Farmers of Godavari-9 achieve self-reliance through commercial vegetable farming

Dhangadhi: Mithun Chaudhary of Sehri, Godavari Municipality-9, spends most of his day tending to his vegetable garden, which has become his primary source of income. Chaudhary has gained financial independence through commercial cultivation of chillies, cabbage, potatoes, and cauliflower.

Having completed his Plus Two studies, Chaudhary has been cultivating vegetables commercially since 2073 BS on 15 kathas of land. He reported earning Rs 1.3 million from vegetable sales last year alone. His garden, previously used for wheat and rice, now serves as the main source of vegetable production. The income allows him to support his family of 11 and fund his brother Mandal Chaudhary’s studies in JTA.

Chaudhary produces pesticide-free organic vegetables and sells them in Dhangadhi and Attariya markets using a motorcycle. He has planted potatoes on 7 kathas of land and plans to cultivate onions after harvesting.

Similarly, Alaram Chaudhary from the same village has been engaged in commercial vegetable farming on one bigha of land. He said that his financial situation has improved significantly, having previously grown vegetables only for family use. Alaram sells his produce in Attariya and Dhangadhi markets, earning Rs 12 to 15 lakhs annually. His garden produces chillies, cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower, turmeric, and tomatoes.

In total, 15 farmers, including Mithun and Alaram, have achieved self-reliance through vegetable farming. While they have formed the New Manakamana Farmers Group and adopted a collective farming system, production is managed individually. The group has encouraged other villagers to engage in commercial farming.

Damaru Rana, chairman of the New Manakamana Farmers Group, said that farmers began achieving self-reliance after the group’s establishment in 2080 BS. He reported earning Rs 2 lakh last year from selling potatoes and tomatoes cultivated on 6 kathas of land. The practice of growing vegetables solely for household use has now shifted to commercial farming.

Farmers in the group save between Rs 300 and Rs 500 per month, and the total savings have reached Rs 1.8 million in the group’s account. The group provides unsecured loans ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 200,000 to members in need.

Two years ago, the Rural Enterprise and Economic Development Project, Economic Corridor Dadeldhura, granted Rs 2.2 million to the group for purchasing power tillers, boring machines, motors, hazaris, crates, and other equipment, according to Chairman Rana. With access to necessary equipment and training on greenhouses, seeds, and vegetable farming, farmers have become more motivated and enthusiastic about commercial vegetable production.