ITAHARI, March 24 -- Interest in banana farming has grown amongst farmers in Sunsari district.

Ram Kumar Mehta, a local of Rajdhuni, used to cultivate paddy until six years ago, producing 2,800 kilograms of rice every season. After having been informed by agriculture experts that banana farming provided a more profitable market, he decided to change course.

"I save Rs 200,000 annually after all expenditure through banana farming," Mehta said, adding, "Previously, while growing paddy, I had difficulty covering my daily household expenses."

In Dakshinavarti, Sunsari, along with growing paddy, farmers have begun banana farming by abandoning other crops.

Sadananda Yadav, a local of Babiya, began banana farming after being dissatisfied wit...