Cries of Millet Farmers Still Unheard

  November 3, 2022 By: INSEC

Millet farmers of Gangajamuna rural municipality have shared their dissatisfaction with the leaders campaigning for their votes. This area has the predominance of Tamang and Gurung communities and is between 1,500 and 1,700 meters above sea level.

Farmers have declared that their votes would be reserved only for the candidates who are dedicated to solving the farmers’ problems.

It was reported that the electoral assembly held by the coalition, CPN Maoist Center, and Nepali Congress in Gangajamuna rural municipality ward no. 1 was against the election code of conduct. Whereas, UML had organized their assembly in closed quarters.

The farmers had expressed their concerns regarding this year’s minuscule production of millet due to drying up on millet stalks and stunted growth and lack of sprouting of seeds. Despite vocalizing their problems, according to the farmers, the candidates have ignored their concerns.

According to Bal Bahadur Tamang, Ward Chairman of Ward No. 2 of Gangajamuna Rural Municipality,  millet is the main crop grown by the majority in Gumdi and Ri areas. The farmers had complained about the damage suffered by their main cash crop to the municipality. The municipality in return sent DAP fertilizer to the Ri village area of Ward No. 1 and 2 and sent insecticides to Chimchok of Ward No. 3.

However, Ait Tamang of Ri village complains that there is a lack of research by the municipality regarding this issue. This shows the lack of concern the politicians have even politicians have regarding the issues of the farmers.

Vijay Poudel, an agricultural expert working in the field of nutrition and agriculture in the same area, believes that the millet of this area has been found with gabbro insect, and leaf spot disease and the soil in the area lack an adequate amount of phosphorus. He suggested performing a  thorough test of the soil in the area first to solve the problem.

More than 2,000 families in Gumdi and Ri villages are facing problems due to inadequate growth of millet. According to Bal Bahadur Tamang, Ward Chairman, Ward no 2, they are struggling to grow even 10/12 pathi of millet in a land that used to grow about 10 muri of millet.


Sitaram Adhikari