Banana plant sales boost income for Madhesh farmers during Tihar

Farmers in the Mithila region of Madhesh Province are earning hundreds of thousands of rupees by selling banana plants, which are in high demand for making ceremonial welcome gates during the Tihar festival. This tradition, particularly for Lakshmi Puja, has created an additional income opportunity for banana farmers in districts like Dhanusha and Mahottari.Jitendra Mahaseth, president of the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that approximately 8,000 to 9,000 banana plants were sold in Janakpurdham alone on Sunday and Monday for the 2022 Tihar festival.Farmers report that income from selling these plants has been consistently good for the past three years. They strategically save overgrown or excess banana plants from their groves for the festival. According to Brahmadev Mahato, a banana farmer in Pashupatinagar, Bardibas Municipality-9, while these plants would typically incur costs for removal and disposal, they fetch good prices during Tihar.Madhesh Province has 5,775 hectares dedicated to banana cultivation, with an annual production of 91,257 metric tons. Festivals in Madhesh are closely linked to agriculture, with agricultural produce playing a significant role in religious, traditional, and cultural observances. Bananas are an essential offering in both Tihar and Chhath festivals.Following Tihar, preparations for Chhath begin in the Terai region, further increasing demand for bananas, especially whole bunches, which are offered to the sun god during the Chhath rituals.