Gyam Bahadur Rajali Magar
From Rejection to Renewal: How a Farmer Found Hope on His Own Land
Failure doesn’t define your destiny and Gyam Bahadur Rajali Magar is the perfect example for that. Magar, a 48-year-old from Hupsekot Rural Municipality, is the founder of Prem Pinda Tarkari Farma, a family-run vegetable farm. He began this journey after facing repeated failure in his attempts to become a Lahure (army),trying seven times without success. He knew he had to find an alternative path and not get stuck in this cycle of failure. He started vegetable farming in the 4 Katha lands and that was the turning point in his life . Before this, his work as a laborer wasn’t enough to support his family, and he lacked a clear identity in society. Farming not only improved his family’s economic status but also gave him dignity and recognition in his community.
During his attempts to get enlisted in the army , he often traveled to Bhairahawa, where he used to see some youth invested in vegetable farming. After the 7th failed attempt in the army, he was on his way back home and he didn't even have money to afford the fruits sold on the street. Magar got inspiration from those youth who were putting energy and effort into growing and selling vegetables. He marched on his journey of vegetable farming.
Once he began farming, his income started to grow and uplifted his living standard. His family and community members were also supportive towards his new venture. Over time, he had better knowledge and skills regarding farming and he loved his work more than ever. He mostly grows Kakro (cucumbers), Ghiraula (Luffa), Bodi ( Yardlong beans), Lauka ( bottle gourd) and other seasonal and off seasonal vegetables. He says that the speciality of his farm is that he has different kinds of vegetables available throughout the year.
He learned of the Growth Entrepreneurship and Employment Promotion (GEEP) program happening in Hupsekot and participated in it with the hope to acquire better business management skills. Other training programs taught him how to increase their production. But through GEEP he learned how to bridge the gap between his production and market area. Magar also learned that being smart and tactful will lead to success in his enterprise .
Magar, now plans on incorporating technology into his farming. He has brought a High spray Machine which he plans on using for pest control and fertilization. He envisions that using this technology will reduce any adverse effects on people’s health as well save his time on the farm.
He has been in this field for 26 years now and he loves what he does because it has not only provided him employment but also to his entire family. His two sons as well as daughter in laws are engaged in vegetable farming. The farm he started in just 4 Katha land has now expanded up to 2 Bigha in the present. He struggled to meet the financial needs of his family in the past but he has built 3 houses now. This enterprise has completely changed his life and he has grown attached to his land and farming.
Magar has set an example that if one path closes its door, that is because something better is waiting for you on the other side. He envisions a future where enterprise is flourishing in Nepal and everyone finds a purpose in their own land.