Turmeric factory begins doing brisk business

By Nisha Rai,Dharan, Aug. 17: Within just one month of its operation, the Maya Dharane Turmeric Industry in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City has achieved sales worth Rs. 3.8 million.

The factory, which was inaugurated in June at Dharan-20, has quickly gained popularity and strong sales, said Sameer Tamang, a member of the management committee of the company. He added that Dharane Besar (turmeric) is not only in demand across various districts of Nepal but is also attracting consumers in the Hong Kong, Japan, the USA, the UK and other countries.

Turmeric has quickly become a popular gift item, with both domestic tourists visiting Dharan and Nepalis abroad sending it as a token. The popularity is boosted because locally grown turmeric is processed and packaged in Dharan. 

Currently, the price of turmeric is Rs. 800 per kg, and the factory produces around 300 kg in a day. However, this volume is insufficient to meet consumer demand. According to Tamang, raw turmeric is purchased from local farmers at up to Rs. 300 per kg, depending on quality.

“So far, we have been sourcing turmeric only from farmers within Dharan Sub-metropolis. From washing and drying to packaging, all processes are done at the factory by nine employees,” he said. 

The industry has been established in collaboration with the Farmers’ Cooperative, Consumer Management Committee, and Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City. “The Sub-Metropolitan City supported us by constructing the factory building and purchasing processing machines. We handle processing, packaging, and delivery to the market,” Tamang added.

Locals have welcomed the operation of the factory, stating that it has created jobs and enabled farmers to sell their produce locally. “It may be a small step but being able to sell locally produced goods within our own community is a source of pride,” said Pancha Maya Rai, a local. She added that if elected representatives continued to support such local industries, both farmers and unemployed youth would benefit. On a national scale, this could reduce imports, boost exports, and create more jobs.

The Maya Dharane Turmeric Industry was initiated under the vision of Mayor Harka Raj Rai. The executive committee of the city approved the plan after he proposed setting up a turmeric factory in Dharan-20, which is regarded as a pocket area for turmeric cultivation. Many farmers in the ward are already engaged in turmeric farming.

The factory building was built with an investment of Rs. 1.65 million from the Sub-Metropolitan City and an additional Rs. 208,611 from consumers.