Saptari. Despite the development of modern means of transportation and agricultural technology in the country, bullock carts are still being used to transport agricultural products in the rural areas of Saptari and other districts of Madhes province.
Farmers have been using bullock carts to transport grain such as rice, corn, wheat and other crops from the fields to their homes. In rural areas, this traditional vehicle still remains an important means of transporting agricultural materials.
Dasharathmandal of Mahdeva Rural Municipality-5 Bhagpatpur said that he has been continuing the work of transporting goods on bullock carts since tradition. According to him, until two decades ago, most of the houses in the village used to have two bullocks and one bullock cart. Bullock carts were used to travel, carry goods, go to people and bring brides.
According to Kishundev Yadav of Rajviraj Municipality-13, in the rural areas of Terai, oxen are still being used for ploughing, tilling the soil and collecting straw. In urban and accessible areas, the practice of using tractors for these works has increased.
According to Merina Dev of Tirhut Rural Municipality-Goithi, the custom of carrying sugarcane, paddy, straw, manure, mustard, gram, mustard and other agricultural products and Kutani-Pisani materials on bullock carts reflects the rural originality of Madhes. In the past, the bullock cart was considered as a historic and important means of transport in rural areas. She said that its use is more in winter than in rainy season.