Gusty winds cause damage to banana farming in 2,500 bighas land

CHITWAN, JUNE 3: The recurring incidents of wind lately have caused significant damage to banana farming in Chitwan. According to Chitwan Banana Producers’ Association chairperson Madhav Prasad Ghimire, the gusty winds occurring in the district over the past couple of days have damaged bananas cultivated on 2,500 bighas of land. Ghimire informed us that the erratic weather has mostly affected banana farming in eastern Chitwan. “Banana plants in Ratnanagar, Kalika, and Khairhani municipalities of eastern Chitwan have suffered heavy damage,” he added.

The Association’s general secretary, Janak Panta, said the damage caused to bananas due to the storm is estimated to be around Rs 120 million. The banana farms of 70 commercial farmers have been completely destroyed, while those of other farmers have been partially damaged, he said. Around 90 per cent of the farmers have insurance for their banana crops. He noted that although insured farmers will receive some compensation for their losses, uninsured farmers will suffer complete losses.

Currently, bananas are cultivated on 3,500 bighas of land in the district. According to him, 700 farmers have cultivated bananas here, out of which the crops of 165 farmers have been damaged by the storm. It will take some time to determine the actual figures for loss and damage, he added.