Bhim Lal Pun, permanent resident of Runtigadhi R.M-07, Lekhdhabang is a member of Namuna farmer group. There are four family members in his family. He has two children, a son and daughter. Farming is his ancestral profession. Farming in the traditional way had caused uneasiness in day-to – day household expenses. He used to do farming in the traditional way. In the beginning, He did not give attention in nursery preparation, planting distance, variety selection. He had no skill in nursery planting, maintaining space among the plants etc. Since 2076 BS. when it was formed as a Namuna Framer Group getting support of GOAL-II project then he got technical support in vegetable farming. In the beginning, he learns the skill of nursery preparation. It became good. Healthy plants grew in the nursery. At the same time, the need for modern equipment and materials was there.
Bhim Lal Pun got knowledge and skill about the climate smart mulching technique. Then he started farming using the mulching technique. By this technique, it has reduced weeds, maintained moisture & minimized soil bone diseases. It has saved human resources and cost for the farming. Likewise, it saves fertilizers and increases the ratio of plant cultivation. Now, he has made plastic house in his personal investment. He says that he is getting technical support from the project, but he is not getting reasonable price for the production. There is not multiple access to marketing so, he is obliged to sell his production in the rate of buyer. The rainy season destroys the roads and troubles in selling. According to him, earning annually 4-5 lakh is normal if they got reasonable price of our products. He says that we can earn money as much we earn in a foreign country.
In this regard, Bhim Lal said- By the support of project, farming for household need is being professional. In the beginning, it was difficult to handle daily household expenses but due to the continuous support from the project, has increased the income as well. Now a days, I keep a record of income. I have earned 4,50,000-5,00,000 excluding the investment. In the beginning, I used to cultivate 1,000-1,200 plants but now, I cultivate 5,000 plants. My next year's target is to earn 7-8 lakh excluding the investment. It is not needed to go to ask neighbors for money now. Usually, I have money. Due to the scarcity of competitive market, I have bought a Pik-up Bolero vehicle for the delivery to the distant market. He has recruited a labor paying monthly 10,000 NRS. Nowadays, the way of behaving by the community has been changed and others show respect to me. Due to the support of the project, I have been able to manage all household expenses by the income of farming. And I have been earning annually 450,000 to 500,000 which has improved my life. I have bought a vehicle so that I can sell my & group production to Holeri Hat Bazar but sometimes in Dang Ghorahi and Butwal. With the support of project, irrigation pond constructed which has help group members to expand their vegetable farming land. Till 2 months ago, when I was president of farmers group, I have supported others to appeal for technical and equipment support. Likewise, I share my experience and knowledge with others i.e., Improved Nursery, Bio -pesticide preparation, variety selection, post-harvest handling.
Last, I am very much thankful to GOAL-II project team, RUDAS Nepal & ADRA for their regular coaching & mentoring to have this achievement. I will share my experience & knowledge to others group members in the coming days too.
