GALKOT, BAGLUNG, JANUARY 26: A cooperative here has embarked upon multi-dimensional productions amidst widespread criticism that such institutions are not working as per their objectives. The Baglung-based Simrik Agriculture and Livestock Commercial Cooperative Organization, involved in producing sugarcane and ginger for the past six years, is doing the branding and marketing of turmeric from this year onwards.
The cooperative has been cultivating sugarcane by renting 10 ropanis of barren land in two areas of Kathekhola rural municipality-2, Bhimapokhara and two ropanis at Kundule in Baglung municipality-4 for the last three years. Similarly, it has been cultivating ginger in two ropanis of land in Titaure.
The cooperative has been selling 20 quintals of sugarcane annually. This year, the cooperative has sold turmeric worth Rs 100,000 and distributed other seeds to the members, said Jagannath Sapkota, treasurer of the cooperative and a leading farmer of Kundule. “It has been two years since the cooperative started turmeric farming. We have started selling turmeric this year,” he said, adding that the seeds distributed should be returned to the cooperative in the following year.
The cooperative has been distributing ginger and turmeric seeds to most of the shareholders. The cooperative produces sugarcane, turmeric and ginger in three places, it was informed. The Chairperson of the Cooperative Chudamani Upadhya said although the cooperative could not produce a big volume, it has focused on mobilizing members for small-scale agro production, including turmeric. “We have a policy to encourage members in agriculture”, Upadhya said, adding, “The organization has started branding of diverse agro productions from this year”.
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