HOUSEHOLD DEMAND OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN KANCHANPUR DISTRICT, NEPAL

Abstract

Survey research was conducted to study the household (HH) demand of fruits and vegetables in Laljhadi and Bhimdatta Kanchanpur. Primary data was collected from pre-tested interview schedule, direct observation and focus group discussion. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify factors determining the household expenditure on fruits and vegetables. 60.03% population were economically active with male headed majority and 48.33% of the household were found having agriculture as major occupation. The results of multiple linear regression revealed that factors like year of schooling, average annual income, household which offers fruits to guest have positive significant effect on total expenditure on fruits and vegetable while factor total land owned have negative significant effect at 5%. The area under vegetable cultivation was found higher in case of Laljhadi and reverse was the situation for fruit cultivation. Low family income was the major factor shrinking the demand of fruits and vegetables. Household consumption of fruit and vegetable is highest during the festive seasons.