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Several years ago, Birendra was on the brink of migrating to the Gulf countries in search of a better life. Despite his passion for farming, he lacked the resources and support to make his dream a reality. That’s when he met Narayan from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation project Sahaj. Their meeting turned out to be the pivotal force that would help Birendra transform his vision into reality. Birendra had already taken several government-offered training courses including Integrated Pest Management training (IPM), but he struggled to implement his knowledge on a larger scale. He dreamt of becoming a vegetable collector to support his agrovet business and assist the farmers in his community. But his door-to-door approach wasn’t working, and his financial struggles persisted.
Everything changed when Birendra became a local resource person (LRP) for Sahaj, conducting business-to-business (B2B) meetings with farmers across different wards in Yangwarak. He soon discovered a wealth of opportunities through Water Users Association (WUA) set up by Small Irrigation programme (SIP), one of Sahaj’s Partners. Recognising the potential, Birendra partnered with Sahaj to boost his agrovet and vegetable collection business.
Sahaj’s co-contribution allowed Birendra to acquire essential assets such as crates, sacks, seeds and pesticides. With these resources, he could effectively convince farmers to grow vegetables and establish market linkages. As a result, his business expanded, and he finally became a successful agrovet and vegetable collector he had always dreamed of being.
Before partnering with Sahaj, Birendra worked with around 55 farmers. Today, he collaborates with over 400 farmers and collects and exports 40-60 tons of vegetables daily. His success story is not just about his personal achievements but also about the positive impact he has had on the lives of others.
One such farmer is 72-year-old Manmaya Seling who always dreamed of growing tomatoes. Before meeting Birendra during B2B sessions, she mainly grew wheat and cardamom. Thanks to the support from Birendra's agrovet business New Bibek and Sahaj project, Manmaya is now a successful tomato farmer, having already earned Rs. 350,000 (CHF 2'252) last year.
53-year-old Mukesh Thatal – another farmer – also found hope through Birendra. After suffering a heavy loss in pig farming, Mukesh leased 20 ropani land (about 1 hectare), and with Birendra’s support, now cultivates vegetables like tomato, chillies, bitter gourd and other spices.
What sets New Bibek Krishi apart is its inclusivity. Birendra works with farmers of all ages and background, helping them every step of the way – from sowing seeds to collecting produce. His approach ensures that no one is left behind in the pursuit of agriculture success.
As for the future, Birendra remains committed to expanding his business helping even more farmers thrive.
Through his partnership with Sahaj and his relentless determination, Birendra Kafle has not only transformed his own life but also the lives of hundreds of farmers in his region. His story is a testament to the power of passion, support, and community.
The Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme (NAMDP), also known as Sahaj, is a bilateral project between the Government of Switzerland and the Government of Nepal. It is implemented by a consortium of Swisscontact (as the lead agency) and CEAPRED (Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development) on behalf of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).