Mushroom farming

KATHMANDU: Domestic farmers have started mushroom farming by producing its seeds in the country for the first time. Prior to this, farmers used to import mushroom seeds. Nine different labs in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nepalgunj would produce mushroom seeds. Jagdish Bhakta Shrestha, mushroom expert, informed that these labs produce over 1,56,000 bottles of mushroom seeds annually. Government has been providing 50 per cent grant for the commercial production of the mushroom to encourage the farmers. During the interim plan, the government has planned to produce some 1,500 metric tonne mushroom. — RSS

Industrial fair soon

MAHENDRANAGAR: Far-Western Regional Industrial Fair and Kanchanpur Tourism Fair are being planned in Kanchanpur. The fairs that will start from October 28 will last till November 8. The fairs are expected to give a boost to local economy. The industrial and tourism fairs -- organised by Kanchanpur Chambers of Commerce and Industry would seek the opportunities for investments in tourism, education and health sectors. The fairs would include around 35 per cent stalls of domestic agricultural and small industries. Around 32 stalls have already been registered and process of registration is going on. — RSS

Silkworm production

DHADING: More than 1,300 kg of silkworm has been produced at several VDCs in Dhading. Silkworm production begun in a big way in the district after IECDC Dhading, with the help of JAICA, implemented quality silkworm production, processing and promotion programme. In the first season, villagers of Baireni, Kumpur, Salang, Nalang and Bhumesthan made profit through silkworm farming. Man Bahadur, who has produced 22 kg of cocoon said that he made a healthy income. Ram Nath Adhikari of Baireni-8 cultivated cocoon more than anyone else in the district. He produced 76.20 kg of silkworm. — RSS

China’s growth

SHANGHAI: China's economy expanded a blistering 8.9 per cent in the third quarter, fuelled by lavish government stimulus spending that has helped the nation spearhead recovery from the global recession. Growth in the world's third-largest economy accelerated from 7.9 per cent in the second quarter and for the first nine months of the year was 7.7 per cent. Officials have said they expect the economy to at least reach the annual growth target of eight per cent. — AP