Barren field turns into fruit garden in Myagdi

Khem KC, who has been doing business in Kalipul of Beni, the headquarters of Myagdi, has dug and fertilized the rocky terrain of the hill in Jaljala-7 Kerabari and cultivated it for 5 years.

Although the name is Kerabari, he has planted more than 2,500 banana plants by keeping the rocky and steep land. About four years ago, in Falgun 2075, he started banana farming by taking 400 banana plants from Beni Municipality-2 Khabara at the rate of 60 rupees per plant.

Within four years, KC has expanded his banana plantation and now planted 2,500 banana plants on his land of 30 ropanis. After he cultivated hazare, mugre, dhurse species of banana and other fruits throughout the year, the barren land has now turned into a fruit garden.

KC, who registered Alvin Fruit Company and started commercial banana farming, is currently growing 500 fruit plants including lemon, avocado, mango, lychee etc. His firm, which is also a beekeeper, has 50 beehives. It is reported that about 1,500 banana plants have started bearing fruit.

Raw bananas are sold for 100 rupees per dozen from the plant. KC, the farmer, said that more than Rs. 50,000 per month is earned from bananas of 1,500 plants. There are 200 to 250 bananas in one garden. He said, "Since last year, I have been earning 50,000 per month only by selling bananas. To be honest, I am tired of banana farming."

Not only bananas, banana plants are also sold from KC's farm. He said that this year, around 2,000 plants were sold at the rate of 100 per plant in Rakhu, Parbat, Lusti and other places.

His farm, which started with an investment of Rs 3 lakh, has now reached Rs 12 lakh. KC, who has planted bananas in the paddy fields, has turned even the paddy fields into banana plantations.

Sometimes family and friends go to stay at KC's farm, where they have even built a cottage, and the peaceful and beautiful environment around them brings joy to the mind. 46-year-old KC, who has also been operating KV Autoparts Honda Showroom in Kalipul, Beni, has been given good support by his wife Sapna KC in farming. Pumpkin, zucchini, egg plant, gourds, Green Chilli and other vegetables are also produced well in the farm.

Today, most of his time is spent with the bananas in the store rather than with the customers. He goes to the banana plantation every day to see whether the bananas have ripened or not, whether it is time to ripe them or sell them.