Migrant returnee Garbuja creates jobs at home

By Our Correspondent,Myagdi, Jan. 13: Seeking employment, Hari Garbuja of Beni Municipality-10, Patlekhet, in Myagdi, went to Afghanistan in 2011, despite knowing that Afghanistan was one of the most dangerous places to live. 

However, due to health problems, he returned to Nepal within eight months. After coming back, he initially turned to agriculture -- and today he has established himself as a young entrepreneur.

Now 37, Garbuja runs a furniture workshop, grows vegetables and has recently started a block-making industry in his village. After returning from Afghanistan, he initially began poultry farming and operated a greenhouse.

He has been running the furniture business for six years and commercial vegetable farming for five years. Since last November, he has also brought a block industry into operation as a new venture.

Garbuja has employed two persons each in the furniture and block industries, and one driver for his tractor.  The man who flew abroad seeking employment has now created jobs for seven people at home --Garbuja himself, his wife and five others. “I went abroad looking for one job. Now, I have created jobs for seven people,” he said proudly.

He has invested around Rs. 2.1 million in his businesses so far, including Rs. 1.2 million to purchase a tractor. He produces both seasonal and off-season vegetables. At present, his fields have potatoes, garlic and radish, while tomatoes are growing in two plastic tunnels.

For vegetable farming, Garbuja has leased 10 ropanis of local land for five years. He credits much of his success to the support of his wife, Bishnu Pun Garbuja. He said her hard work and cooperation have been key to moving the business forward.

Garbuja said he cleared the debts incurred while going to Afghanistan through income from agriculture after returning home. He has gradually expanded his ventures over the years. 

This season, he has sold 200 kg of radish and still has more ready for sale. He has also sold 50 kg of Akabare chilli and 150 kg of other chilli varieties and estimates potato production this year at around 10 quintals.

Although exact annual income is difficult to calculate, Garbuja said he manages to save around Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 600,000 a year after paying wages and other expenses. 

While income from furniture workshop is satisfactory, he is not satisfied with returns from vegetable farming. “There is no shortage of market, but the prices are disappointing,” he said, adding that traders often buy vegetables from farmers at low prices and sell them at nearly double the purchased price.