Hard Work to Smart Work: Janaki's Farming Journey

                                                                                                           From head-load to handlebars: Janaki's journey to smarter farming

Janaki Chaudhary, a 36-year-old from Shuklaphanta–5, Kanchanpur, lived with her joint family and practiced traditional farming. Her returns were low, confidence limited, and she had little knowledge of improved seeds, organic fertilizers, or bio-pesticides. She sold vegetables by carrying them on her head and relied heavily on chemicals- unaware of their long-term harm.

A turning point came when she joined the Chaudhary Pragati Mahila Farmer Field School (FFS) under the Skill Up project and was elected Chairperson. Through FFS training, she learned about organic inputs, improved seeds, and climate-smart practices. She gradually shifted to organic farming, eliminating chemical pesticides.

She further enhanced her skills through the Vegetable Enterprise Incubation Program in Chitwan, gaining hands-on experience in advanced farming techniques. She successfully applied these practices on her farm and now shares her knowledge with fellow farmers.

Today, Janaki practices seasonal, market-oriented vegetable farming with confidence. She earned approximately NPR 60,000 from cucurbits such as cucumber, pumpkin, bottle-gourd, snake-gourd and long bean in the year 2082 and invested in weighing scales, crates, and seeds to strengthen her enterprise. She now sells vegetables in nearby markets and uses a bicycle instead of carrying produce on her head - improving both efficiency and dignity.

A Climate Smart Learning Centre has been established on her farm, which has become a demonstration site and source of inspiration for other FFS members. Her group also received 50% subsidized seeds for paddy and pulses, along with fully subsidized training on mushroom cultivation, mushroom spawn, and plastic materials for production from the Agriculture Knowledge Center, Kanchanpur. In addition, with support from the Skill Up Project, she received seasonal vegetable seeds including cucumber, pumpkin, bottle gourd, snake gourd, long bean, cauliflower, cabbage, and tomato.

Reflecting on her journey, Janaki shares: "I used to farm without knowledge and depended on chemicals. Now I earn from my own decisions. FFS changed my thinking - I can guide others and speak confidently in meetings."

Janaki's journey reflects women's empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and community transformation.

Photo and story: Archana Gautam