Banana prices in Kathmandu have surged sharply in recent weeks, nearly doubling compared to the same time last year and putting pressure on everyday consumers.
According to the Nepal Fruit Wholesalers Association, bananas that once sold at a wholesale rate of Rs 120 to 150 per dozen are now priced between Rs 300 and 350. Retail prices remain equally high, making the fruit increasingly unaffordable for many households.
The sudden rise has begun to change buying habits. Shoppers in local markets are turning to alternatives such as papaya and pomegranate after finding banana prices out of reach. Traders say supply has dropped to around 25 to 30 per cent of normal demand, creating a mismatch that continues to drive prices upward.
One of the main reasons behind the shortage is a government ban on the import of Indian bananas following the detection of the TR4 plant disease. The restriction, aimed at protecting domestic agriculture, has significantly reduced supply in the market. While some bananas continue to enter through informal channels, traders say this has led to unregulated pricing outside official markets.
Officials at the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre maintain that the restriction remains necessary due to the high risk of the disease spreading rapidly. Previous outbreaks in districts such as Chitwan, Kailali and Nawalparasi had already caused major losses to farmers.
Despite the current price spike, producers see a positive side. Farmers are becoming more encouraged to grow bananas, and industry groups believe Nepal could move toward self-sufficiency in the coming months. For now, however, consumers continue to bear the cost of limited supply.