Farmers show increasing interest in asparagus farming

By Meena Kandel

Kawasoti, Jan. 14: Farmers in Nawalpur are increasingly drawn to commercial asparagus farming. The low investment and good returns have made this profession more appealing. 

Approximately, 24 bighas of land in Madhyabindu and Kawasoti municipalities are dedicated to asparagus farming. Padam Moktan from Bramhasthan, Madhyabindu-3,  Nawalpur, has started commercial asparagus farming. 

Despite his birthplace being in Sarlahi and his current home in Kathmandu, Moktan has come to Nawalpur, rented land, and registered Lotus Agriculture and Livestock Farm to engage in vegetable farming. 

For the past five years, he has been fully devoted to agriculture. Moktan is currently busy planting asparagus. He mentioned that planting begins in mid-November and continues through mid-December.

Moktan is now focused on turning Nawalpur into a hub for asparagus farming. 

He said, “I started asparagus farming in Madhyabindu-3 three years ago. Initially, I was uncertain about the outcome as it was the first attempt in the village. Later, it proved to be profitable. Now, we produce asparagus seedlings ourselves. Two thousand seedlings have already been sold, and many farmers are now involved in this farming.”

Starting with 1.5 bighas of land, Moktan has expanded the farming area to five bighas. 

He explained that asparagus plants are ready for harvesting within four to five months of planting, with shoots emerging daily, making it a profitable venture. 

Although asparagus is sold for Rs. 500-600 per kilogram, Moktan has been selling it at Rs. 400 per kilogram. Last year, he earned Rs. 1.6 million solely from asparagus sales.

Another farmer, Ramlal Puri, mentioned cultivating asparagus on five bighas of land in Kawasoti-17 and Madhyabindu-3. 

He stated that increasing demand in both local and external markets had prompted him to take up asparagus farming.  He also highlighted the medicinal properties of asparagus, noting that it is beneficial for health and requires minimal pesticide use. 

Regular consumption of asparagus is highly advantageous for health, Puri added. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, asparagus farming is well-suited to the geographical and soil conditions of the region.

Farmers are increasingly turning to this vegetable due to its benefits. 

Although asparagus is relatively expensive compared to other vegetables, its advantages make it a priority for expansion, the centre informed.