DADELDHURA: Farmers in Ajaymeru Rural Municipality–2, Dadeldhura, have set a target of generating Rs 5 million annually through commercial pomegranate farming.
Once-barren land spanning 700 ropanis in the area has now been transformed into productive orchards filled with pomegranate trees.
The Mahadev Pomegranate Farming Group, which is leading the initiative, organized local farmers and leased the land at an annual rent of Rs 20,000.
The group has already planted 10,000 pomegranate saplings over the past ten months, of which over 8,000 have been distributed and are now thriving.
According to group chairman Madanraj Paneru, the saplings were sourced from Rautahat and have begun to bear fruit this year. The project has seen an investment of Rs 6.5 million, jointly funded by the district-based Agricultural Knowledge Center and the farming group.
Paneru added that the group aims to integrate the venture with agri-tourism in partnership with local government bodies.
Ward Chair of Ajaymeru–2, Shivaraj Bhatta, said that the farming site in Badi is being developed as a potential agri-tourism destination. “We believe large-scale pomegranate farming can attract visitors and promote rural tourism in the area,” he added.
Narendra Paneru, Head of the Agricultural Knowledge Center, confirmed that the area is well-suited for pomegranate cultivation, with favorable climate and altitude.
“We plan to expand this initiative into a designated ‘Pomegranate Farming Zone’,” he said, noting that pomegranates can be grown at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters.
Farmers and officials alike are optimistic that the commercial pomegranate farming project will boost local income, enhance land productivity, and open new avenues for rural tourism in Dadeldhura.
Comment