Traders flock Bajura in search of organic corn

By Sher Bahadur Sarki,Bajura, Dec. 3: The demand for Bajura’s organic corn has surged, prompting traders to flock to local villages, especially Banegaun in Budhiganga Municipality-4, to purchase locally grown crops. 

Local farmer Jaula Katuwal, who has several kuniyas (piles of harvested corn) stored at her home, shared, “Traders come to buy my kuniya of corn, offering thirty rupees per kilogram.” She added that she plans to sell all her corn if the price is right.

Bajura’s organic corn is gaining attention not only for its taste but also for its health benefits. 

Rich in potassium, iron, vitamin B, and selenium, the corn is said to aid heart health, protect cells from damage, and prevent aging and cancer. Its popularity has grown, especially in urban centres like Dhangadhi and Kathmandu.

Previously, Bajura was not known for large-scale corn farming, but recent interest has changed that. 

Farmers are now drawn to the crop’s profitability, and local authorities are encouraging its cultivation as a sustainable livelihood. The district, with limited irrigation facilities, offers a unique advantage for growing maize, as it requires relatively little water.

Corn is cultivated on 1,350 hectares in Bajura, yielding 50.25 metric tons annually, according to local agricultural offices. This year, Bajura’s organic corn has found its way into major markets, marking a shift in the region’s agricultural focus.

Additionally, schools in the area have started incorporating corn, along with other grains like millet and barley, into their midday meals, further boosting the crop’s prominence.

With the demand for Bajura’s organic corn continuing to rise, locals are optimistic about the economic potential of maize farming in the region.