A New Path Through Farming

                                                    Figure: Mina proudly harvests fresh bottle gourds from her commercial vegetable farm

For 35 years old Mina Chaudhary, from Pipaladi, Shuklaphanta Municipality–3, Kanchanpur, farming has always been an integral part of daily life. Mina had been cultivating vegetables for household consumption for many years. However, her farming practices remained largely traditional. With only about one kattha of land under cultivation, vegetable farming remained a small household activity rather than a regular source of income.

Mina was eager to improve her farming practices and make her limited land more productive. However, limited knowledge of improved agricultural practices, crop management, and market-oriented production meant that she continued to rely largely on the traditional methods she had learned from her family. Without access to the right knowledge and techniques, turning vegetable farming into a reliable source of income remained a challenge.

Mina’s journey took a positive turn when she joined Skill Up! Project. Through agricultural and vegetable farming learning opportunities, she gained practical knowledge on seasonal crop selection, improved farming techniques, pest and disease management, organic farming, and the safe and appropriate use of pesticides.

She soon began putting her learning into practice. With better planning and improved farming methods, Mina expanded her vegetable cultivation. “Earlier, I thought my land was too small to make much difference. Now I have expanded from one kattha to five katthas, and I want to continue expanding my farm and connect with better markets,” says Mina. She has also adopted practices such as tunnel farming, organic manure, and seasonal crop production, while reducing unnecessary pesticide use.

Her learning has also expanded beyond her own farm.  As the Chairperson of the Farmers Field School (FFS), she actively participates in learning sessions and shares knowledge and experiences with fellow farmers.

With her husband working abroad, vegetable farming has become a reliable source of income for Mina, contributing to her family’s income. “I want to expand my farm, adopt improved technologies, and build stronger connections with markets so that I can increase my income and support my family,” says Mina.

“The Skill Up! Project gave me the knowledge and confidence to see farming not just as a way to feed my family, but as a business opportunity and a pathway towards a more secure future,” says Mina.

Story and Pic by: Manju Joshi and Archana Gautam