Ilam farmers keen to invest in cash crops

Farmers in Ilam have been increasing investments in cash crops in a bid to increase their incomes. They have been putting money individually and in groups in tea processing, kiwi cultivation and vegetable farming, among others. Farmers started putting more money in cash crops after the Commercial Agriculture Alliance (CAA) under the Commercial Agricultural Development Project started providing subsidies to farmers in 11 districts of the Eastern Region. In order to increase the value addition of agro products, 18 different projects are being operated with an investment of around Rs 38.17 million. Locals have invested Rs 23.34 million while the CAA put up the rest, according to Durga Mani Neupane of the CAA. There are seven cooperatives, six processing centres, one farmers’ group, two tea gardens and two business firms under the project. Among the projects in operation are 13 related to tea, two related to commercial vegetable farming, modern bee keeping, kiwi nursery, commercial ginger farming and commercial turmeric farming. Investment in agriculture has been increasing due to the possibility of higher income through agricultural production and farmer’s inclination towards modern agricultural practices. “Farmers are keen to invest in projects as they are being operated as per their demand,” said Rana Bahadur Gurung of Eco Tea Producers Cooperative. Since the farmers have made investments too, there is transparency and effective implementation of the projects, according to Ananta Rai of the CAA. “Farmers have been able to get various utilities at cheaper prices because of their association with the project,” said Rai. There are six projects related to infrastructure development operated with the joint investment of the village development committee and local people. Two tea and vegetable collection centres, four road improvement projects and a nursery of large cardamom sapling are being operated. “Also, a tea factory is being constructed with an investment of Rs 2.9 million,” said Padam Tamang, secretary of the Tea Farmer Cooperative in Fakfok, Tinjure.