Damauli (Tanahun), 6 March: Damodar Dhakal of Bandipur Rural Municipality-1 in the district has been cultivating vegetables commercially since 2064 BS(2008 AD). He is currently cultivating on 50 ropanis of land and says that he earns up to Rs. 1.5 million annually.
When Dhakal migrated here from Kaski twenty-two years ago, There was a situation where making a living depended on working in others fields. After working for others in the village for a few years, he went to India for work. After spending about 10 years there, he returned to his own village. After that, he never felt like leaving the village. And so he started, cultivating vegetables in the village. What can be done if you keep trying? Dhakal has become an example of that. Initially, he cultivated on two to three ropanis, but now he has expanded it to 50 ropanis.
“Earlier, a living was made by working in others’ fields. He also went to India for work, but after returning from there, I started farming because I wanted to do something in my own country. It was good, if you have the will to work, there are many opportunities in the country, but after that, you don’t have to look back. I am currently earning lakhs from land that was previously barren by working hard,” said Dhakal.
He cultivates vegetables all year round. Perennial tomatoes, seasonal vegetables in tunnels. Carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin, bitter gourd, chili peppers and off-season vegetables always grow in his garden. Recently, Dhakal informed that he has been producing and selling vegetables as well as seedlings. He said that he produces seasonal and off-season vegetables and fruit seedlings on about four ropanis of land.
He does not own all the land on which he cultivates vegetables. He has rented 50 ropanis of land for an annual payment of Rs. 200,000. Dhakal has planned to expand his business to an additional 10 ropanis of land after the production started to be consumed well. He said, “I have been selling the vegetables I have produced in markets such as Bandipur, Dumre, Damauli and others. Traders from Pokhara also come to buy vegetables. All this has a turnover of up to Rs 8 million annually. After deducting all expenses, Rs 1.5 million has been saved. Now I am planning to expand the business further.”
Dhakal, who used to earn a living by working for others, has been able to raise his family and provide a good education to his children through this business. “Since he earned a good income from vegetable farming, he was able to send his children to graduate school. If he had worked in another country, then what! Would this have been possible or not, because he took up farming in his own country on time, everything is going well now. Both income and satisfaction,” says Dhakal.
Currently, one of his daughters is abroad and his son is a teacher. He has built a house worth living at a cost of Rs. 3 million. He has annexed two ropanis of land in his own name. He has bought a Bolero jeep, motorcycle and scooter for marketing vegetables. Dhakal informed that Bandipur Rural Municipality and Krishi Gyan Kendra have also supported his business development. He said that he has received support in tunnel technology for three years. “So far, I have received a grant worth Rs. 1 million for expanding my agricultural business. Krishi Gyan Kendra has even sent me on a trip to India to study and research on agricultural issues. The joy of going to India as a businessman is different from going in search of work,” he said happily.
Currently, one of his daughters is abroad and his son is a teacher. He has built a house worth living at a cost of Rs. 3 million. He has annexed two ropanis of land in his own name. He has bought a Bolero jeep, motorcycle and scooter for marketing vegetables. Dhakal informed that Bandipur Rural Municipality and Krishi Gyan Kendra have also supported his business development. He said that he has received support in tunnel technology for three years. “So far, I have received a grant worth Rs. 1 million for expanding my agricultural business. Krishi Gyan Kendra has even sent me on a trip to India to study and research on agricultural issues. The joy of going to India as a businessman is different from going in search of work,” he said happily.
Businessman Dhakal said that he is continuously engaged in production and management work according to market demand. “Agriculture is the basis of Nepal’s prosperity. If we work hard on this fertile land that we have, we don’t have to go abroad for employment. I myself am an example of that,” he said. “If I had been disappointed, this would have been the situation we are in today. Even if you are abroad, you will not experience the same joy and satisfaction as you would in your own country, with your home, family, society, relatives, and friends. It is important for everyone to understand this.”
