MYAGDI: After spending 13 years working as a driver in Saudi Arabia, Top Bahadur Chhetri of Jaljala Rural Municipality-8, Parbat, has successfully established himself as a dairy farmer. Chhetri, who returned home after falling ill abroad, started his ‘Goma Cow and Buffalo Farm’ in 2073 BS with just three animals. Today, the farm houses 14 animals, generating a monthly profit of over Rs 100,000 from milk sales.

The farm produces 90 litres of milk daily, valued at Rs 2,700. In addition to milk, Chhetri processes and sells dairy products including paneer, ghee, and buttermilk. He has successfully used the farm’s income to pay off debts of approximately Rs 6 million incurred while sending his children abroad. While the COVID-19 pandemic caused initial losses due to market access issues, Chhetri noted that technical training and grants received through the Gandaki provincial government’s enterprise development project have significantly improved his farm’s management.

“There are no losses in this business now. You have to work hard, and the income follows,” Chhetri said. He runs the farm with his wife, Goma, and employs one additional worker. The local Sangam Milk Production and Agriculture Cooperative collects milk from 40 farmers and manages sales in Baglung. According to cooperative secretary Khadga KC, farmers receive a subsidy of Rs 5 per litre through the veterinary hospital and livestock service center.

Chhetri plans to expand his herd to 30 animals and increase the production of dairy products. However, he identified the lack of skilled labor as a primary challenge, noting that the business requires constant attention, feeding, and cleaning. For Chhetri, the farm has become more than just an alternative source of income; it has transformed his family’s economic status.