Potato produced in abundance in Musikot, but no market

By Raju Lamichhane, Musikot, Apr. 27: Ward No. 13 of Musikot Municipality in Rukum West is said to be the best ward for potato cultivation. Farmers of Kaulechaur and Bahunchaur villages in the ward have been cultivating potatoes for years.

The farmers produced potatoes in a similar fashion this year as well. And in the same fashion, they are facing shortage of market as well.

"I produce potatoes two times a year. The yield is more than satisfactory. However, there is no good market," said Kali Kumar Khadka, a potato farmer from Ward No. 13 of Musikot.

Khadka alone produces 100 quintals of potatoes in one season from 2,300 metre square field. "Potato has been the source of income to pay for the education of my son and daughter and run my household. However, the income is not satisfactory," she said.

At least 60 families from Ward No. 13 of Musikot alone are involved in commercial potato cultivation.

Chhabilal Khadka, another local potato farmer, said that he and others were forced to sell the potatoes at a cheaper rate in lack of proper market.

"I spent Rs. 5,000 to buy tubers. It is even difficult to sell potatoes for Rs. 2,000 per quintal in the available market," said Khadka.

According to the farmers, they have been continuing to produce potato despite poor irrigation and market facilities.

They also accused the government for showing zero concern in promoting local produces as they were busy importing goods from India.

"In our ward alone, around 1,000 quintals of potato are cultivated. The local level also provided tubers in grant to the farmers this year. However, market problem persists," said Khal Bahadur Khadka, ward chairman of Ward No. 13.

Ward chairman Khadka informed that there was a need of a vegetable collection centre for the farmers, but it was not within the capacity of a local level. He said that the authorities had called the attention of the provincial and federal governments over the issue.