Syangja. Akbare chili is being cultivated commercially in Waling-13 Tarukhola of Syangja. Farmers have started cultivating chili commercially on the land where they have been growing food crops like paddy and maize. More than 70,000 chilli saplings have been planted in about 60 ropanis of land in Tarukhola.

Dayaram Pathak, the owner of the farm, said that chili is being cultivated commercially through Kedarnath Agriculture Farm under the Agriculture Development Project run in Waling Municipality. He said that chilli cultivation has been expanded as it gives better income than food crops like paddy, maize and so it does not harm monkeys.

“Akbare chili that was planted last February has now started yielding,” said Pathak, adding, “We have been sending all the produced chillies to the market but we have not been able to meet the demand.” ”

At present, about 300 kg of ripe chillies are picked and sold in two to three days. He said that the chillies produced here are easily consumed by Yashoda Foods Pvt. Ltd., Butwal-based vegetable market and local markets.

“Chillies are being sold at Rs 220 per kg,” he said, adding, “The chili produced here has got a good market. There is no problem in the market, the production is going on continuously.” ”

As chillies have been produced commercially for the first time, preparations are being made to expand the area of cultivation in the coming days. The Agriculture Development Project (HEFER) operated in Waling Municipality has provided agricultural technology, mulching plastic, fertilizer and drying machine.

“The process of ripening and picking chillies in the fields continues. We are harvesting chillies by employing workers,” he said, “If we can do that, we can earn good income from the wasted land in our own village.” ”

So far, chillies worth about seven lakh rupees have been sold. Along with chillies, fish farming and lemon farming are also done in the farm. It has become easier for the traders and consumers as the agricultural products like chillies, lemons, fish and other agricultural products are transported to the farmers and traders through the vehicles of the farm.