GAIGHAT: With the price of green vegetables soaring in the district headquarters of Gaighat, squash grown in the hilly areas of Rauta, Saune, Khambu, Rautamalbase, Salle, and surrounding regions is now generating daily sales of over Rs 10,000.
According to Tanka Bahadur Magar, a squash farmer from Khambu, sales to the Gaighat market began in the third week of August.
Another farmer from Khambu, Devraj Khatri, said that traders from Gaighat, Deuri, Bagaha, and Siraha are now purchasing squash directly from the farms. As a result, daily sales have reached Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.
Kumari Katuwal, a trader at the Gaighat Vegetable Market, noted that squash from the hilly regions is currently sold at Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kilogram at the source, and is retailed at Rs 60 per kilogram in the market.
While other vegetables imported from outside the district are being sold at inflated prices, consumers are pleased to have access to fresh, locally grown squash.
Samjhana Basnet, a consumer from Gaighat Boxe, shared her satisfaction: “Traders are selling low-quality, pesticide-laden vegetables from outside at high prices. But now we’re able to buy fresh, organic squash grown right here in the district. It’s healthier and more affordable.”
Farmers report strong market demand for squash from Saune, Khambu, and Rauta, due to both quality and freshness.
Trader Prem Magar stated that squash from this region typically begins selling in the third week of Shrawan and sees peak consumption in Bhadau. “Last year, I sold squash worth several million rupees throughout August and September, and I’m confident we’ll see similar figures this year,” he added.
Squash produced in the hilly areas of Triyuga Municipality — including Saune, Khambu, Dahar, Rauta, Malbase, and Aptar — is sold locally in Gaighat as well as in other markets such as Rajbiraj (Saptari) and Lahan (Siraha) during August, September and October. Some farmers report seasonal sales ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 300,000.
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