Arghakhanchi farmers anticipate market for organic produce as local govt, JAFL ink deal

ARGHAKHANCHI: Farmers in Arghakhanchi district anticipate that their organic produce will secure a favourable price and market, following an agreement between the local government and Janata Agro and Forestry Limited (JAFL) in Kathmandu.

Sandhikharka Municipality and Panini Rural Municipality have entered into a contract with JAFL. The company will market the organic produce from these two localities at a supported price.

Rajendra Bhattarai, head of Sandhikharka Municipality's Agriculture Department, revealed that the company will purchase the local organic produce at a fair price.

Various local levels have established farmer groups to encourage the cultivation of organic fruits and vegetables. This initiative aims to enhance local production and provide a source of income, according to Krishna Prasad Shrestha, Mayor of Sandhikharka Municipality.

Mayor Shrestha, Narmada Poudel, Vice-Chairperson of Panini Rural Municipality, and Paban Kumar Golyan, Chairman of JAFL, signed the agreement. This agreement is expected to motivate local farmers to produce organic items, thereby contributing to sustainable farming practices.

Bhoj Bahadur Shah, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of JAFL, stated that the company is interested in purchasing a variety of food items, including turmeric, ginger, Sichuan pepper, coffee, chhurpi (a type of hardened cheese), walnuts, and cow ghee.

Shah added that the company also intends to utilise local raw materials and promote local products and crops.