From Teacher to Cucumber King: Brothers Embrace Commercial Farming in Syangja, Nepal!
Are you looking for inspiration on how to start a successful farming business? Look no further! Today, we’re highlighting a fantastic story of two brothers, Santosh and Dipendra Poudel, who have made a bold leap into the world of agricultural entrepreneurship in Syangja, Nepal. This is a testament to the power of sustainable agriculture and youth in agriculture.
Originally from Tikaja, but now residing in Pokhara, these ambitious individuals are transforming nine ropanis of land in Phedikhola Rural Municipality–4, Thulakhet, into a flourishing cucumber farm. What’s even more inspiring? Santosh, a former secondary school teacher, made the conscious decision to leave his previous career and dive headfirst into agriculture. This is a shining example of career transition and the growing appeal of farming jobs in Nepal.
Cucumber farming is proving to be a lucrative venture for the brothers. They’ve adopted a “one-time, one-crop” strategy, focusing on a single crop per planting cycle. This strategic approach helps them manage crop rotation, minimize the risk of crop disease, and maximize crop yields, ultimately contributing to higher profitability and efficient farming practices. They’re using three different hybrid cucumber varieties, a smart move that reflects their understanding of modern farming techniques.
The brothers are already reaping the rewards of their efforts! Their cucumber harvest is booming, with produce readily selling in local markets and shops along the bustling Siddhartha Highway. Even better, local traders are flocking to their farm to purchase the fresh cucumbers, eliminating the need for complex produce transportation and ensuring a streamlined supply chain.
The initial investment, around Rs. 200,000, covered essential elements like fertilizers, mulching plastic, wires, netting, labor, pesticides, and various essential farming equipment. Their ambitious goal? To harvest a whopping 30 tons of delicious cucumbers in just 100 days! While cucumber prices fluctuate, currently selling at Rs. 60 to 75 per kilogram, the brothers are clearly on a path to financial success and sustainable income.
But their vision doesn’t stop there! These innovative entrepreneurs are also constructing a modern poultry farm on the same land, designed to house 3,000 chickens. This strategic integration of vegetable farming and poultry farming promises enhanced efficiency and boosted profitability, aligning with the principles of integrated farming and diversified farming systems. They’re committed to using farming technology to keep costs down and maximize output.
The brothers’ success has not gone unnoticed. Ghanshyam Subedi, Chairperson of Phedikhola Rural Municipality, recognizes this as a model of youth entrepreneurship. The municipality is actively supporting production-based ventures, offering support like minimum support prices and technical assistance, further emphasizing the importance of government support for farmers and the development of the local economy. This is a great example of rural development initiatives.
This is more than just a story about cucumber cultivation. It’s a powerful narrative of agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship in agriculture, and the potential for sustainable agriculture to transform lives. If you’re considering starting your own farming business or want to learn about best farming practices, follow the Poudel brothers’ journey! Their passion for agriculture, combined with their strategic approach and integration of modern farming methods, is a true inspiration. Keep an eye on this dynamic duo as they continue to grow their agricultural enterprise! They are a testament to the power of agricultural success stories in Nepal!
