GANDAKI: At a time when many young people are migrating abroad in search of employment, the family of Dinesh Dhakal from Tallipokhari Nayagaun in Shuklagandaki Municipality–1, Tanahun, has found success through commercial agriculture.
Along with Dinesh, his father Pitambar, mother Tara, and wife Sadiksha have jointly ventured into commercial farming. The family registered an agricultural enterprise named DTPS Agricultural Farm and began commercial cultivation, crediting their success to mutual support and cooperation within the family.
In addition to traditional orange farming, which the Dhakal family has been practicing since 2040 BS, they expanded into commercial production in 2074 BS after formally registering the farm. Alongside oranges, they now cultivate black pepper, ginger, and Akabare chilli. The farm has also generated direct employment for three people outside the family.
Currently, orange cultivation covers 14 ropanis of land. According to Dinesh, the family earns an annual income of Rs 500,000 to Rs 600,000 from oranges alone. Of the nearly 1,000 small and large orange trees on the farm, about 250 are fruit-bearing. A well-grown tree can yield up to 20 crates of oranges.
The commercial Kalij pheasant farming, which began seven years ago, is flourishing, with around 13,000 pheasants currently on the farm. Dinesh shared that he had planned to go to Japan three years ago but abandoned the idea after the farming began producing promising results.
A male pheasant sapling sells for Rs 2,500, while a female pheasant costs Rs 1,500. He initially started orange cultivation in 2076 BS with 100 saplings. “There is immense potential in commercial pheasant farming,” Dinesh said. “Demand exists not only within the country but also in markets such as China and Dubai. With proper state support, this business could generate employment for up to 150 people.”
For the past three years, the family has also been cultivating Akabare chilli and ginger. Dhakal said Aakbare chillies are harvested annually and sold at wholesale prices of Rs 250 per kg and retail prices of up to Rs 400 per kg, generating an annual income of around Rs 300,000.
The farm spans a total of 28 ropanis, including orange orchards, black pepper, Akabare chilli, ginger, and eggplant cultivation. Emphasizing the need for government support in commercial agriculture, Dhakal expressed disappointment that despite operating the farm for years, they have yet to receive technical assistance from the state.
“I have repeatedly requested technical support, but the concerned authorities have shown little interest,” he said. “Without encouragement from the state, it becomes difficult to attract youth to agriculture.”
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