Working in vegetable farm while fighting multiple illnesses

By Binaya Karna

Kalyanpur (Saptari), Mar. 23: In 2002, with dreams of providing a better future for his family, Tek Narayan Mandal, 60, of Lowapar Tole, Rupani Rural Municipality-2, left for Qatar in pursuit of foreign employment. 

For 17 years, he worked tirelessly, earning a decent income. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he lost his memory due to an illness. Unable to continue working, he was sent back home for treatment.

For the past five years, Mandal has been battling multiple health complications. “I worked in the same company in Qatar for 17 years, and then I suddenly fell ill. I lost my memory and had to return home for treatment,” he recalled. While undergoing treatment for memory loss, he developed epileptic seizures. 

Just as he was recovering, he was diagnosed with intestinal cancer, leading to surgery at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur. “I am currently taking medications worth Rs. 150,000 per month,” he said.

Despite these adversities, Tek Narayan has not given up work. Every morning, he and his wife, Gauri Devi Mandal-56, can be found tending their vegetable farm near their home. 

“We cultivate vegetables on three Katthas of land, working from morning to evening. We earn between Rs. 10,000 and 15,000 a month from farming,” says Gauri Devi. She grows seasonal vegetables such as sponge guards, brinjals, bitter guards, beans, tomatoes, and bottle gourds, generating an annual income of over Rs. 100,000.

The Mandal couple has three sons, two of whom have followed their father’s path and gone abroad for employment. Their family of 10 members, including three daughters-in-law and two grandchildren, live together. Gauri Devi said that growing their vegetables has significantly reduced household expenses, and while their sons save their earnings separately, they never hesitate to support the family when needed.

Fighting illness, embracing farming

When Tek Narayan first fell ill in Qatar, he lost his memory completely and was unable to recognise his own family. Over time, with extensive treatment, he gradually recovered but has now to face further health challenges, including cancer. 

However, instead of dwelling on his past struggles, he focuses on farming while taking his medications and working in the fields every day. 

“Working in the fields all day helps me stay stress-free. We don’t need to buy vegetables and we even earn from selling them,” he says with optimism.

Although Gauri Devi takes the lead in vegetable farming, Tek Narayan supports her in every way. He tills up to two Katthas of land in a day, ploughing and weeding with dedication. “My husband is in the field early every morning. I join him, but I also go back and forth between the farm and the house,” says Gauri Devi.

Support from the NFGF

The National Farmers’ Group Federation (NFGF) Nepal, with financial and technical support from CARE Nepal, has launched three agricultural and nutrition-related programmes in Rupani. 

The NFGF has established 94 farmers' groups across six wards, of which 28 groups are engaged in nutrition-focused farming. Under this initiative, the Maa Bhagwati Farmers’ Group was formed in Rupani-2. Gauri Devi is a member of this group.

Through this programme, the federation has provided farming tools, seeds, saplings, spray pumps, and motors, along with technical training to support farmers. 

This assistance has further motivated Tek Narayan and Gauri Devi to expand their vegetable farming. “The Federation has introduced modern agricultural techniques to farmers and increased their enthusiasm for farming,” says Chandra Shekhar Mandal, an activist from NFGF Nepal.

According to Bibek Yadav, Field Supervisor at NFGF Nepal, the Mandal couple has even started producing their seeds. The Federation has provided Rs. 15,000 worth of agricultural tools and seeds in the first phase and an additional Rs. 4,200 in the second phase, along with ongoing technical advice.