Dilip Poudel

Two youths from Baglung have invested 7 million in an agricultural farm in Parbat. Sikandar Shahi from Bohora Gau and Rabindra Subedi from Sarkuwa are now operating ‘Kaligandaki Organic Krishi Farm’ in Sahashradhara.

Shahi left his job in Korea that earned him Rs 100,000 per month to start something of his own in Nepal. The youths have leased 15 ropanis of land from five farmers for 10 years for a monthly rent of Rs 100,000. They’ve started planting vegetables and their plan includes fish and poultry farming and rearing cattle and goat. 

They have zucchini, cucumber, beans, spinach and tomatoes in their farm. Preparations are in full swing to plant coriander, radish, carrot and cabbage. They’ve constructed a green house out of bamboo and plastic over five ropanis of land where the vegetables are planted, and they’re growing beans without using sticks as support. Under the direct monitoring of agriculture technicians, the use of pesticidies has been minimized while farming.

Ram Prasad Pulami, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture was happy to learn of the youths’ efforts. “At a time when it’s popular to go abroad to earn money, it’s good that young people are starting to work in agriculture,” he said, adding, “The ministry is committed to help such young people.”

Shahi says that the work skill and technology he learnt while working in Korea has helped him in the agriculture business. “With the work experience from abroad, I’m modernizing the generation old profession of agriculture,” he said, “The plan is to get maximum profit out of minimum investment with the help of technology.”

Since the land is right next to the Pokhara-Baglung highway, they are sure that it will not be difficult to transport the vegetables to the market. “The farm is between Baglung and Kusma market so we can easily sell the vegetables,” he said, “We’re planning to replace the vegetables that come in from the Tarai districts.”

Sahashradhara is in the banks of the Kali Gandaki River and is very advantageous for vegetable farming says the District Agriculture Development Office in Parbat. “The land is extremely fertile and it’s sure to generate a good quantity of vegetables,” informed Senior Agriculture Development Officer Basu Regmi.

They have invested Rs 3 million to start their agriculture business as well as the poultry farm. Their intention is to invest Rs 977,000 to rear goats, Rs 300,000 for fish farming and then another Rs 300,000 for cattle farming. The youths are also preparing to work under the supervision of agro technicians. 

They have hired six people in their farm and the employees earn Rs 5,000 per month and are also provided with food. Shahi informed that after the farm becomes fully functional, 15 more people will be employed.

Published on: 7 April 2013 | Republica