Bananas valued at Rs 50 million have been imported from India to Janakpurdham, the capital of Madhesh Province, for the upcoming Chhath festival. Bananas are considered essential for those observing the festival, particularly for those fasting.

Bishweshwar Yadav, president of the Janakpur Fruits and Vegetables Traders Committee, explained that bananas are offered to deities as argha during Chhath, driving high demand. Since local production falls short, traders are compelled to import bananas from neighboring India. Last year, the city had imported bananas worth over Rs 40 million, which has increased to Rs 50 million this year.

According to Bhuvneshwar Purve, secretary of the Fruit and Vegetable Traders Committee, bananas are brought from various regions in India, including Assam, West Bengal, Hajipur, Thakurganj, and Champaran. Banana prices have risen by 20% compared to last year, currently ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per bunch.

Despite the potential for banana cultivation in Nepal, local production does not meet demand. Moreover, Indian bananas are often cheaper than locally grown ones, making imports more economical in border regions. -- RSS