Bhotraj Rai

Apr. 18: Among rows of trees, a log cabin stands erect at a cliff of Herchung Danda in Suntale, Baraha Pokhari Rural Municipality Ward No. 2. Made with horizontal logs and wooden struts interlocked at the corners, the eerie cabin in the woods has caught the attention of several passersby.

Located just a couple of hours from the district headquarters Gaighat, the house has been swarming with curious travellers stopping by to observe the structure and its atmospheric setting. 

The log cabin is, in fact, the brainchild of a local youth Mukesh Rai, who started the venture shortly after returning from his foreign employment in Japan. 

With an unshakable intent to start something innovative and enterprising in his native village, Rai thought of setting up an agricultural farm. But apart from this, he is also contemplating running a homestay and begin Kalij farming, and even fish farming somewhere down the line. 

Lately, there has been a growing trend among village youths to migrate abroad for employment and permanently leave their villages. “Rural townships and villages are increasingly being transformed into ghost towns. There’s an alarming dearth of the younger generation,” said Rai. 

Bearing this in mind, Rai acquired a piece of barren land in the forest clearing of Herchung Danda and registered his enterprise, Forest-Integrated Agricultural Firm. 

“Lack of capital is a major deterrent for anyone aiming to start a business,” he further added. However, this wasn’t much of a problem for young Rai, who had been carefully accumulating savings from his foreign employment. “Every day, I used to work my fingers to the bone in Japan. But now I realise that to enjoy a good quality of life it’s far better to come home, start something and live with your own family. Hardships are much easier to endure with your loved ones than dealing with them alone as a stranger in a strange land.” 

To young Rai, profit is not the final goal of his venture but just a small part of it. “Even if I don’t make substantial profits, the organic lifestyle and social work will provide me enough personal satisfaction,” he claimed. 

Rai is placing greater significance on promoting organic products and encouraging the village lifestyle. He wants to create a brand that exudes simplicity and embraces the techniques of traditional farming. 

After completing cabin construction just recently, Rai will be soon bringing Kalij from Pokhara and start breeding them. “I have encircled the farm premises with wire fences. The birds will be fed only organic maize and paddy,” he informed. 

Rai’s humble abode will not only be a farm but also serve as accommodation for weary travellers. “They can revel in rural life, feed the birds, go hiking in and around the jungle and get close to nature away from the bustle of city life,” he said. 

Rural Municipality Chairperson Shalikram Banjara has also commended Rai’s passion for his home and his enterprising vision. “The local authority is proud of individuals like him and will fully support him along his journey,” he said. Likewise, Maheshwore Chamling, former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Udaypur also had a few words of encouragement to share.

“His work is exemplary, and I am sure it will act as a catalyst for younger generations to return to their villages,” he said.

Published on: 18 April 2021 | The Rising Nepal