In Dolakha, Nepal, the kiwi farming sector is facing challenges despite this year's increased yield, which has led to a decrease in prices, affecting approximately 3,000 kiwi growers in the region. Raju Thapa, a local kiwi farmer and owner of Gairashowara Krishi Firm, is experiencing the impact of the price drop firsthand, with current rates falling to Rs100 per kg from Rs150 in the previous year. Thapa, who cultivates two kiwi varieties, Hayward and Allison, is concerned about the declining market prices and the trend of selling unripe fruit to manage financial needs, particularly around the Dashain festival.
Thapa's observation highlights a broader trend in the district, where the price for kiwis, especially the red variety, has seen a significant reduction. Lila Bahadur Subedi, another kiwi farmer, noted a similar price drop for red kiwis, which now sell for Rs200 to Rs300 per kg. The district, known for producing over 8,000 tonnes of kiwi across six varieties, has seen an increase in kiwi farmers but faces challenges due to market saturation and unpredictable pricing.
Gita Dahal, a kiwi farmer from Bhimeshwor-6, pointed out the lack of a stable market for the fruit, despite the potential for higher prices if green kiwis were graded. The cost of kiwi farming is substantial, with an investment of Rs250,000 required for planting 50 plants. Dahal emphasized the need for government intervention in branding and exporting Nepali kiwi to ensure a market for farmers, given the low domestic consumption.
The kiwi, rich in Vitamin C and the Actinidin enzyme, is suitable for cultivation at altitudes of 1,200–2,400m and offers various health benefits. Despite the government's promotion of Dolakha as a Kiwi zone with an investment exceeding Rs80 million, there has been a lack of urgency in marketing and branding the fruit. Kamala Basnet, the deputy mayor of Bhimeshwor municipality, mentioned efforts to train farmers in producing value-added products from kiwi, such as jam, jelly, and juice, to mitigate the issue of unsold produce.
Commercial kiwi farming in Nepal began in the Ilam and Kavre districts in 2007, following initial plantings by the Swiss during the Lamosanghu-Jiri road construction. The sector's current challenges underscore the need for strategic marketing and support to ensure the sustainability and growth of kiwi farming in Nepal.
Source: The Kathmandu Post