Embark on Nandu Bohara’s inspiring journey from adversity to success as he transforms his life through commercial vegetable farming, defying challenges and cultivating hope in rural Nepal
A few years ago, Nandu Bohara, a 35-year-old resident of Tila GaunPalika-2, used to wait for months to catch a glimpse of 5-7 thousand rupees; however, he now successfully earns an annual revenue of 3 lakhs rupees from his commercial vegetable farming venture. He initiated his commercial vegetable farming journey with an investment of five hundred rupees in the first year. After being selected for commercial vegetable farming training from Bhavani Cooperatives, he underwent a two-day training under the Leader Farmers Training program by Pace Nepal, acquiring valuable knowledge and skills in commercial farming. Additionally, he received an improved variety of vegetable seeds from Pace Nepal, which led to a gain of one thousand seven hundred rupees from his initial investment of 500 rupees in the first year of farming. Pace Nepal provided the seeds while conducting group discussions and offering various training sessions at the district level, presenting opportunities for participation. Mr. Bohara managed to raise fifteen hundred rupees for investment, with Pace Nepal contributing around five hundred rupees while the remaining one thousand rupees served as his personal capital. This initiative resulted in a gain of seventy thousand rupees from that investment, steadily increasing his income and further bolstering his determination toward vegetable farming.
Presently, Mr. Bohara effortlessly pays an annual installment of thirty-five thousand nine hundred seventy rupees for life insurance for himself and his sons, while also saving one thousand two hundred rupees monthly at the cooperatives in his village. He proudly notes that the District Agriculture Development Office has acknowledged his expertise, honoring him with a certificate and two thousand rupees. As a father of three sons, he easily manages the annual school expenses of approximately forty thousand rupees, even enrolling them in morning and evening tuition classes.
In the year 2060 B.S., Nandhu Bohara was compelled to be a part of the ten-year-long armed conflict in the country, leaving behind his family and home. Engaged in his duty day and night, awaiting the looming uncertainty of death, his life took an unexpected turn one day when he observed a farmer cultivating vegetables alongside the far-west highway of Surkhet. This sight ignited a fascination for the profession within him.
Despite a part of him believing that his life would not last long after enduring the horrors of war, his mindset shifted with the advent of Nepal’s peace accord. In 2068 B.S., Bohara opted for voluntary retirement and returned to his home. While he had an inclination towards vegetable farming, he lacked the necessary skills and knowledge. Serendipitously, Bhavani Cooperative was established in his community, and he eagerly joined as a member.
Mr. Bohara, once reliant on manual labor for his livelihood, began to receive compensation for his efforts after undergoing training and obtaining seeds for commercial vegetable farming. This opportunity allowed him to make the most of his time. His farm now boasts both seasonal and off-seasonal vegetables. While he lacks irrigated land of his own, he cultivates vegetables on two hal (dui hal) land on lease. Despite facing challenges related to unfavorable land and irrigation conditions, Mr. Bohara’s dedication serves as an inspiration to those who have traditionally farmed and to unemployed individuals who have been squandering their time.
He affirms, “So far, there has been no need to hire outsiders. Family members have sufficed to accomplish the work. We market the vegetables within the district and as far as Kalikot, outside the district. I have plans to expand vegetable farming next year and increase revenue.” In line with this vision, he has expanded his vegetable farm and planted two hundred apple trees. The initiation of the Integrated Development Project for Food Security, Disaster Minimization, and Peace by Pace Nepal has brought about transformative changes in the life of Nandu Bohara.
We market the vegetables within the district and as far as Kalikot, outside the district. I have plans to expand vegetable farming next year and increase revenue.
