MUSTANG: Nepal has imported 2,418 tonnes of fruits and food items through the northern Korala border crossing with China over the past month.
The imports, which include various fruits and packaged food products, were redirected through the Liji-Nechung (Korala) border following the closure of the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani crossings.
Data from the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center in Lomanthang Rural Municipality-4, Nechung, show that walnuts and apples accounted for the bulk of the imports, totaling 770.84 tonnes and 703.8 tonnes, respectively.
Other imported items include 232.94 tonnes of pears, 222.77 tonnes of raisins, 103.43 tonnes of mangoes, 87.13 tonnes of dragon fruit, and 66.19 tonnes of grapes. Additionally, the imports included garlic, edible oil, kiwi, chili, and timbur.
Bandana Ghartimagar, a technical assistant at the quarantine office, noted that a wide variety of food products commonly used in Nepali kitchens are being imported through this route.
She stated, ”A wide variety of fruits used in Nepali kitchens are being imported, and traders had complained about the impact of floods and landslides.”
Located at an altitude of 4,650 meters, the Korala border serves as a critical transit point. After clearing customs and quarantine inspections, the goods are transported via the 186-kilometer Korala-Jomsom-Beni road section to Pokhara.
The quarantine center is equipped with laboratory facilities to test for pests and diseases. Officials noted that previously, when roads were obstructed, over Rs 3 million worth of goods were lost during transit. The center currently operates with a staff of six, including senior plant protection officers.
