Nepal Integral Mission Society (NIMS)
Roji Pun Magar is a farmer who has long adhered to traditional farming practices, believing that if she did not plant crops, her family would go hungry. For many years, her efforts yielded limited financial returns—approximately 2,000 rupees from her land over a span of seven months. After project intervention, Roji decided to take a bold step by constructed tunnel for the first time and planting the vegetable. This decision marked a significant shift in her approach to agriculture, as she embraced modern farming techniques aimed at increasing productivity.
Within just three months of planting, Roji’s vegetable farming flourished, and she began to see the results. Overjoyed by the success, she expressed her excitement: “Before, I could hardly earn 2,000 rupees from this piece of land in seven months. But now, agricultural farming has provided me with better income opportunities. I have earned more than 60,000 rupees in just one season from vegetable farming. I grow tomatoes, onions, cauliflower, cabbage, and more on a yearly cycle. I am thankful to the NIMS team for providing us with the skills and opportunities to thrive. Now, my family has access to fresh, homegrown vegetables.”
Roji also received significant support in livestock rearing. The project provided her with two piglets and assistance in constructing a shelter for them. This support has enabled her to manage and organize the rearing process effectively.
She shared, “I have received two piglets from the project, along with support to build a shelter for them. This assistance has allowed me to rear the pigs in a managed and organized way. I found that raising pigs and cultivating crops in tunnels complement each other well. The manure from the pigs is beneficial for the tunnels, while the waste from the tunnels is used with other grains to make feed for the pigs. It creates a beneficial ecosystem here. I discovered that raising pigs is more cost-effective than raising chickens, leading to greater benefits. I already sold one pig for 61,000 rupees in fourth month of 2025, which I used to buy household food, grain for making feed, and to support my children’s education. At the end of 2025, again sold 5 pig worth 140,000. I am grateful to the project for empowering me to live independently. I am confident that the knowledge I acquired will help me become a more successful farmer in the future.”
Roji’s experience with agriculture and livestock rearing highlights her remarkable journey toward sustainable farming and economic independence. She acknowledges that her previous practices limited her ability to recognize and benefit from modern agricultural technologies. By embracing tunnel farming and livestock rearing, Roji not only improved her family’s immediate food security and income potential but also created new opportunities for the future.
