From Traditional Farming to Thriving Banana Entrepreneur

Saraswoti Chaudhary, a resident of Krishnapur village in Kanchanpur district, comes from a family of traditional farmers. For years, she and her family grew vegetables using conventional methods. Although their hard work sustained them, they struggled to achieve financial security. In recent years, banana farming began growing rapidly in Kailali and Kanchanpur. Saraswoti saw this as a new opportunity for a better future. Determined to succeed, she decided to dedicate about 5 Kaththas (0.15ha) of her land to growing bananas. However, she soon realized that her lack of technical knowledge was limiting her success.

At this crucial moment, Saraswoti learned about a training program offered by the Skill Up! Project at Shree Krishna School. She eagerly enrolled, hoping to gain the skills she needed. The training proved to be was a turning point for her. She learned important techniques in banana farming, including staking, micronutrient use, fertilizer application, irrigation, manure management, disease and pest control, harvesting, packaging and marketing. This practical knowledge transformed her approach to banana farming. Saraswoti is now preparing to harvest her second batch of bananas in the spring of 2024 from 0.5 hectares of land. She expects to collect around 1,300 bunches of bananas, worth an estimated NPR 400,000. These bananas are the result of her hard work and realization of her dreams.

By this success, Saraswoti has planned to expand her banana farming by adding another 0.5 hectares. With her mentor from the Skill Up! Project, she is confidently planning her future and growing her business. Saraswoti Chaudhary’s journey is a story of transformation and hope. It shows the incredible potential that can be unveiled through education and determination, serving as an inspiration for others who dream of a better future.