From Family Subsistence to Commercial Success
Geeta Khatiwada, aged 33 and educated up to SLC level, lives in Belkotgadhi where she manages 11 ropani of land primarily for growing grains and vegetables to support her family. Initially, with her husband working overseas, Geeta could only engage in farming part-time. However, his return marked a turning point, allowing the couple to dedicate themselves fully to agriculture.
Inspired by opportunities in off-season vegetable production, Geeta participated in training under the Nepal Seed and Fertiliser project. She took on the challenge of monsoon-season onion farming, despite having no prior experience. Heavy rainfall posed a significant hurdle, washing away or weakening many saplings and raising fears of total loss. Undeterred, she persisted and was rewarded with a harvest of 135 kg of onions, sold at NPR 70 per kg for a total earning of NPR 9,450.
Meanwhile, her husband, a returned migrant, joined a vegetable production training program. Together, they applied new knowledge in crop selection, seasonal planning, fertilization, compost use, and pest management. They allocated land for onions, cauliflower, tomatoes, and other vegetables, shifting toward commercial farming.
This transition has brought substantial benefits: higher local income compared to potential foreign employment, allowing the family to stay together in Nepal. Despite ongoing challenges like accessing quality seeds and managing markets, Geeta and her husband are committed to expanding their vegetable production for a sustainable livelihood.
Source: https://www.ceapred.org.np/content/a-happy-and-satisfied-farmer-success-story-of-geeta-khatiwada
