(21–23 April 2025, Dadeldhura)
With the financial support of Swallows of Finland and under the implementation of Sahara Nepal Bajhang, a three-day exposure visit for vegetable farmers was successfully conducted from 8–10 Baisakh 2082 (21–23 April 2025) in various advanced agricultural and livestock farms of Dadeldhura district.
Key Highlights of the Visit
Day 1: 21 April 2025
- Travel: Bajhang to Dadeldhura
- Visit: Internal Revenue Office, Dadeldhura – orientation on office management, administrative structure, and farm registration and renewal process.
Day 2: 22 April 2025
- Subhana Vermi Compost and Vegetable Farm, Bageshwar-4. Dadeldhura
- Owner: Chakra Singh Thakuri
- 14 vermicompost pits; 200 quintals annual production
- Sales price: NPR 35–40 per kg; Annual saving: NPR 1–1.5 million
- Customers: Agricultural Knowledge Centers, Local Farmers across Sudurpashchim Province
- Use: Seedling production, vegetable farming, kitchen gardens
- Feature: 100% organic compost production
B. Bhageshwor Agriculture and Livestock Pvt. Ltd., Amarghadhi-1, Bhatkada
- Owner: Dattaraj Awasthi
- Farming area: 18 ropani owned, 80 ropani rented
- 60 tunnels, growing a variety of vegetables
- Annual income: NPR 3–3.2 million
- Employment: 8 local workers
- Technology use: Drip irrigation, poly-tunnels, organic pesticides, compost manure
- Challenges: Red mite attacks, fungal diseases, cold weather damages
c) Prasad Awasthi’s Mushroom Farm, Amarghadhi-1, Bhatkada
- 2 years of operation; 16 poly-tunnels
- Commercial mushroom production using modern poly-tunnel technology
d) Group Vegetable Farming at Dhaulek
- 8 local farmers jointly engaged
- Use of modern techniques and collective farming
- Increased local production and income improvement
e) Prince Awasthi Agricultural Farm, Amarghadhi-1, Dhaulek
- Owner: Prince Awasthi
- 20 ropani farming area; 28 tunnels
- Vermi compost production and use
- Annual income: NPR 1.5–1.8 million
- Employment: 3 locals
- Technology: Drip irrigation, poly-tunnels, organic pesticides, compost, vermicompost
- Challenges: Red mite, fungal diseases, cold damage
Day 3: 23 April 2025
- Return Journey: Dadeldhura to Chainpur, Bajhang
Learning’s and Achievements
- Practical knowledge on organic compost production and its importance
- Commercial vegetable and mushroom farming techniques and management
- Understanding the potential of high income through local resources and skills
- Realization of the impact of collective farming and cooperation for sustainable agricultural success
The participating farmers expressed strong commitment to apply their learning’s into their own practices, bringing new energy and hope to their communities.