Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Palta Khuna’s Journey to Prosperity

Palta Khuna, a resident of Krishnapur Municipality–4, Belkundi, Kanchanpur, comes from a Mukta Kamaiya (freed bonded laborer) family. Despite gaining freedom, his family continued to struggle with poverty. With only 5 kattha of land, a small retail shop, and limited income, meeting household expenses and providing quality education for his two children was difficult.

Palta Khuna at his farm. ``` To support his family, Palta collected and sold firewood in nearby markets. The work was physically demanding and time-consuming yet brought in very little income. He also used to grow paddy, wheat, and seasonal vegetables using traditional farming methods. However, the limited knowledge of commercial vegetable production and modern farming practices kept productivity and income low. ```

A turning point came when he joined the Ekata Farmers' Field School (FFS) in Krishnapur Municipality–4 under the Skill Up! project. Through practical training, regular technical support, and mentoring, he learned climate-smart and commercial vegetable farming including Integrated Pest Management (IPM), soil fertility management, nursery management, organic farming, improved cultivation techniques and nutrition.

He further enhanced his skills and knowledge through the Vegetable Enterprise Incubation Program at Madi Prangarik Krishi Farm in Chitwan, where he gained hands-on experience in advanced vegetable production techniques, irrigation, pest management, climate-smart agriculture and organic farming, post-harvest handling, organic fertilizer preparation, and agribusiness. After returning home, he successfully applied these techniques on his own farm and began sharing his knowledge with fellow farmers.

With the knowledge and confidence he gained, Palta expanded his cultivated land from 5 kattha to 10 kattha and shifted to commercial vegetable farming. His productivity and income increased significantly, and today he earns approximately NPR 500,000 annually from vegetable production.

The increased income has transformed his family's life. He can now provide quality education for his two children, ensure nutritious meals, and meet household expenses. He has purchased an additional 2 kattha of land, bought a mini tiller and maintained a bank account for savings. These achievements have strengthened his family's financial security and earned him recognition in his community.

Looking ahead, Palta plans to further expand his vegetable enterprise by adopting modern technology, increasing production, strengthening market linkages and continuing to mentor other vulnerable families and youth interested in commercial farming.  

Palta Khuna's journey highlights the transformative impact of the Skill Up Project and the Farmers' Field School approach. From earning a meager income by selling firewood, Palta has become a successful vegetable entrepreneur and a respected role model in his community, demonstrating that commercial agriculture can provide a sustainable pathway out of poverty.

Story Collection & Photo: Ram Kisan Chaudhary

Story Finalization: Archana Gautam