KAILALI: Pushparaj Bhandari of Phulbari Echgaon, Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-14, has been successfully running commercial banana farming for the past six years under his registered business, Bhandari Multi-Purpose Agricultural Farm.
Bhandari, who went to Malaysia for foreign employment at the age of sixteen, returned home after working abroad for 20 years and started banana farming during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“After returning from abroad, I was at home with free time while the whole world, including Nepal, was battling the pandemic. There was no opportunity to start other businesses at that time,” Bhandari said. “Seeing some people in the village engaged in banana farming, I decided to start it too.”
He cultivates bananas on one bigha of land and reports an annual turnover of Rs. 1.5 million with a profit of about Rs. 1 million. Bhandari sells his produce in Dhangadhi and nearby local markets.
With a family of five—including his mother, wife, and children—Bhandari supports all household expenses and his children’s education through this business.
While many seek foreign employment, Bhandari chose to stay and build his livelihood at home. “I want to show that if you have the knowledge, you can succeed in your own country,” he said.
“This business supports my family financially, and the best part is earning and enjoying life here with family, society, and friends. That brings true happiness.”
Currently, about 10 farmers in Ward No. 14 are cultivating bananas. Bhandari hopes the government will support the sector’s growth by providing subsidies and timely access to fertilizers and seeds at affordable prices.
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