SYANGJA: Two brothers originally from Tikaja, Andhikhola Rural Municipality–6, Syangja, and currently residing in Pokhara, have turned to commercial cucumber farming in Phedikhola Rural Municipality–4, Thulakhet.
Santosh Poudel and Dipendra Poudel began their farming venture by leasing nine ropanis of land in Thulakhet. Formerly a secondary school teacher at a private institution, Santosh left his job to pursue agriculture full-time after recognizing its income potential.
“This season, we’ve planted cucumbers across all nine ropanis,” said Santosh. “Harvesting has already begun, and the produce is selling well in local markets and shops along the Siddhartha Highway. Traders even come directly to the farm to purchase cucumbers, so we don’t need to transport them elsewhere.”
The brothers have adopted a “one-time, one-crop” strategy, focusing on a single crop per planting cycle. “Planting one crop at a time reduces the risk of disease spreading between different crops and helps ensure better yields and market prices,” Santosh explained.
They have planted three hybrid cucumber varieties. After the current harvest, they plan to rotate crops to ensure year-round productivity. The duo handles much of the work themselves but hires additional labor when needed.
So far, they have invested around Rs. 200,000 in fertilizers, mulching plastic, wires, netting, labor, pesticides, and equipment. “We’re targeting 30 tons of cucumbers in 100 days,” Santosh said. “Currently, cucumbers are selling for Rs. 60 to 75 per kilogram, but prices fluctuate.”
In addition to cucumbers, the brothers are constructing a modern poultry farm at the same location to house 3,000 chickens. They aim to integrate vegetable and poultry farming to optimize efficiency and profitability.
“To keep costs low, we’re integrating technology into our farming practices,” Santosh noted. “We’re very satisfied with our progress so far and genuinely enjoying this agricultural journey.”
Ghanshyam Subedi, Chairperson of Phedikhola Rural Municipality, praised the initiative as a model of youth entrepreneurship. “The municipality supports production-based ventures by ensuring minimum support prices,” he said. “We are committed to providing technical assistance and standing by such commercial efforts that contribute to a productive economy.”
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