From classroom to field: Former teacher earns Rs. 2M annually through commercial farming

By Amar Raj Naharki,Tanahun, Mar. 15: After spending nearly 16 years teaching English in school classrooms, Kalpana Gauli of Tanahun has now found her passion in the fragrance of soil.

A resident of Kalika Marga, Vyas Municipality–2, Gauli has gained both recognition and income after leaving her teaching profession to pursue commercial agriculture.

Gauli, who taught from primary to secondary levels between 1988 and 2004, has now become a role model by cultivating Dragon Fruit commercially in Dhodeni, Vyas Municipality-5.

She said that she entered agriculture with the aim of honouring nature and soil, turning the field into a place of dedication and practice after years of intellectual engagement in classrooms.

To begin her agricultural venture, Gauli leased nine ropanis of land for 20 years at an annual rent of Rs. 20,000.

On May 1, 2022, she officially registered ‘Ma Ambe Alaukik Agriculture Farm’, and she now earns an annual income of Rs. 2 million.

Three years ago, Gauli imported 2,100 dragon fruit saplings from Hyderabad, India, to expand her farm.

Currently, the farm has 500 poles, with four saplings planted per pole.

Stating that total investment has reached Rs. 15.5 million, she said that this year alone, she earned Rs. 1.6 million from selling dragon fruit and Rs. 400,000 from saplings and other vegetables.

The fruit is sold at Rs. 500 to 600 per kilogram, while saplings fetch between Rs. 100 and 300 each.

Alongside dragon fruit, the farm produces seasonal local vegetables and root crops.

Gauli prioritises nutritious local produce such as asparagus, yam, cocoyam, ginger, pumpkin, and nettle.

She also produces traditional dried food items such as masyaura from cocoyam and other vegetables, which brings additional income.

As the Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Committee of the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries, Tanahun, Gauli expressed her belief that one can earn well in Nepal if agriculture is pursued with patience and dedication.

Her transition from an academic career to the intimacy of the soil has become a source of inspiration for many.

Furthermore, she contributes 20 per cent of her income to social causes, specifically providing warm clothes for underprivileged children in rural areas.

"For me, the soil and nature are like God. Offering a portion of what the soil provides back to society feels like performing a true religious duty," Gauli said.

"Feeding the hungry and clothing those in need is the greatest divine service. The peace I find in seeing a smile on the faces of these innocent children is more valuable than millions in assets," she said.