Mulberry Plants Gain Popularity for Ornamental and Agricultural Use in Chitwan

Chitwan. Mulberry, traditionally used for silkworm farming, is gaining renewed attention due to its versatile alternative uses as silk cultivation declines. The plant is increasingly being utilized in commercial hotels, restaurants, and the tourism sector as an ornamental plant, while farmers are also using it as fodder, leading to a surge in demand.

Mulberry saplings produced at the commercial Insect Development Farm in Bhandara, Chitwan, are being sent to various districts across the country for these purposes. According to office chief Suruchi Tripathi, the office has produced over 180,000 mulberry saplings in the current fiscal year. She stated that these saplings are being sold to farmers at a rate of Rs. 5 per plant. She noted that demand for mulberry saplings has arrived from Madhesh and various hill districts this year. Recently, demand for the plants for silkworm farming has also begun to rise again, with requests coming from districts such as Okhaldhunga and Sindhuli.

Similarly, demand for mulberry saplings is growing in the tourism sector. Hotels and resorts are increasingly planting mulberry for environmental aesthetics because it grows quickly, provides good shade, and attracts birds when it bears fruit, she explained. She said, “Demand from hotels and resorts has increased because this plant grows rapidly. Since it attracts birds during the fruiting season, planting it on restaurant premises creates a pleasant environment where guests can enjoy shade and birdwatching. This is why the trend of planting mulberry is growing.”

There is also significant market demand for mulberry fruit. Some industries are requesting the fruit as it contains medicinal properties and can be used to make wine, jam, and juice. According to her, mulberry fruit is considered beneficial for health as it helps increase hemoglobin levels in the blood. “From a health perspective, mulberry is an excellent fruit,” she said, adding that it is one of the berry species found in Nepal. 

She mentioned that farmers are also using it as fodder for livestock. Its importance is particularly high during times when other forage is scarce. Currently, the farm is producing and distributing the Kanva-2 variety of mulberry. Chief Tripathi noted that this plant can be easily grown in everything from pots to open fields.

Plant cutting begins in the winter, and distribution starts from the month of Jestha. While the rainy season is ideal for transplanting, she noted that mulberry can be planted at other times as well, provided there is a reliable water source.