Baglung. The ‘Khayan Potato’ production area has been expanded to attract the farmers here towards potato cultivation. Agriculture Knowledge Centre Baglung has expanded its area in all 10 local levels of the district for potato production for the past three years.

The upper reaches of Nisikhola, Tamankhola, Tarakhola rural municipality, Dhorpatan, Galkot and Jaimini municipalities produce more potatoes than elsewhere. Rajeshwor Silwal, chief of agriculture knowledge center, said that the area of ‘Khayan Aloo’ has been expanding as more potatoes can be produced with a small investment. Silwal said that the area of potato cultivation has been expanded since the fiscal year 2080/81 BS.

According to him, Rs 26 million has been spent in 2080/81, Rs 15.9 million in 2081/82 and Rs 5.59 million in the current fiscal year. Silwal said that with the expansion of Khayan Aulu area, the seeds of advanced varieties will be planted by using new technology, managing fertilizer, irrigation management. This year, the target is to expand 43 hectares of land.

Chief Silwal said, “Potato is produced well in Baglung district and farmers are also excited. ’

At present, potato is cultivated on 3,700 hectares of land in the district. Last year, 56,240 metric tons of potatoes were produced. Farmers have not brought potatoes this year. The potatoes produced by the farmers of Baglung reach Baglung, Pokhara, Butwal, Chitwan and other cities.

Krishna Lal Kandel, a farmer of Dhorpatan Municipality-5, said the production would increase due to irrigation and fertilizer management in khayan potato. According to him, potato production has increased every year after the cultivation of potato.

Baglung: Agriculture Knowledge Centre Baglung is going to launch food crop promotion programme with an investment of Rs 3.7 million this year. It has started promoting food crops through agricultural cooperatives and groups. At least one group should cultivate 100 ropanis of land per crop, according to the Knowledge Centre.