Malika gives aid

KATHMANDU: Malika Vikas Bank granted a relief fund of Rs 3,21,370.37 to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to assist people suffering in Mid-western Development Region and Far-western Development Region. According to a press statement, acting president of the bank Jhapat Bora contributed a relief fund of Rs 1,11,111. — HNS

IFL posts profits

KATHMANDU: Imperial Finance Ltd during the fiscal year 2008-09 registered an operating profit of Rs 22 million. According to a press statement, the company posted a deposit of Rs 623.6 million and investment of Rs 558.7 million. — HNS

NFPPA distributes

KATHMANDU: Nepal Fruit Producer Peasant Association (NFPPA) on Saturday distributed 900 free orange saplings to Lalitpur district’s farmers. The saplings were distributed in Godavari, Lele, Godamchaur, Bishankhu Narayan, Bungamati, Malta, Imadol, Tyutar, Bhatteydanda, Chapagaun, Bhardev VDCs. — HNS

Income from nursery

TANAHUN: KB Gurung, a resident of Benipatan, Byas Municipality-7, is minting money from his nursery business. A former employee in the Department of Agriculture, Gurung, 70, started a bamboo nursery 28 years ago. He purchased bamboo seeds from Assam and Dehradun, India, at the rate of Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500 per kg. Gurung sells a two-metre high three-year-old bamboo plant for Rs 100. His annual income from the sale of bamboo plants is Rs 1 million. — RSS

Paddy yield drop

LAHAN: Production of paddy is likely to decrease due to lack of paddy seedlings in Siraha district this year. Of the 59,000 hectares land, 13,800 hectares have been left barren. The District Agricultural Development Office said that farmers in the district were unable to plant paddy because of delayed rainfall and insufficient seedlings. — RSS