Due to favorable climate, fertile soil and suitable geography, Bhulke area is considered to have potential for fruit farming.

Sita Khadka, a local farmer, said that the support received from the ward and rural municipality has increased the enthusiasm towards farming. “Earlier, we used to do farming in a normal way but the production was also limited”, he said, adding, “Now, after receiving plants, fertilizer, training and technical advice, I have gained confidence to do commercial farming.” According to him, commercial farming is expected to increase income, which is believed to help improve the economic condition of the family.

According to the ward office, the program has been launched in a planned manner with the goal of making agriculture a sustainable means of income generation. Saplings, fertilizers and seeds of different species of fruits are distributed based on the demand of the farmers and their business plan. Likewise, training on crop management, disease control and modern farming techniques has been imparted through technical human resources.

Ward chair Ramu Thapa Magar said that special emphasis has been laid on farming system suitable to geography and soil. “We have encouraged farmers to choose suitable crops as per the local climate”, he said, adding, “Our goal is to make farmers self-reliant through commercial agriculture”. ”

The ‘One House-One Tunnel’ programme has been put in place to encourage fruit and vegetable farming and works are underway to construct irrigation ponds to expand irrigation facilities. According to the ward, a plan has also been made regarding market management so that there is no problem in marketing with the increase in production. Preparations are underway to establish a collection center and assist in transportation management in case of production, it is said.

With the initiative of the local government, technical support and hard work of farmers, Bhulke area has the potential to be developed as an emerging center of fruit production. According to local experts, the expansion of commercial farming will create employment, increase income and strengthen the rural economy.