Former principal turns entrepreneur, runs commercial farming on 70 ropanis in Dadeldhura

Dadeldhura: A former principal in Dadeldhura has become a model farmer in the district by transforming commercial farming into a successful agricultural enterprise worth lakhs of rupees.

After retiring from teaching, 66-year-old Kamal Singh Jhukal of Jhukal village, Amargadhi Municipality-9, established a multi-purpose agricultural firm in Aali, Amargadhi Municipality-8. He is now operating a modern agricultural business on around 70 ropanis of land.

Jhukal, who is also a former principal of Bhumiraj Primary School, has invested Rs 22 million so far in land purchase, irrigation, infrastructure construction and other management aspects.

At the firm, seasonal and off-season vegetables are cultivated on 25 ropanis of land, fruits are grown on another 25 ropanis, while the remaining land is used for producing grass for livestock. Irrigation has been arranged through lifting technology to ensure year-round production.

Jhukal has been involved in commercial farming for the past five to six years. His agricultural enterprise recorded a turnover of around Rs 2 million last year, while he said he was able to save around Rs 500,000 after covering all expenses.

He said that the agricultural business has not only generated income but also created employment opportunities for local youth. “I chose agriculture with the idea of doing productive work rather than sitting idle after retirement. With hard work and perseverance, the agricultural sector can also become a good source of income,” he said.

The Agricultural Knowledge Center Dadeldhura, the National Agricultural Modernization Program Implementation Unit, and the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Service Expert Center have been providing technical and other support to Jhukal’s agricultural enterprise.

The Agricultural Knowledge Center has also provided 500 walnut saplings and 100 kiwi plants to support his farming activities.