Gorkha. Meena Koirala, 43, of Dandidanda, Gorkha Municipality-7, is often found in the fields. She has been farming vegetables commercially for the past 11 years by renting seven ropanis of land in Koiralatol.
Koirala said that she earns more than Rs 100,000 annually by selling onion bundles along with seasonal vegetables. ‘I started vegetable farming by renting a small plot of land 11 years ago. Even now, I pay Rs 10,000 in rent annually,’ she said. She said that despite the lack of irrigation in vegetable farming and the harassment of monkeys, she has not given up her work.
Meena’s husband is in Dubai for foreign employment. Her eldest daughter is also in Dubai as a nurse. ‘She said that her younger daughter is studying dentistry in Kathmandu. Her son has reached grade 9 this year, she said, ‘My earnings are enough to educate her children and meet household expenses. At least I haven’t had to lend a hand to others yet.’
At this time, there is a thick crop of cabbage in her garden. It is time to dig cucumbers, bitter gourds and chillies. ‘After digging, the ‘season’ of cucumbers, bitter gourds and other seasonal vegetables begins. Then I prepare onion seeds,’ she said, ‘I don’t use pesticides.’
According to her, 11 years ago, there was no commercial vegetable farming in the village. When she started earning an income by cultivating vegetables, others followed her example. She said that women should not depend on their husbands’ earnings if they do some kind of profession or business.
She has not registered any agricultural farm and received government subsidies so far. She said, “I do whatever I can. I do not expect others to give subsidies, support, or help.” The main market where she sells vegetables is the Gorkha district headquarters.
Traders come to Meena’s garden to buy vegetables. She has experienced that there is no problem with the market like before. Bishnu Prasad Shrestha, Ward Chairman of Gorkha Municipality-7, said that he encourages hardworking women like Koirala.
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