Experts study avocado farming problems in Dhankuta

By Kabiraj Ghimire,Hile, Aug. 25: A team of agricultural scientists, including foreign experts, has reached Dhankuta to look into problems affecting avocado farming. 

With avocado cultivation expanding rapidly in Dhankuta, farmers have been facing issues such as wilting trees, fruit dropping early, root rot, and insect infestations. Once seen as a promising alternative to orange cultivation, avocado farming has recently faced setbacks due to these issues.

The team, made up of specialists from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), and Nuts and Fruits in Hilly Areas Project (NAFHA), met with local farmers to learn more about these challenges. 

The team held discussions with local farmers to better understand their concerns. They also studied nursery management, orchard care, and different avocado varieties. NARC scientist Amar Pun said the research will focus on farmers’ real field problems and work towards finding practical and sustainable solutions.

The experts inspected orchards and nurseries in Pakhribas, Citrus Research Centre in Paripatle, and other areas. Farmers said they are hopeful the study will help improve avocado production and quality.