Mewakhola Rural Municipality has distributed improved variety kiwi saplings under the “One Household, One Fruit Garden” program.
According to Surendra Rai, Chief of the Agriculture Branch of the municipality, the saplings of the Hayward variety were procured from Ilam district and distributed to local farmers. Farmers interested in kiwi cultivation were asked to submit applications, and saplings were purchased and distributed based on these applications. Each farmer received between 30 to 100 saplings, depending on their requirement and availability. A total of 33 farmers applied for the program, and all applicants received saplings.
Municipality Chairperson Vijay Prakash Wanem stated that the initiative aims to promote the development of fruit gardens in every household. He also clarified that farmers receiving kiwi saplings will not be provided saplings of other fruit varieties.
Chairperson Wanem added that the municipality will provide regular monitoring of the distributed saplings along with necessary technical support. However, if farmers fail to properly care for or plant the saplings on time, municipal services and support may be suspended. The municipality will also assist farmers in marketing the fruits produced from these saplings.
This program is expected to significantly contribute to expanding commercial kiwi cultivation at the local level while boosting farmers’ income.
