BAGLUNG: Kathekhola Rural Municipality in Baglung district has launched a program to empower women by connecting them with income-generating activities.
As part of the initiative, goats have been gifted to rural women to support agricultural and livestock-based enterprises. In collaboration with the Heifer organization, a total of 240 goats have been distributed so far.
Over the past two years, the rural municipality and Heifer have been working to connect women from all eight wards of Kathekhola with production-based activities through group formation.
This week, 50 goats were distributed to members of the Sangharshashil, Sayapatri, Suseli, Lagansheel, Suryamukhi, and Shubhalakshmi women’s groups under the Sangarshashil, Shubhalakshmi, and Entrepreneurs Self-reliant Women’s Group in Kathekhola-7 Reshma. The recipients expressed happiness and gratitude for the support.
Local resident Sima Devi Thapa said goat farming has made it easier for women to earn a living.
“Due to out migration, much of the cultivable land lies fallow, providing ample grazing areas for goats,” she said. “One gifted goat has now multiplied into a dozen, which has helped cover household expenses and made our lives more manageable.”
She added, “The rural municipality and Heifer have done an excellent job. Goat farming wasn’t common before, but now most households have one or two goats. When money is needed, selling a kid helps. Earlier, we had to borrow Rs. 2,000–4,000, but now we can simply sell a goat.”
Goats raised in Kathekhola are supplying meat to the Baglung market. A women’s group in Ward No. 4 reportedly earns lakhs annually through goat sales.
Farmers from villages like Bihun, Lekhani, Resh, and Tangram are also selling vegetables and milk in the Baglung market. However, many have complained about not receiving fair prices for their produce.
Raju Thapa, Chairperson of Kathekhola Rural Municipality, said that programs are being implemented to link citizens with income-generating opportunities in an effort to curb migration. Of the targeted 360 goats, 240 have been distributed so far.
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