Shyam Khadka from Bhimeshwor-10, a kiwi farming pioneer in the region, said he earned Rs 3 million this year. He started kiwi production ago.

Rich in Vitamin C and Actinidain enzyme, Kiwi can be cultivated at an altitude of 1,200-2,400m. The fruit is recognised for its healing properties as it helps to treat and prevent several diseases like high blood pressure, malfunctioning of digestive system and diabetes. So far, he has invested Rs 2 million.

Seeing high potential, Khadka recently expanded his farm leasing 50 ropanies of land. Earlier, he had been cultivating kiwi on two ropanies of land, and producing saplings on another three ropanies. Khadka said he sold the saplings worth Rs 2.6 million and the fruit of Rs 400,000 this year.

Kiwi cost Rs 400-800 per kg (wholesale rate) in Kalimati market. It costs around Rs 5,000 to nurture a kiwi plant (one-time investment), which gives returns for 40 years, Khadka said. “This is way many farmers are getting involved in commercial kiwi production.”

A five-year-old kiwi plant produces 50-75kg of the fruit. Fifteen plants can be planted on a ropani of land.

As farmers attraction towards kiwi farming grows, the government also plans to carry out capacity building programmes. District Agriculture Development Office, Dolakha, has started distributing kiwi saplings, besides providing technical support to the farmers. According to the office, 25 farmers are engaged in kiwi production in the district.