Similarly, Dhading district supplies 18 percent of the vegetables sold here, according to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board (KFVMDB). During the period mid-February 2014 to mid-February 2015, 229,180 tonnes of vegetables were sold at the Kalimati market. The market received 61,878 tonnes of vegetable and fruits from India pointing to the degree of dependence on products from the southern neighbour. Regarding domestic shipments, Dhading farmers sent 41,252 tonnes of vegetables and fruits to Kalimati last year.

Other major suppliers were Kavre district which accounted for 13.74 percent (29,793.4 tonnes) of the shipments, Makwanpur 7.50 percent, Chitwan 3.99 percent, Sarlahi 2.96 percent and Bhaktapur 5.12 percent. Vegetables produced within Kathmandu accounted for 5.88 percent of the total sales.

Presenting a report on the board’s 21st anniversary celebration on Friday, Executive Director Tikaram Sharma said that Indian products still had a dominating presence in the country despite efforts to encourage local products. “We have been encouraging farmers by helping them with marketing and shipping of their products. But we still have to depend on India due to the low production here,” he said.

“Sometimes, we are also forced to import a number of off-season vegetables because of lack of storage facility locally. He added that they were planning to set up a vegetable market in Chobhar besides operating a collection centre in Naubise, Dhading.

According to the board, vegetables made up 82.92 percent, fruits 10.55 percent, spices 4.7 percent and fresh fish 2.08 percent of the shipments delivered to the Kalimati market.

Meanwhile, traders have complained that the Kalimati market has been losing its lustre due to lack of a proper management system. “The oldest and largest vegetable market in the valley is losing its shine as it is facing many problems in supply management,” said Bharat Khatiwada, president of the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Wholesaler’s Association.

As per a new rule issued by the board, vehicles carrying vegetables can enter the market only at fixed times. He also said that

they were ready to cooperate

with the board in supply and market development.

Supply at Kalimati

Source     Share

India    27.29 percent

China    0.75 percent

From within the country

Dhading    18.52 percent

Kavre    13.74 percent

Makwanpur    7.50 percent

Kathmandu    5.38 percent

Chitwan    5.12 percent

Sarlahi     3.99 percent

Dolakha     2.97 percent

Jhapa and Bhaktapur    2.96 percent

Gorkha    0.63 percent

Sunsari     0.41 percent