Sharma couple see future in vegetable farming

By Thakur Acharya,Beni, July 28:  Deepak Sharma and his wife Sita of Dhairing Milanchowk of Jaljala Rural Municipality have emerged as model farmers, transforming traditional subsistence farming into a thriving commercial enterprise.

Their remarkable journey in vegetable farming serves as an inspiration for many in the region. Every morning, Deepak, 38, and Sita can be seen tending to their vegetable farm in Lamabagar. 

Their dedication to agriculture has turned a once modest subsistence activity into a significant source of income. 

Renting seven ropanis of land for Rs. 120,000 annually, the couple grows a variety of seasonal vegetables including cucumbers, beans, gourds, bitter gourds, and chilies.

Currently, the Sharma couple cultivate vegetables on 10 ropanis of land, a mix of rented and owned plots. They have a plan to expand their farming to 15 ropanis by this winter. 

The demand for their fresh produce is so high that local businessmen from Beni come directly to their farm to purchase the vegetables. 

This has eliminated the need for them to incur transportation costs for delivering their products to the market.

“If we can produce off-season vegetables, businessmen from Beni directly purchase vegetables from our farm. There is no hassle of taking them to the market and selling them,” said Sharma.

Deepak proudly shared that their annual vegetable sales range between Rs. 1.2 million and Rs. 1.5 million. "Agriculture is hard work, but it is rewarding. It is a pleasure to sweat on our own soil," he said. 

Despite obtaining a passport with the intention of going abroad for work, Deepak opted to stay in the country and continue farming. 

“Sita’s support has been pivotal. She insisted me to stay in Nepal and continue to do hard work within the country,” said Deepak. 

“Seeing friends from the neighborhood go abroad, my husband also thought of going oversees for employment. But later he decided to stay and take up agriculture, a profession passed down by our ancestors,” said Sita.

“Working together in farm keeps our family united. Our happiness spreads to the whole family. We are now confident that we can sustain our livelihood by working hard on our own land,” she added.

Deepak’s parents, Durga Datta and Bhadrakali Sharma, are proud of their son and daughter-in-law for continuing their ancestral occupation in a more advanced form.

“It gives us immense satisfaction to see our son and daughter-in-law enjoying agriculture and transforming it into a successful commercial enterprise. This satisfaction is worth millions to us,” said Bhadrakali.

“We consider this to be a greater wealth than going abroad and earning millions, as we are able to stay at home with our son and daughter-in-law in our old age,” she added. 

He said that although they couldn't assist their son and daughter-in-law in the farm work, they supported them by helping with household chores.

The dedication of Sharma couple to vegetable farming has not only improved their financial condition but also supports their children’s education and medical expenses. 

Additionally, they are able to assist their neighbours in times of need and save money for the future. 

Deepak gives credit to government training and grants for bolstering their farming efforts.

Deepak said that his parents had been engaged in commercial vegetable production for the past ten years. He noted that the family’s financial condition had improved significantly due to the income from their vegetable farming.