“Avocados are intrinsic to Dhankuta’s identity and its path to prosperity”: Mayor Chintan Tamang

Key Points:

• Dhankuta – the ‘avocado capital’ of Nepal
• Almost two hundred thousand Avocado plants in Dhankuta Municipality
• 40-50 crores worth Avocado related business this season
• Avocado saplings from Dhankuta being sent to other districts of Nepal
• Local administration working towards market security for avocado farmers.

Amidst soaring popularity of the fruit, growing confidence within farmers, and promising future prospects, Dhankuta’s local government, in 2018, declared the district ‘Avocado Capital’ of Nepal. Following the declaration, the local government also organized an avocado festival – the first of its kind in Asia, where farmers proudly showcased their produce.

Although only gaining popularity lately, the power packed fruit is not new to the district – it has had its presence in the district since the past three years. In this interview, we sit with Dhankuta’s mayor to understand the past, present, and the future of Avocados in Dhankuta, and subsequently Nepal.

Avo Nepal: Would you share a brief background insight into Dhankuta’s Avocado history?

Mayor Chintan Tamang: During the early 1970s, the Pakhribas Agricultural Centre was founded. At the time, some British researchers had planted a few saplings, and within time, a few farmers within the municipality informally planted more trees. Up until 2018, the fruit did not have much importance – they would bear fruits, some would be consumed by the families themselves, it couldn’t be used as animal fodder too. Vendors too would not come to purchase the fruit from the farmers.

However, as we learnt of the fruit’s increasing popularity, we formed a committee to conduct some research. The study suggested Dhankuta’s climate and environment was feasible for commercial avocado farming.

Therefore, through the local administration, we started promoting avocados, and in 2018, we declared Dhankuta the ‘Avocado Capital’ of Nepal.

Avo Nepal: What has been the response of the farmers as the fruit gains popularity?

Mayor Chintan Tamang: The farmers are elated. There are an estimated two hundred thousand avocado plants (young and mature) within the municipality. You will not believe but we did an estimated 40 to 50 crores worth business involving avocados this year – despite a global pandemic. Some 25 – 30 nurseries are actively growing saplings, and we have been sending them to several districts of Nepal – including districts as far as Syangja, Gulmi.

Looking at the current situation, I believe Dhankuta will have started a national wave of commercial avocado farming.

Avo Nepal: Are you planning to host another ‘avocado festival’?

Mayor Chintan Tamang: We definitely would like to organize another festival – however, that will have to wait owing to the pandemic.

Avo Nepal: What kind of other support have you been extending to the farmers?

Mayor Chintan Tamang: We have been providing several forms of support. They include educating farmers about the different types of avocados, growing saplings to ensure steady supply to interested farmers. Foreseeing a future potential problem, we are also working towards ensuring ‘market security’ for our farmers.

Avo Nepal: Would you explain the potential problem, and how your administration is trying to ensure market security?

Mayor Chintan Tamang: We did a forecast. Looking at the trend, it seemed Dhankuta would be producing thousands of metric tons of avocados annually within ten years. Currently farmers are earning anywhere between Rs. 150 – 300 per kilo, we were worried if we would reach a situation of ‘over-supply’.

Our concern then shifted to the possible future situation of the farmers – therefore connected with the private sector. The investor is now setting up a factory in Dhankuta. The factory will be exploring long term uses of avocados, and have assured us that they would purchase our avocados. Therefore, farmers do not have to worry about their produce going for a waste.

Avo Nepal: Dhankuta Municipality, as a local administration office, has been actively promoting commercial avocado farming. Have you received similar support from the provincial or the federal government?

Mayor Chintan Rai: No, we have not. All current initiatives are with the efforts of the local level government. We have reached out to the provincial, and the federal government, and shared our plans – however, are yet to receive any concrete support from them.

One of our main objectives of reaching out to the provincial, or the federal government was the establishment of an industry which would support our avocado farmers – we have already received that support from the private sector. Therefore, aren’t worried much about provincial and federal support anymore.

Avo Nepal: Where are the farmers exporting the fruits?

Mayor Chintan Tamang: Our nurseries are sending saplings to several districts – most of them are being sent to Chitwan, Syangja, and Gulmi. Besides, vendors visit the farmers and purchase the fruit from the trees itself. These fruits are sent to several fruit stores and departmental stores in Kathmandu and other major cities.

Interestingly, we haven’t been able to match the market demand currently –therefore working towards ensuring supply as per the demand of the market.

We are also sending fruit samples to other districts. For example, we sent a batch of fruits to Narayanghat during an agro-festival, and were told that they loved the fruit.

Avo Nepal: What do you think is the future of avocados in Dhankuta?

Mayor Chintan Tamang: Avocados have successfully become intrinsic to Dhankuta’s identity. I believe avocados have the potential to pave Dhankuta, and its people’s path towards prosperity.

For example, if a family plants five avocado trees – the yield will ensure the family a steady income which would pay for their children’s education, family’s healthcare, food and other necessities. We have a farmer here, who raised Rs. 350,000 from a single tree.

Imagine the potential we are sitting on.