Papaya cultivation getting popular in Nawalparasi

Nawalparasi, Mar. 4 (RSS): Cultivation of papaya fruit is gaining popularity among farmers here because of low cost and high yields as well as simplicity in cultivation campared to other cash crops.

In view of its growing popularity, the progressive women farmers group of Prasauni VDC has set up a papaya processing plant under which a range of products such as jam, jelly and candy are being produced and sold briskly.

The papaya processing plant was completed at a cost of 10,000 US dollars.

Some tools and equipment required for operating the plant including a pulper machine, a juice extracting machine and a boiler have been handed over to the group.

A factory building Has Been Constructed By The district agriculture development office, nawalparasi in collaboration with FAO and the government of Australia in accordance with a proposal from the Women Farmers Development Division under the Ministry of Agricultural and Cooperatives.

For the construction work, FAO provided an assistance of Rs. 277,000 and the rest of the cost was met through a grant from the VDC and donations.

The plant being run by 25 women of the group has been in operation since January following completion of its contruction in december.

The plant has produced some 884 bottles of jam and jelly and 5 kg of candy so far and this output has been sold out. the group has been able to earn a profit of about Rs. 30,000 during the last four months.

The group charges fees to visitors who come to observe the plant.

It also collects about 10 Kg of papaya fruit a day from fellow members as an input.

The jam and jelly is being sold at the rate of Rs. 50 per 50 gram bottle.

At present, some 73 hectares of land is being used for papaya cultivation which was first carried out in 2045 BS by some farmers with saplings from the Palpa horticulture farm.

Some 30 hectares is being used for papaya cultivation in Prasauni VDC alone.

About 10,085 metric tonnes of papaya is produced in the district annually. Prasauni VDC accounts for 46.5 percent of this total.

The main papaya variety being cultivated here is honey dew. in addition, selection 1 and pant 1 are also being cultivated.

In view of the growing prospects for papaya cultivation here, a papaya nursery has been set up and this is making saplings available to local farmers.

Besides Prasauni VDC, Gaidakot, Jhapardi and Kawasoti are other major pocket areas where the fruit is being cultivated. about 73,000 papaya saplings are being planted in those areas and yield per hectare is 15.5 metric tonnes.

The papaya cultivation has been carried out on a commercial basis since 2051 BS through the progressive women farmers group at the initiative of the 25 active members. sales reach 140 quintals a day. The annual turnover is Rs. 29.4 million.

Although the papaya is a familiar fruit in markets such as Butwal, Narayangadh and Kathmandu, the central food research laboratory should extend technical help to cultivators, says a papaya farmer.

Secretary of the group Jamuna Bhattarai says they used to cultivate banana in the past, but the fruit is damaged by heat in summer and does not have a shelf life. That was why they adopted papaya cultivation.

But she complains about lack of reasonable returns from the sale of papaya, a fruit which also contains medicinal properties.

On being convinced of the prospects for a papaya processing plant here, we took the necessary initiative and were able to set up the plant. Now, we are free from the fear of unsold fruit stock, she elaborates.

Dan Kumari Pandey, a member of the group recalling her past experience, says we need more training for ensuring quality production. We have no drying machine for candy. Ours product is facing difficulties in the face of market competition. We will be able to cope if equipment is made available.

Consumers can have a better product and a substitute for the imported variety as product quality is maintained through laboratorty tests from time to time, joint secretary at the women farmers development division Dr. Lila Pathak says.

At the begining, the papaya fruit produced could only sell at the rate of Rs. 5 per Kg. though this situation does not exist at present, a good share of the market is yet to be won. If the situation becomes favourable, papaya cultivation might extend throughout the district and in to the off-season periods also.

Promotion centre in Portugal discussed

Kathmandu, May 4 (RSS): Discussions were held on setting up a promotion centre for Nepal's culture, trade and tourism in Portugal at a meeting organised at the FNCCI Secretariat on Tuesday between the FNCCI president Pradip Kumar Shrestha and Royal Nepalese Honorary Consul General to Portugal Maria Terriesa Cruz.

At the meeting president Shrestha shed light on the investment opportunities between Nepal and Portugal and requested the consul to take special measures as diplomatic missions can play leading role in extension of cooperation in tourism, investment promotion and economic cooperation.

President of the Employment Council of the FNCCI and ex officio vice chairman and honorary consul of Portugal in Nepal Rajendra Khetan said economic diplomacy should be geared ahead in the present times dominated by liberal economy.

Also present on the occasion were FNCCI secretary general Badri Prasad Ojha and entrepreneur Puskar Shakya.

Task force formed to collect opinions on budget

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu May 4: A task force headed by President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Pradip Kumar Shrestha has been formed to collect the opinions of the business entrepreneurs in connection with the budget for the fiscal year 2057/58.

The task force, which also looks forward to submit recommendations to the government about the problems faced by the businessmen was formed following the decision taken by the joint meeting of FNCCI office bearers and others from the District Chambers of Commerce on Tuesday.

The task force will provide suggestions on the problems faced by the industrialists related with revenue and it is also going to study and solve the problems which may arise after the budget is announced, an FNCCI press release stated.

Shrestha urged the industrialists and businessmen to become united in order to resolve the problems faced by the business community.

Former FNCCI President Mahesh Lal Pradhan expressed worries over the deplorable condition of the industrial sector.

First Vice President of FNCCI Ravi Bhakta Shrestha said that the suggestions proposed by the private sectors must be valued by the government.

CACCI's Council meet to kick off May 18 in capital

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu,May 4: The Confederation of Asia-pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CACCI), an organisation of the region's leading businessmen, is converning its 60th Council Meeting on 18-19 May 2000 in Kathmandu. The meeting will be hosted by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), an umbrella organisation of Nepalese private sectir.

The CACCI Council, which is the organiasatio's governing body, is expected to discuss internal policy matters and review the status of its various projects and programmes. In addition, the Council will also take up trade and investment issues which are deemed of great concern to the region's business sector,. Discussion at this year's meeting in Kathmandu is expected to focus on the challenges faced by many developing economies in the region in making the necessary policy adjustments required by their participation in the globalisation and libralisation process.

At the end do the meeting, CACCI is expected to issue a statement proposing capacity-building measures that will allow the region's developing countries to meet the challenges of globalisation and take advantage of the opportunities. It offers, as well as safety-net measures that will enable them to overcome the negative effects of libralisation and globalisation on their economies. CACCI hopes to submit the statement to the APEC forum end to the respective governments of CACCI member countries. This is part of its efforts to strenghten its policy advocacy role end in line with its primary objective as the spokesman of business in the region.

Representatives from the natonal chambers of commerce and industry of Nepal Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Papua NewGuinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam are expected to attend the meeting.

Established in 1966, CACCI is composed of leading chambers from 22 Asi-Pacific countries and represents the interest about 3 million business enterprises in the region. FNCCI, its member in Nepal,was established in 1965 with the aim of promoting business and industry while pretecting the rights and interests of business and industrial communities in the country. It provides, inter alia, information, advisory,consultative, promotional and representative services to business and government, and organises training, workshops and seminars on a regular basis.

NEFFA, BARN discuss TIA, air freight cargoes

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, May 4: A meeting between Nepal freight Forwarders Association (NEFFA) and Nepal Board of Airlines representatives in Nepal (BARN) has been concluded to solve various problems such as the inadequacies f physical infrastructure at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and the problems emanating from the airlines in the air freight of cargoes, this was stated in a press release in by NEFFA, today.

As some of the international airlines have increased the freight charges because of increase in the price of fuel in the international market currently has again incorporateed the increased price as service charges has resulted in the increase in the transportation cost of cargoes. This has created difficulty for the goods exported from Nepal in competing in international market, so says Rabindra Man Singh, President of NEFFA.

It should be noted that airlines such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Austrian Airlines have increased 10 per cent in fuel charge and Qatar Airways decreased 10 per cent in sur charge and, on the other hand, has increased 10 per cent in charge collect fee. NEFFA has objected it.

NEFFA President Singh opined that the airlines have negleted in giving service, which will certainly give negative impactin our international trade.

In this connection BARN President R>R> Upadhya has said that BARN has already requested the international airlines not to increase in fuel price because of thecharges in the price of fuel ininternational market. He further added that he will instruct the related airlines to come to an agreement in service charge.

On that occasion, Singh apprised that due to increase, the entire export has been affecteed because of the competition in the international market. He further added that Nepal has now become "air-locked" because the airlines have put low priority for experted goods, the airlines not becoming service oriented, the inability of the airlines to deliver the cargoes in the destination and failing to fulfill the demand of the freight forwarders for the compensation.

The meeting has to approch the concerned departments of His Majesty's Government to solve the problems such as the frequent break down of the container trucks belonging to Nepal Transit Warehouse Management Company for transporting from the warehouse to the RAMP, and the irregular operation of the truck.

On the same occasion, the treasurer of BARN, Ashish kumar Sen gupta informed thar the weighing machine at the godown is not in workable condition since last three years. He has already informed His Majesty's Government and has received assurances for repair. He warned that provided this problem is not solved soon, this may cargoes, NEFFA Secretary General Namgyal Lama has drawn the attention regarding the problem of the x-ray machine as well as the theft of the goods from the Ramp.

The joint meeting was attended by R.R. Upadhya, President, ice President Lawrence Lew, Treasurer Ashish Kumar Sen Gupta and Executive Member Rakesh Tuladhar from the side of BARN and from the side of NEFFA Rabindra Man Singh, President, vice President Dhruba Narayan Shrestha, Secretary General Mangyal Lama, Treasurer Sapan Kumar Dev and Executive Member Raju Shrestha.

Radisson’s Olive Garden comes up with new Italian menu

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, May 4 The Italian-trained Chef, Andrew Blundy, after a few months’ absence, is back at the Radisson Hotel’s Olive Garden restaurant bubbling with new ideas and recipes. And, just like his genial face—and of course, grit—he is flushed with renewed enthusiasm to expand on his favourite concept of ingredient-based cookery that he had introduced last year at the Olive Garden.

"Our principles are simple", Blundy said to a selected group of journalists-cum-food aficionados invited to savour and comment on his delicious creations. "For us, only the very best ingredients will do if we are to cater to our valued guests’ tastes and interests", he added as the invitees munched through a mouth-watering five-course lunch prepared by him as per his ingredient-based cooking style.

For starters, pan-fried Scallops with Gnocchi and lemon pesto, deep fried Rissoto cakes of wild mushroom with shaved parmesan and rocket, and smoke garlic, potato and Paprika soup were served.

Concerning the ingredients needed for conjuring out the assorted Italian dishes at the Olive Garden, the very best local organic ingredients are procured from their local suppliers, Blundy pointed out. "If local produce are not to our standards, then premium quality imported produce, airfreight directly to Kathmandu, will be used. All these ingredients, handled with exacting international hygiene standards, will help us bring world class cuisine to our customers", he said.

Then came the two staple dishes of all Italians: first, the Pizza and second, the Pasta, both served with assorted sauces.

"The Italians are very particular about their Pizza and Pasta", Blundy stated. Not for them the American varieties that are baked in pans, he said. "Italians and Italian food lovers prefer Pizzas that are baked on stone heated by fuel wood. Pizzas served in the Olive Garden are baked on stone", Blundy said.

Italians are also very fuzzy about how the Pasta is made and served, he added. The ingredients used to make Italian Pasta should not only be right in quantity and quality but different kinds of Pasta must be served with different varieties of sauce, he pointed.

The main course followed. Roasted Chicken with Basil and goat cheese Mousse,

tomato and chilli Ragu. This was topped off by a herb crusted rack of New Zealand Lamb on a Sage and Shallot Rosti, Salsa Verdi and Balsamic.

While the invitees savoured the succulent Roasted Chicken and the juicy herb-encrusted New Zealand lamb with sips of red (and white) wine, Blundy said" Since a restaurant is associated with food and drink, we will soon be giving the customers a wide variety of Italian foods to choose from. Best quality wines from various renowned wine-producing countries will also be made available."

"In short, only the best is good enough", intoned Blundy, who is a firm believer of "fusion" food cuisine. He gained his skills and experiences from the Riverside Restaurant, the top eatery in England that, Blundy claimed, was the first to popularise ingredient-based cookery in the world.