Baglung couple earns Rs 900,000 a year growing vegetables on rented land

A couple in Baglung Bazaar has been earning about Rs 900,000 a year growing vegetables on rented land. Kala Chhantyal and Ganesh Chhantyal moved to Baglung Bazaar from Dhamja in Kathekhola Rural Municipality-3.

They have rented about 5 ropani of land in Ramrekha, Baglung Municipality-1, where they have been doing commercial vegetable farming for the past 6 years, paying about Rs 60,000 a year in rent. Ganesh Chhantyal started the venture with his wife Kala after retiring from the Indian Army.

Their operation, called Chhantyal Agriculture Farm, has 5 plastic tunnels where they grow cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, tomato and other vegetables. The farm currently produces both seasonal and off-season vegetables, including the "Sarita" tomato variety. Besides vegetables, the farm also grows and sells seedlings of various crops to customers.

Kala Chhantyal said the farm's main income comes from vegetable sales. She added that selling cauliflower, cabbage and onion seedlings has been especially profitable, catering to customers who want to grow vegetables on their rooftops.