OKHALDHUNGA, MAY 08 -
Fifteen years ago, Bhim Bahadur Rai, a farmer of Kolpung in Solukhumbu district had virtually no property. When the stretch of land he possessed did not yield enough to feed the family, he worked as a porter to meet the household expenditure.

The porter who carried loads between Katari of Udaypur and the Himalayan district is now a rich and proud farmer. The 57-year-old makes an annual profit of Rs 150,000 from his dedication and hard work in farming.

Rai has 10 buffalos, 35 cows, 100 goats, hundreds of chickens, doves and beehives in his farm. Utilising the water used to run a mill, he has maintained a fish pond.

Villages are usually known for no electricity and smoky stoves. The innovative farmer has overcome these problems as well by installing a solar unit and constructing a biogas plant, which utilises cattle dung. In his five-ropani orchard, he grows mangoes, oranges, peaches, banana, papaya and grapes. Rai is reaping benefits also from cultivation of vegetables such as tomato, cauliflower and cabbage.

Recognising him as an ‘exemplary farmer’, the District Development Committee recently felicitated him, giving him a certificate accompanied by Rs 2,000 in cash.

“I’m yet to achieve my ambition. My hard work will bring me better outcomes,” an elated Bhim Bahadur said. There has, however, been problem of transportation for his agricultural produce since his village is not connected by a road.

He recalls how he struggled 15 years ago to cultivate his land without improved seeds, agricultural tools and modern farming technology. Rai has employed two persons in his farm while one of his sons is abroad.

Posted on: 2010-05-09 08:40

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