KAILALI: Dhangadhi Bazaar has become a key marketplace for farmers growing watermelons in various river valleys of Kailali. During the summer months, farmers bring their harvests to Dhangadhi in bullock carts, selling the fruits in and around the city.
Gopal Rana of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City-17 said that with the rise in temperature, watermelon sales have surged, though farmers still face challenges in transporting their produce. He mentioned that around 10,000 to 12,000 kilos of watermelon are being sold in the market daily.
“My home is far from Dhangadhi, so I can’t come here every day with a bullock cart. I come every other day to sell,” said Rana.
Shivuram Chaudhary, a farmer who has been growing watermelons on 10 katthas of land in the Khutiya river valley, said he travels to Dhangadhi daily to sell his produce.
According to him, he earns between Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,000 each day, selling up to two quintals of watermelon.
“Initially, we sold at Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kilo, but with increased supply, the price has now dropped to around Rs 30 per kilo,” he added.
This year, watermelon farming has expanded commercially across the valleys of Khutia, Shivaganga, Pathari, and surrounding areas.
Farmers have also taken up commercial watermelon cultivation along the Mohana River, particularly in Jugeda, Ghuiyaghat, and Bangara Katan.
Farmers from the Tharu community, along with Indian nationals, are also involved in large-scale watermelon farming in the river areas.
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