Banana farming brings annual income of Rs 10 lakhs for Kanchanpur farmer

Kanchanpur: Pratap Rana, a resident of Vidyanagar in Belauri Municipality-6, has established himself as a successful banana farmer, earning over Rs 10 lakhs annually from his farming endeavors. With 15 years of experience in banana cultivation, Rana has become a prominent figure in the agricultural sector of the district.

Initially starting with five bighas of land, Rana has now expanded his operations to 17 bighas. His journey began with a loan of Rs 29.50 lakh from the National Bank and the Agricultural Development Bank. Today, his annual turnover from banana farming ranges between Rs 28 and 29 lakh, leaving him with a profit exceeding Rs 10 lakhs after expenses.

"Banana farming is my primary source of income, and I am satisfied with the results," said Rana. He uses his earnings to cover household expenses and invest in agricultural equipment. Recently, he has adopted modern technology to boost efficiency and production. "Agriculture now benefits from advanced technologies that generate significant income at minimal costs," Rana explained. He is also exploring the use of drones for tasks such as spraying seeds and pesticides, which he believes will improve productivity while reducing health risks for farmers.

Despite his success, Rana faces challenges in securing sufficient land for long-term cultivation. "I am farming on rented land, but it's hard to find land available for more than two or three years," he shared. Rana is eager to expand his farming if longer-term leases become available.

Rana currently employs two full-time workers and provides seasonal employment to 30-40 individuals during peak farming periods. He emphasized the robust market demand for his bananas, which reach markets as far as Attariya, Dipayal, Dadeldhura, and Tulsipur in Dang.

"If you work hard at home, there is no need to go abroad," Rana stated. He urged the government to implement policies that support farmers, which he believes would boost both production and enthusiasm among agricultural workers.