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With the onset of summer, watermelons have begun appearing in fruit shops across the market. As demand rises, farmers are busy harvesting melons planted along the banks of the Mechi River, which flows through the Nepal-India border. In Bhadrapur Municipality-3 farmers have successfully cultivated watermelons weighing between two to 10 kg after three months of dedicated work.

Manoj Kumar Rai, a resident of Bhadrapur-3, has been growing melons in the sandy soil of the Mechi River for the past 5–6 years. This season, he planted around 9,000 seedlings across approximately six bighas of land. Despite struggling to secure investment last season due to unfavorable weather, he is now optimistic. “This year’s production is better than expected,” said Rai. “There should be over 18 tons of melons in the field, with individual melons weighing between four to eight kilograms.” He added that the Bhadrapur Municipality has provided a subsidy of Rs 40,000 to first-time melon cultivators, which has eased the financial burden.

Another farmer, Anay Rajbanshi, has been cultivating melons on 30 kattas of land. “Last year, I made Rs 180,000 after expenses,” he said. “This season too looks promising in terms of production and income.” Rajbanshi appreciated the municipality’s support, saying it has encouraged farmers who previously relied solely on their own investment. A group of young farmers has collectively cultivated melons across eight to 10 bighas. “At a time when many youths are going abroad for work, melon farming has shown us we can build a future here as well,” said one of the youths. “With hard work, success is possible not just in soil, but even in sand.” He urged the municipality to continue supporting the program, which has provided subsidies for the first time.

Melons grown on the Mechi Riverbanks are being transported to Jhapa, other eastern districts, and even to cities like Lahan, Kathmandu, and Pokhara. Traders now arrive at the riverbank with vehicles to buy directly from farmers, offering Rs 28 per kilogram. Under its melon farming promotion program, Bhadrapur Municipality has provided Rs 40,000 each to 12 farmers. Suman Bimli from the municipality’s agriculture department said the initiative was introduced this year to support local farmers.

Mayor Ganesh Pokharel stated that subsidies were provided to those cultivating melons on at least 30 kattas of land. “This year’s harvest is impressive, and the municipality will continue this program,” he said. Pokharel added that Mechi melons have even reached five-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, highlighting the potential of local produce.

The price of gold has set a new record in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of precious yellow metal has increased by Rs 3, 600 per tola and is being traded at Rs 190, 600 per tola. It was traded at Rs 187, 000 per tola on Wednesday.

Likewise, the price of silver has increased by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 1, 955 per tola.

The third edition of the Buddhist International Travel Mart is set to take place from May 24. 

In order to promote tourism, the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) is hosting the mart event. 

According to the NATTA official sources, the inaugural ceremony of the mart followed by international conference and exhibition will be held in Kathmandu on May 24-25 while Business-to-Business (B-2-B) session, farm trip, networking dinner and closing will take place in Lumbini on May 26. 

As many as 150 buyers (international hosted buyers) and more than 60 national and international sellers interested in international Buddhist tourism) are expected to participate in the event. 

More than 1,100 visitors from major Buddhist countries including India, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka will attend the mart. 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Deepak Raj Joshi expressed the belief that the mart would help Nepal make publicity of the international Buddhist pilgrimage tourism sector.

NATTA has also expressed its belief that the mart would prove to be a historical opportunity for the promotion of religious tourism, particularly Buddhist heritage of Nepal.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 9.75 points to close at 2,698.97 points on Wednesday. 

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 1.54 points to close at 452. 06 points. 

A total of 16,611,532- unit shares of 329 companies were traded for Rs 7. 26 billion.

Meanwhile, Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL) and Balephi Hydropower Limited (BHL) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. 

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 48 trillion.