Rastriya Samachar Samiti

Ramechhap, January 17

Production of Junar, a kind of citrus fruit, has increased in Ramechhap district this year compared to the last year.

About 10,971 metric tonnes Junar were produced in various VDCs of the district last year, whereas the production has increased by at least 10 per cent this year, according to the district agriculture office.

"About 1,500 metric tonnes of Junar was produced on 1,316 hectares of land in the fiscal year of 2000-01. The trend of increase in production is very positive and is acting as an attraction for farmers," said Hom Raj Bista, assistant agriculture development officer.

There are about 230 Junar gardens in the district. The number of such gardens is increasing every year. The soil as well as the climate is appropriate for the production of Junar here, he said. At present, Junar farming is being done at Sukajor, Bhaluwajor, Him Ganga, Ramechhap, Phalase, Sunarpani, Salu, Dimipokhari, Makadum, Okhreni and Rampur VDCs.

The government has declared a special assistance for Junar farming and decided to provide technical and financial assistance. Far

mers were attracted to this kind of farming due to the facilities by the government.