Kanchanpur farmer earns Rs 3 lakh annually through vegetable farming

Kanchanpur: Mahadev Chaudhary, a farmer from Shuklaphanta Municipality-8, Naukhari, has transformed his life through vegetable farming over the past two decades. Despite lacking basic literacy, Chaudhary is now recognized as a successful commercial farmer in his village. He began cultivating vegetables on five kaththas of land provided by the government during the rehabilitation process following the end of the Kamaiya system.

Chaudhary later expanded his farm by renting an additional 10 kaththas. His garden now produces seasonal vegetables such as gourd, pumpkin, cucumber, and bitter gourd, as well as both seasonal and non-seasonal crops including cauliflower, eggplant, chillies, potatoes, and beans. He also generates income by selling vegetable seeds.

“I started herding goats and cows as a child and later worked as a laborer and plowed fields. I didn’t know what school was,” Chaudhary said. “My life changed after participating in an agricultural training course conducted by a donor agency. The knowledge I gained helped me start vegetable farming systematically.”

Chaudhary now saves approximately Rs. 300,000 annually from vegetable farming, which fully supports his family’s expenses. “I don’t have to rely on others for a living; I can easily support my family with farming income,” he said.

Having married while still a laborer, Chaudhary faced significant challenges in raising a family. Through vegetable farming, he has built a solid house and purchased an auto for his son, which is also used to transport vegetables to the market. He has also received a power tiller from the government and is improving irrigation facilities through a borehole, which has boosted agricultural production.

“Even with hard work in vegetable farming, we sometimes have to compete with cheap vegetables from India, which forces us to sell at lower prices,” he noted, expressing concern over challenges faced by local farmers.

Chaudhary is now focused on establishing a market identity through organic production and is considered a ‘hardworking farmer’ in the village. Beyond farming, he inspires other villagers to adopt modern agricultural methods.

Local farmer Bipadram Chaudhary said, “Mahadev’s hard work is an inspiration for all of us. We have also started vegetable farming after seeing that it is possible to earn a living this way.” Jagarnath Chaudhary added that Mahadev’s journey from grazing landlord’s cattle to becoming a successful commercial farmer reflects his perseverance and dedication.