Krishnapur municipality to provide banana seedlings at 50 percent subsidy to promote commercial farming

Kanchanpur: Krishnapur Municipality is set to provide banana seedlings to farmers at a 50 percent subsidy in an effort to encourage commercial banana cultivation. The initiative has been launched considering the expansion of banana farming and the growing demand from farmers.

According to Lal Bahadur Dhami, head of the municipality’s agriculture branch, banana seedlings will be distributed to farmers, agricultural groups, firms, cooperatives and agro-entrepreneurs based on demand. The municipality aims to distribute banana seedlings worth a total of Rs 1 million to farmers, with half of the cost covered by the municipality and the remaining half borne by the farmers.

For this purpose, the municipality has allocated a budget of Rs 500,000 to provide the seedlings at a subsidized rate. The program is expected to provide additional incentives to farmers engaged in banana cultivation.

Currently, more than 35 farmers in Krishnapur Municipality are involved in commercial banana farming. Dhami said that banana cultivation is being carried out on more than 55 hectares of land in various areas of the municipality.

The municipality has issued a 30-day public notice regarding the distribution of banana seedlings under the subsidy program. Interested farmers, agricultural groups, firms, cooperatives and agricultural entrepreneurs can apply within the specified time by submitting the required documents.

Applications must include details such as the number of banana seedlings required, the banana variety, a copy of the registration certificate of the farmer group or cooperative, and a copy of the land ownership certificate indicating the area of land to be cultivated.

The municipality has also stated that if cultivation is to be carried out on unclaimed land, applicants must submit a copy of the occupancy certificate, and if the land is rented, a copy of the contract agreement must be provided.

Through this program, the municipality aims to increase local banana production, raise farmers’ income and create employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.