Sugarcane farming down for lack of grants

GODAVARI, KAILALI, SEPTEMBER 8: The area for cultivating sugarcane, an important cash crop, has not expanded in Kailali district.
Sugarcane farming has not expanded due to the lack of chemical fertilizers, seeds, and other necessary materials being granted to farmers.

According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Kailali, farmers' interest in sugarcane is also decreasing due to the lack of a market for their products. 
Farmers have complained that the provincial government has not provided any grants to those involved in cash crop farming so far, leading many to gradually switch to other crops.

The Agriculture Knowledge Centre reported that 25 years ago, sugarcane was cultivated on 700 hectares of land in the district, but this has now reduced to 225 hectares.

Information Officer Shyam Joshi stated that in the last fiscal year 2022/23, sugarcane was grown on 224 hectares, producing 8,307 metric tons. In the previous fiscal year 2023/24, 9,450 metric tons were produced on the same area of land.

According to him, farmers' interest in sugarcane may increase if agricultural tools, seeds, and new grant schemes are provided.

Ganesh Shahi, a sugarcane farmer from Ghodaghodi Municipality-4, emphasized the need for grants, as well as knowledge, skills, and methods for improved sugarcane farming, along with necessary tools and better seeds.
The operation of Basuling Sugar Mill at Chuha in 2054 BS led to an increase in sugarcane farming in the district, but farmers began shifting to other crops after the mill shut down.