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Action Research on Construction of Vegetable Market Centre in Nepalgunj
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Vegetable market in operation in Nepalgunj |
Nepalgunj Municipality, since its establishment in 2015 BS has undergone many changes. From a small border town amid fertile lands, the municipality has grown to a city inhabited by around 60,000 people. The municipality now is one of the fastest growing cities in mid-western region. Central locality has given the municipality a significant economic importance and at the same time has also exerted pressure on urban services due to population growth owing to influx of people from various parts of mid-western region.
Most of the urban centres of Terai region in Nepal have a Hatia or Haat for marketing of essential goods. But contrary to this tradition, there is no Hatia for vegetable and fruit retailing in Nepalgunj municipality even though benefits offered by them are quite apparent. An action research was carried out by Nepalgunj municipality to find out the potential of an organized vegetable and fruit market in Nepalgunj municipality this year. The research revealed that household in Nepalgunj spend about NRs. 9.3 million annually on vegetables and most of these vegetables are sold on small kiosks, thelas or baskets. The research also found that in absence of a permanent vegetable and fruits market place, producers find it difficult to sell their products locally and therefore are compelled to sell it in Rupedia, India, which eventually finds its way back to Nepalgunj through various channels. Beside, customers also find it difficult to buy vegetables and unorganized hawking exerts a serious pressure on already worsening traffic and solid waste management problems.
The research identified specific benefits of Hatia in Nepalgunj municipality and the areas within the municipality where such organized fruits and vegetable market could be located. One of them was in front of the municipality guest house near Ram Lila Maidan.
Once the research findings were made available, the municipality immediately took the initiative and built the vegetable market or Hatia with the support from the RUPP. Today there are 30 sales outlets or shops in the market which have been allotted to vegetable, fruits and meat sellers.
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