Baitadi Family Turns Commercial Farming Into a Lucrative Village

Baitadi: Fruit and vegetable farming has become the main source of income for Madan Raj Bhatta of Hatas, Patan Municipality-10, Baitadi. After initially producing vegetables only for family consumption, Bhatta has been engaged in commercial farming for the past decade.

The Bhatta family is fully involved in agriculture, citing good production and the absence of major market problems. “My wife and two sons are involved in commercial agriculture,” Bhatta said. “We are happy to have a good income from commercial vegetable farming.”

Commercial khedekhursani farming, which began in 2072 BS, has now expanded to 16 ropanis. Bhatta said the family has expanded khedekhursani cultivation as its market has grown. In years when market prices are favorable, he earns up to Rs 800,000 from khedekhursani alone. He said the use of modern agricultural technology, particularly mulching technology and agricultural equipment, has increased both production and income.

“If agriculture is carried out not only traditionally but also as a business, one can earn good income,” he said. “By cutting down on seeds, transportation and other expenses, up to four lakh rupees can be saved from khedekhursani.”

The Bhatta family cultivates vegetables and fruits on about 40 ropanis of land at its multi-agro farm. Along with khedekhursani, the family grows kiwi, lemon and orange and also raises chickens and pigs.

Bhatta’s son Deepak said kiwi farming is gradually expanding despite some difficulties in the early days due to a lack of technical knowledge. He said kiwi is currently cultivated on five ropanis despite some market challenges.

“There is a lack of market and technical knowledge. I started the business by watching YouTube,” Deepak said. “Since it started in 2076 BS, we have now expanded to five ropanis and planted 200 kiwi plants.”

Production of more than 1,500 eggs daily
Deepak has also added poultry farming to the family business over the past two years. He said a modern poultry house was built with an investment of Rs 1 million.

“There are more than 2,000 layer chickens for egg production,” Deepak said. “Around 1,600 eggs are produced daily. They are sold in various markets in Baitadi, Bajhang and Darchula.”

The Bhatta family says there is no shortage of markets, but transportation remains a major problem. Despite plans to expand the business, Deepak said they face difficulties transporting vegetables, grains, eggs and seeds to the market.

If you work hard, you can earn a good income in the village
The family says its annual turnover from the agricultural business exceeds Rs 10 million, but savings remain relatively low after deducting production costs, grains, fertilizers, medicines, labor and transportation expenses. Deepak said the family makes a net profit of up to Rs 3 million annually after all expenses are deducted.

“If you do the hard work that you have to do outside, you will earn good income in the village,” Deepak said. “Hundreds of Nepalis go abroad in search of employment because there is nothing here, but there are many opportunities in the village too. If we work hard here, we will earn better than abroad.”

Bhatta, who is planning to expand the business further, has sought government support. He has also urged the local government to provide easier access to roads and improve market management.