Buddha Chitta seeds change rural NepalCEFR B1
2 Nov 2025
Adapted from Sonia Awale, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Shreyashka Maharjan, Unsplash
The Buddha Chitta plant, native to the Temal region, now supports a growing market. Plants grow in gravel and sandy soil around Kanpur in Kavre, about 56 kilometers from Kathmandu. Fruits are handpicked in June and July and processed by removing the hard outer coat with a Dhiki or by boiling, then washing and sun-drying.
Beads are classified by the number of faces and by size; one-faced beads and 7–8 mm beads are the rarest and most valuable. A 108-bead mala can cost NPR 1.5 million (over USD 10,630) according to local middlemen. Saplings cost about NPR 500, sometimes NPR 1,000 for higher-face varieties.
Demand created wealth and also conflict. Singha Bahadur Lama once made NPR 10 million from a single tree, later worked as a consultant, but after investing nearly NPR 10 million he lost 70 percent when prices fell. There were also violent incidents, including a group that cut a valuable tree in Rosi and planted socket bombs; four men were arrested and later released on bail.
Difficult words
- seed — small hard part of a plant that grows.seeds
- grow — to develop or increase in size.
- farmer — a person who works on a farm.farmers
- profit — money made after costs are paid.profitable, profits
- market — place where goods are sold.market value
- challenges — difficulties or problems to overcome.
- economy — the system of trade and money in a place.
- community — a group of people living together.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do Buddha Chitta seeds impact the local community?
- What are some ways farmers can overcome challenges?
- Why is the endorsement by the Dalai Lama important?
- What could happen if demand for these seeds decreases?
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