Kathmandu. Ward Chairman of Sandakpur Rural Municipality-2 of Ilam Sanam Rai has emerged as an exemplary farmer of the village. After his service from the ward office (10/5) was over, he started enjoying kiwi (fruit) farming and became an exemplary farmer in the village.

He believes that leaders should work. Rai, who has been doing commercial kiwi farming in 15 ropanis of land, registered ‘Paurakhi Agriculture and Livestock Farm’ in 2077 BS.

There are 155 plants of two species, ‘Green’ and ‘Golden’, in his kiwi plantation. He has built 310 concrete pillars and iron wire to climb the kiwi wave.

Rai had invested two lakh rupees to start kiwi farming. Currently, he is earning three lakh rupees annually. “I have been spending my remaining time working for the people in kiwi farming, and my income is good according to my hard work,” said ward chair Rai, adding, “I have been earning Rs three lakhs annually.” This has made it easier for me to run the household. ‘

The main season of Kiwi is from September to November. During the season, the local traders sell the fruit at Rs 100 to Rs 120 per kg from the orchard. “Potatoes and maize were cultivated here for a long time, it was not enough to eat for a year,” he said, adding, “I started this farming after hearing that kiwi would make good income.” He said that farmers who have been cultivating maize and potatoes for generations have now reaped good benefits from kiwi.

He suggested that the youths should take up kiwi farming in the village instead of going abroad as they have a good income. “The number of youths going abroad is increasing day by day, which has led to conflicting land in the villages,” he said, adding, “Self-employment can be made in the village by utilizing the barren land.” ‘

Rai has also started cardamom farming this year. He has planted seven thousand cardamom saplings this year. Rai was elected ward chairman in the local level elections of 2079 BS on the then Nepal Communist Party (Unified Socialist).

The Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project operated in Ilam had provided a grant of Rs 150,000 in the fiscal year 2078/79 BS on 50 percent cost sharing before Rai was elected.

Rai said that Rs 150,000 for the project and Rs 150,000 from the farm have provided relief to kiwi farming.

Kiwi is a perennial crop of the vine species. Kiwi can be planted at an altitude of 1200 to 2400 meters. Kiwi thrives in an environment where the temperature is not more than 35 degrees Celsius in the summer and in the autumn (October, October) and spring (March, April).

Due to its nutritious and medicinal properties, it is called the ‘King of Fruits’. Regular kiwi food is believed to control the digestive system and diabetes. Kiwi can be used to make juice, jam, wine, jelly, ice cream and other dishes.

Farmers in the upper reaches of Sandakpur Rural Municipality, Ilam Municipality, Mangsebung Rural Municipality and Deumai Municipality have abandoned traditional farming and started commercial kiwi farming. The attraction of farmers towards kiwi farming has increased as they do not have to worry again and again, there is no problem in the market, and they can get better benefits than other crops.