Farming Dreams: The Journey of a Successful Vegetable Grower - The Inspiring Story of Yam Bahadur Rana
I often heard inspiring stories about the success of off-season vegetable farming from others, and I was motivated to give it a try. However, I lacked the knowledge and direction to begin. My brothers frequently suggested I go abroad for better opportunities, but I was determined to stay and pursue farming in my own village,” shares Yam Bahadur Rana.
At 29 years old, Yam Bahadur Rana, the youngest of four siblings, hails from Ranishowra, Sahid Lakhan-6, Gorkha. Raised in a family whose primary source of income was agriculture, Yam worked alongside his parents in the fields from a young age to support the household. Over time, his three older brothers migrated abroad to help support the family financially.
“The training program was a turning point in my life. Although I had always dreamed of running a vegetable farm, I didn’t have the technical know-how. This program not only equipped me with the necessary skills but also boosted my confidence. The materials provided were a great source of motivation to get started. Today, I manage three plastic tunnels for off-season vegetables and also cultivate crops on an additional 3 ropani of open land. I’m now planning to expand my tunnels and establish a nursery,” says Yam Bahadur Rana.
In their community, crops such as millet, rice, and maize were staple foods, forming the backbone of agricultural activity. Vegetables, on the other hand, were cultivated only in small quantities to meet household needs, not for commercial purposes. The concept of large-scale vegetable farming had yet to take root.
During this time, Yam came to know about a commercial vegetable farming training program focused on tunnel house farming, organized by SAHAMATI and LWR in Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality. Seizing the opportunity to turn his dream into reality, he eagerly enrolled in the seven-day program. Along with acquiring valuable knowledge and skills in off-season vegetable farming, he received essential materials such as UV plastic, sprayers, and drip irrigation pipes to help launch his venture.
Currently, Yam earns around NPR 80,000 annually from his tunnel farming. Additionally, he serves as the treasurer of Ghaledada Krishi Sahakari Sastha and saves NPR 100 each month. To further enhance his farming operations, he raises pigs, goats, and chickens, producing organic manure that nourishes his vegetable fields. He emphasizes the importance of organic fertilizers, such as jhol mol, to ensure sustainable farming practices.
Yam’s journey stands as a powerful example of how determination, education, and a willingness to innovate can transform lives. From humble beginnings, he has successfully turned his passion for farming into a thriving business—inspiring others in his community to follow in his footsteps.