Khotang: The price of Akbare chillies has hit an all-time high in Diktel, the district headquarters of Khotang, with chillies being sold at Rs 1,000 per kilogram in the local market. Traders are purchasing them from village farmers at Rs 700–800 per kilogram and selling them at a premium due to strong demand.

Despite the steep price, local consumers continue to buy Akbare chillies, attracted by their unique flavor and perceived medicinal value. Farmers say the off-season variety has seen an increase in both demand and profitability.

Indra Bahadur Shrestha, a farmer from Khalle, Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-4, said he is currently selling 14–15 kilograms of chillies per week and has cultivated around 1,200 Akbare chilli plants this season. Encouraged by the growing demand, he plans to expand off-season cultivation in the near future.

Vegetables grown in Khalle, Buipa, Bamrang, Lafyang, Solma, Nerpa, and Dorpa are widely consumed in Diktel. A limited number of commercial farmers are benefiting from the high prices, making substantial profits from vegetable sales.

Vegetable Prices Reach New Highs
Prices of various vegetables and fruits in Diktel have also soared alongside chillies. Current market rates include:

-Cauliflower – Rs 150/kg

-Mushrooms – Rs 300/kg

-Onions – Rs 90/kg

-Potatoes – Rs 60/kg

-Cabbage – Rs 40/kg

Farmers blame the ineffective distribution of government subsidies for the surge in prices. Ganga Bahadur Bishwakarma, a prominent farmer from Solma, Majhuwagadhi Municipality-2, claimed that subsidies intended for genuine farmers are often captured by individuals close to political leaders, with no actual cultivation taking place.

Concerns Over Unregulated Market
Adding to consumer frustration, vegetables and fruits imported from the Terai region are being sold without pesticide testing, raising serious concerns about food safety. Local farmers and consumers have criticized the silence of the authorities, accusing them of failing to monitor pesticide use or protect domestic production.

As prices continue to climb, both farmers and consumers are urging the government to ensure that subsidies reach real farmers, and that proper regulation and testing of imported produce is implemented to protect public health and support local agriculture.