KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
In the fiscal year 2023/24, a total of 29 water supply projects have been successfully completed in Tanahu and Nawalpur, according to the Water Supply and Sanitation Division Office.
These projects, overseen by the Division Office, include 19 funded by the Gandaki provincial government in Tanahu, nine in Nawalpur, and one federal project in Tanahu.
Meanwhile, apples from Karnali Province have gained significant market traction, with local production impacting the sales of imported varieties.
Laxman Kandel from the Surkhet Chamber of Commerce highlights the affordability and popularity of these apples in various local markets, advocating for their promotion by concerned agencies.
In contrast, the Chandra Nahar, Nepal’s oldest irrigation canal completed in 1928, has sustained severe damage due to recent flooding, resulting in millions of rupees in losses.
The canal’s dykes have crumbled in multiple areas, particularly at Diwan, emphasizing the urgent need for repair and maintenance to sustain agricultural productivity.
29 water supply projects completed in Tanahu and Nawalpur
Twenty-nine water supply projects have been completed in Tanah and Nawalpur in the fiscal year 2023/24, the Water Supply and Sanitation Division Office said.
These projects were constructed under the supervision of the Office.
Engineer at the Division Office Binu Lohani said among the projects include 19 projects funded by the Gandaki province government in Tanahu and nine in Nawalpur, and one project in Tanahu funded by the federal government.
Karnali apples capturing market share
Apples produced in the Himalayan district of Karnali Province have gained significant traction in the market this year.
Laxman Kandel, President of the Surkhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the apples from Jumla, Kalikot, Humla, and Mugu have penetrated the market, significantly impacting the sales of imported apples from India and other countries.
Kandel noted that as local apples became more affordable, they found a receptive market in Surkhet, Chinchu, Kohalpur, and Nepalgunj.
“We have requested all concerned agencies to promote the marketing of Karnali’s apples. Additionally, we have urged local fruit traders to prioritize the sale and distribution of these local apples, which has had a positive effect,” Kandel said.
Nepal’s oldest irrigation canal suffers damage due to flooding
Chandra Nahar, the country’s oldest irrigation system, has suffered damage worth millions of rupees due to the recent flooding.
The dykes on various parts of the main irrigation canal have crumbled. The Chandra Canal was completed in 1928.
The irrigation canal’s embankment has been damaged due to flooding at two places at Diwan, Tirahut rural municipality-4, said Badri Narayan Yadav, the president of Chandra Nahar Irrigation System Water Users Committee.
(Prepared by Srija Khanal)
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