Hem Raj Mahato
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Authors
Archana Gurung
Issue Date
2016-02
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Agriculture
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Abstract
Practical Answers Hem Raj Mahato (29), lives with his family of nine in Deurali VDC, Nawalparasi. He works hard to provide a better life for his family. He owns three bighas (1 Bigha = 6772.41 sq m) of land and grows seasonal crops like paddy, maize and wheat. However, he had made little use of his land for vegetable farming. When he discovered the Practical Answers service conducted by CLRC in Deurali through social mobilisers, he learned more about farming patterns. Practical Answers served as a magical tool for transforming his living standards. Mahato started participating in interaction programmes on vegetable farming to answer his questions and concerns and kept learning more. He also took part in a three day training programme on off season vegetable farming. Following the training, Hem began off-season vegetable farming in 15 kattha (1 Kattha = 3645 sq.ft) of his land. He grew black-eyed peas, calabashes, bitter gourds, cucumbers and tomatoes. With guidance and lobbying from CLRC in Deurali, Mahato also received NPR 60,000 (£453) as grant from the Nepal Government’s fund for youth self-employment last year. This support kept him going and motivated to take part in different training sessions for vegetable farming. At present, he is earning NPR 135,000 (£1,019) from off-season vegetable farming every month. Mahato says, “Today, I am able to make a better living. I am able to educate my son and daughter in good schools. This is all because of the income I have generated through vegetable farming. These days, I am literally living my dream of providing a better life for my family.” Mahato is planning to concentrate further on off-season vegetable farming. He has also been educating his circle of friends, relatives and neighbours, including fellow villagers so that they can also benefit and improve their living standards.
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All Rights Reserved
All rights reserved
All rights reserved