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Agri-ambulance to transport products from Pauwadungma to Dharan

Photo: UNDP

Bhojpur: Pauwadungma Rural Municipality of Bhojpur district has decided to run an agriculture ambulance to transport local products to the out-district markets. 

Given the lack of marketing for locally produced agricultural goods, the rural municipality is all set to operate an ambulance.

Chief Administrative Officer Nabin Bhattarai informed that they were running an agriculture ambulance so that agricultural products could be ferried to various cities, including Dharan. The farmers had begun cultivation as per soil qualities there.

The Rural Municipality has allocated Rs 2.8 million to purchase the vehicle.

“The scheme is aimed at farmers’ welfare, which helps boost rural economy,” he said, adding that marketing is one of the important aspects for it.

The agricultural products from Pauwadungma would be taken to Dharan, Itahari, and Biratnagar cities. With this, the city people will also relish the organic taste of rural items. 

It takes some four to five hours’ ride to reach these markets, according to Kiran Rai, Chairman of the rural municipality. 

Commercial farming of Akabare chilies (red cherry pepper chili) is done in Tiwaribhangjyang and Bastim areas while Shyamshila-1 is a pocket area for kiwi. The local government has promoted these cultivations with special schemes.

Chairman Rai further said they were for making the local level self-reliant in agriculture. The surplus would be sold to out-district markets.

According to him, Akabare chilies and kiwi ensure a good harvest, thereby encouraging farmers for further engagement. How rural municipality can be a facilitator of easy marketing is a current focus, Rai underlined.

Similarly, efforts were on make the local level self-sufficient in milk production. They had planned to distribute some 200 heifers to farmers in the coming fiscal year. 

The farmers can sell milk and make a huge profit from it.