Meghraj Basnet from Laxmi Marga, Belbari-11, has been roasting and selling corn for the past five years near Chisang Khola in Belbari-8, along the East-West Highway. Supporting his family of five through this work, he says, “There’s no guarantee in the business, but I earn around NPR 1,000 to 1,500 daily on average.” He buys green corn at NPR 25 per piece and sells it for NPR 40 each.
Similarly, Ramesh Kunwar from Belbari-10 has also been selling roasted corn at the same spot. Kunwar, who previously ran a hotel business, started selling corn after his hotel shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is now satisfied with this work, noting that most travelers stop their vehicles here to buy and enjoy roasted corn.
Susmita Rai, a 54-year-old from Kanepokhari-5, has been roasting corn near the highway with her daughter’s help for the past four years. Durga Tamang, also from Kanepokhari-5, has been in the same business for two years. According to them, they sell around 100 pieces of roasted corn daily. While roasting corn is easier in winter, they find it more challenging during summer.
Travelers and drivers often stop their vehicles to enjoy the roasted corn. “It feels incomplete to pass through this highway without eating corn here,” says truck driver Ramu Chaudhary. “Eating corn while resting here relieves fatigue, and the taste is unmatched.”
The Chisang Khola area has become a popular spot for roasted corn, attracting many customers. It’s evolving into a new snack destination for highway travelers. This alternative business started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now more than 20 locals are engaged in roasting corn here.
However, the Forest Office has been trying to remove the corn sellers from this area. Ram Lakhan Thakur, an official at the Morang Division Forest Office, stated that the location falls under forest land, and efforts are being made to clear the encroachment.
In response, Belbari Municipality is planning to relocate the vendors. Mayor Dil Prasad Rai shared plans to set up a permanent area for these businesses near Bhaunne Chowk in Belbari-10 to ensure proper management.
Sourced from: Khabarhub
