February 15: The price of Amriso, Tiger grass (commonly known as broom grass) has tripled in the last three years, making farmers elated in the eastern hilly districts.

Netra Acharya, who had sold per kilogram of the broom grass at Rs 35 three years ago, sold out the broom grass at Rs 120 per kg in Taplejung last year.  Acharya hopes that price will increase this year.

Despite the price fluctuation, traders are purchasing the broom grass from the farmers from Rs 100 to Rs 120 per kg at the moment.

Local Rup Narayan Pandey shared he has procured 10 quintals of broom grass purchasing it from Rs 100 to Rs 120 per kg.  Pandey says that the price might slightly increase this year as well.

Traders and entrepreneurs say that price has gone up with rising demand of broom grass from India. Farmers have started growing broom grass commercially after they began getting good prices for their produce.

Farmers use the sticks of the broom grass as firewood, leaves as fodder for the livestock and blossomed parts to make the broom.

Broom grass fetching good prices has made farmers happy and excited in the hilly regions in the east. Broom grass can be planted and grown even on the non-arable and slopes. Its leaves are very useful for livestock as other grasses dry up in the winter.

Access to the road network to the rural belt has led to the growth of the broom grass’ commercial farming.