Banana farmers call for market monitoring, say retail price rise does not benefit producers

SUDURPASHCHIM: Farmers in Kailali and Kanchanpur districts have urged the government to strengthen market monitoring after reporting that a recent rise in retail prices has not benefited producers.

At a press conference held by the Banana Producers’ Association, Kailali, and the Banana Producers and Business Association, Kailali, the groups said that farmers are selling bananas at Rs 60–65 per dozen, while consumers are charged higher prices in local markets.

The associations welcomed the federal government’s ban on imports of bananas and banana saplings from India, saying the measure is likely to boost local production, protect farmers’ interests and strengthen food security.

In a press statement issued after the briefing, the groups called for regular market oversight to curb black marketeering, artificial shortages and sudden price surges, arguing such measures would help both farmers and consumers.

The associations released a price schedule for raw bananas: Rs 55–65 per dozen until mid‑October, Rs 45–50 per dozen until mid-December and Rs 30–35 per dozen during January and February. They said spring season prices will be set according to production, market conditions and demand–supply dynamics.

Banana cultivation covers about 2,000 hectares in Sudurpaschim Province, with annual production of nearly 72,000 tonnes.

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