Farmers in Karnali grow seasonal produce like greens, potatoes, cauliflowers, cabbage, tomatoes, and chilies during the rainy season. For instance, Dilsara Budha from Uthurki in Jumla sells nearly Rs 200,000 worth of vegetables from her seven ropani farm. However, in winter, she cannot grow much due to lack of irrigation and relies on imported vegetables from India.
Local Production Unable to Meet Year-Round Demand
Pampha Budha of Sani Bheri Municipality also grows vegetables during the rainy months on her three ropani farm. But when the cold weather hits, her kitchen depends on onions, garlic, cabbage, and chilies brought in from India. This pattern is common across most districts in Karnali Province.
Huge Inflow of Vegetables Overshadows Exports
According to the Provincial Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives, Karnali exported about Rs 17 crore worth of agricultural goods from Shrawan to Chaitra. In contrast, nearly Rs 93 crore worth of vegetables were imported during the same period, showing the region’s heavy reliance on outside produce.
Supply Chains Stretch Across India to Remote Villages
The Plant Quarantine Office in Nepalgunj reports that nearly Rs 20 crore worth of onions (26,000 metric tons) and 80 metric tons of fresh vegetables came from India in nine months. These veggies arrive from large mandis in towns like Nanpara, Bahraich, and Lucknow, traveling through Nepalgunj and even by plane to reach remote areas like Humla, Mugu, and Dolpa.
Imported Veg Often Cheaper Than Local Produce
Because Indian produce is priced much lower—about Rs 50–100 per kg cheaper—it outcompetes local vegetables, which can sell for Rs 150–200 per kg. This price gap has led many farmers to stop growing seasonal crops and depend fully on imports.
Road Improvements Bring Cheaper Supply to Far North
With road access reaching Simikot in Humla, vegetables that once flew in by plane now arrive by truck, reducing transport costs from Rs 110 to about Rs 30–40 per kg. Despite significant local agricultural potential—Jumla alone produces around 2,500 metric tons of vegetables annually—imported food continues to dominate kitchens in Karnali’s villages.
