Strong wind cause damage to banana farming in 2,500 bighas land

Chitwan: The recurring incidents of wind of late have caused huge damage to the banana farming in Chitwan.

According to Chitwan Banana Producers’ Association chairperson Madhav Prasad Ghimire, the gusty winds occurring in the district for the past couple of days has damaged banana cultivated in 2,500 bighas of land.

The erratic incident mostly caused damage to the banana farming in eastern Chitwan, Ghimire informed. “Banana planted in Ratnanagar, Kalika and Khairhani municipalities of eastern Chitwan have suffered heavy damage”, he added.

Association’s general secretary Janak Panta said the damage caused to banana due to the storm is estimated to be around Rs 120 million.

The banana farming of 70 commercial farmers have been completely damaged while the banana cultivated by others have been partially damaged, he said.

Around 90 per cent of the farmers have insurance for banana farming. He said that although the farmers with insurance will get some amount for the loss, the uninsured farmers will suffer complete losses.

At present, banana is cultivated in 3,500 bighas of land in the district. According to him, 700 farmers have cultivated bananas here, out of which farming by 165 banana farmers have been damaged due to the storm. It will take some time to bring the actual figure of loss and damage, he added.