Nepal imports bananas from India for national festival celebration

In Janakpurdham, the capital city of Madesh in Nepal, bananas worth roughly $403,225 (equivalent to 50 million rupees) have been imported from India for the Chhath festival.

This festival, which includes fasting, considers bananas an essential offering to the deity. Bishweshwar Yadav, head of the Janakpur Fruits and Vegetables Traders Committee, highlighted the surge in demand for bananas during the festival, which has led to importing from India due to inadequate local supply.

Compared to last year's import value of over $322,580 (40 million rupees), there has been an increase in demand this year. According to Bhuvneshwar Purve, the committee's secretary, bananas are being sourced from regions like Assam, West Bengal, Hajipur, Thakurganj, and Champaran. The cost of bananas has surged by 20 percent compared to last year, with prices now between $4.03 and $8.06 (500 to 1000 rupees) per bunch. Despite the potential to cultivate bananas locally, imports continue as Indian bananas remain more cost-effective than those produced within Nepal.

source: khabarhub.com

photo: fao.org