Model farmer turns struggles into success

By A Staff Reporter,Dang, Dec. 5: Purna Bahadur Chaudhary from Matera, Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City-14, is now widely recognised as a ‘model farmer’ in his village.

Once struggling to make ends meet with traditional farming, he now earns nearly Rs. 1.4 million annually from commercial vegetable farming. His success story is a testament to 25 years of hard work and persistence.

Twenty-five years ago, Chaudhary started vegetable farming on 12 katthas of land. Struggling with survival farming, he took a risk and shifted to commercial agriculture.

Today, he successfully cultivates vegetables on 2 bighas and 15 katthas, growing a variety of crops, including cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, chilies, tomatoes, mustard, and maize. During the monsoon season, he also grows rice.

He shared that he grows cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, chilies, tomatoes, mustard, and maize. “In the rainy season, I also cultivate rice.”

However, in the early years, the lack of water posed a significant challenge. But the introduction of a lift irrigation system from the Babai River has made farming much easier. 

“Earlier, I had to run around looking for water, but the lift irrigation system has completely transformed everything," he explained.

Inspired by Chaudhayr’s success, 30 other families in the village have also turned to vegetable farming.  He proudly said, “The vegetable farming I have taught has started to transform the village.” 

Thanks to his efforts, many young people of his village have found employment locally, reducing the need to migrate abroad for work.

Through his vegetable farming earnings, Chaudhary has been able to buy more than two bighas of land. The current market value of his land is estimated at around Rs. 2 million. He added, “I spent a lot on my children’s education; otherwise, I could have expanded to 12-13 bighas.”

His two daughters have also benefited from his hard work. One is pursuing a Master’s degree in Japan, while the other works at a bank. “Although I didn't get much formal education myself, I take a great pride in being able to provide a good education to my children,” he said.

Likewise, Chaudhary was elected as a local representative in the 2017 elections, and his influence has led to an agricultural movement in the village. 

However, he shares the challenges faced by the farmers. “Sometimes, vegetables rot because there is no market, while at other times, we face losses because of low prices.”

According to him, the lack of fair market prices for agricultural produce makes commercial farming challenging.

To make farming a respected profession, the government must take serious steps to improve market management, he urged. 

Churna Bahadur Chaudhary, central treasurer of the Tharu Welfare Association, praised Purna Bahadur as an inspirational figure in the village. 

He said, “He is a perfect example that with determination and commitment, one can change their life without leaving home.”

He also emphasised that with government support in the form of subsidised fertilisers, seeds, irrigation, and better market management, young people wouldn’t have to go abroad and could instead prosper in their own communities.