Banana loss worth 5 million due to floods

SUNSARI: Binod Mehta from Inaruwa-4, Sunsari, is facing significant losses after recent floods damaged his banana crops.

He cultivated two bighas of land, investing eight lakhs per bigha, and is now worried as 13 kathas of his banana plantation were destroyed.

Mehta had expected to earn between 10 to 12 lakhs by Chhath Parva from his banana farming, but the flood damage has drastically impacted his plans.

Mehta had sourced Madrasi9chinichampa banana seeds from Madras, India, and was hopeful for a fruitful harvest.

However, the floods on October 11th and 12th led to extensive water stagnation, causing his banana plants to dry up.

According to Nilakmal Singh, Head of the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Inaruwa, approximately 50 hectares of banana cultivation have been destroyed across the district, including Inaruwa and surrounding areas like Bhokraha, Harinagar, and Dewanganj Rural Municipality.

The total estimated loss in banana cultivation due to the floods is around 5 million.

Local farmers are urging the government to provide compensation for the damages incurred in Kerakheti.

Given the scale of destruction this year, there are concerns about a potential shortage of bananas in the market, which may lead to an increase in prices.

The total area of banana cultivation in Sunsari is around 510 hectares.