DANG: Combining his studies in agricultural technology with entrepreneurship, 27-year-old farmer Dasharath Saud of Kailali has found success in commercial strawberry farming in Ghorahi. With support from Bhaskar Pangeni of Kapilvastu, Saud has expanded his strawberry farm in Bharatpur, Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City-15.
Saud personally manages the technical aspects of the farm. Having been engaged in strawberry cultivation for four years, he reported a turnover of Rs. 2.1 million last year, saving more than half of the earnings.
Currently, he sells over 70 kilograms of strawberries daily, with the turnover expected to increase further as the farm area expands. Strawberries are sold at Rs. 700 per kilogram, and Saud cultivates them on two bighas of rented land.
“After studying agricultural technology, I wanted to apply my knowledge practically,” Saud said. “Establishing this farm has not only given me hands-on experience but also a steady income.”
He added that using modern agricultural techniques in traditional farming has been key to his success. Beyond Ghorahi, Saud cultivates strawberries commercially on 10 kattas in Kapilvastu and two bighas in Kailali.
Another young farmer from Ghorahi, 28-year-old Birendra Khadka, has also turned to commercial strawberry farming. A resident of Jabang Dudilabot, Madi Rural Municipality-1, Rolpa, Khadka rents land from Swargadwari Ashram in Jhingoura, Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City-14.
Having started an agricultural farm eight years ago focusing on flowers, he began commercial strawberry farming two to three years ago and reports growing profits.
Khadka said, “Strawberries are a popular and nutritious fruit with no difficulty in selling. Initial investment of over Rs. 800,000 for plants and drip irrigation using the mulching method has already yielded results. The plants planted at the end of Bhadra are now producing fruit, which is generating a good income.” He also cultivates melons during summer and centipedes for festivals through Dang Agromart Agricultural Farm.
Prithviraj Lamichhane, Information Officer and Agricultural Economist at the Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dang, emphasized the importance of daily sales for strawberries due to their perishable nature. He noted that careful packing and transport are essential to avoid spoilage, especially given the small local market.
Lamichhane added that Dang’s favorable air, water, and soil conditions make it suitable for strawberry cultivation, which has so far been limited to home gardens but is now showing potential for commercial expansion.
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