KATHMANDU, Sept 17: The Nepal Banana Producers Federation (NBPF) has announced that domestic banana production is favourable and sufficient to meet the demand during the upcoming Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals.
In this context, the NBPF has urged all fruit suppliers across the country to refrain from importing bananas. It has formally requested Fruits and Vegetables Retailers Associations nationwide to halt banana imports, effective from September 17.
NBPF Central Chairman Bishnuhari Panta said that unnecessary imports during a time of self-sufficiency could harm the national economy. “Importing bananas when domestic production is adequate not only increases the trade deficit but also threatens local employment opportunities and risks the displacement of Nepali banana farmers,” he stated.