Best farmers awarded in Achham

Achham, June 29: On the occasion of the 21st National Paddy Day and Ropai Festival today, three farmers have been honoured and awarded in the district.     

Bharat Bahadur Bista from Ramroshan rural municipality-4 was honoured for vegetable farming, while Bir Bahadur Bohara from Mellekh rural municipalty-6 awarded for fruits and Nanda Ram Budha from Turmakhand rural unicipality-1 awarded for spices, according to Jashi Ram Sahani, officiating chief at Agriculture Knowledge Centre in the district.     

They were also provided the cash prize of Rs 20,000 each.     

Farmer Nanda Ram Budha, however, said they were not spirited as the agricultural products could not get market. "I produced 40 quintals of kiwi last year, but incurred huge loss for not getting reasonable price," he wailed.     

The farmers want to have adequate cold stores at local levels so that their vegetables and fruits would retain freshness and quality.     

Similarly, another farmer Bista, who is involved in agriculture for over a decade, expressed happiness over the prize and honour. He has done vegetable farming in a plastic tunnel.     

The honour has encouraged us, he added.     

Chief of district coordination committee, Lalit Bahadur Kunwar, handed over the prize amidst a function and showed readiness to extend support to the farmers to resolve the problems facing them.     

He thanked the Knowledge Centre for inspiring farmers.     

Similarly, Chief District Officer, Shiva Prasad Lamsal, viewed commercial agriculture should be respected and farmers inspired continuously. Policy for sustainable agriculture is equally imperative, added.(RSS)