Kathmandu— Around 15 years after a devastating flood hit Koshi Rural Municipality in Sunsari, Nepal, local farmers are increasingly turning to commercial vegetable farming. Fields that once lay barren have now been transformed into green vegetable farms, allowing farmers to earn a good income while living in their own villages and moving towards self-reliance.

Transforming Barren Land

Many farmers in areas severely affected by the Koshi River’s erosion have recently become interested in vegetable farming after removing sand from the riverbed and flood-damaged land. Ajit Kumar Jha of Koshi Rural Municipality-6 noted that many farmers have started cultivating eggplant, pointed gourd, and yard-long beans as major sources of income.

Daily Farming Routine

Local farmer Bindeshwar Yadav reaches his farm before sunrise to harvest vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, long beans, and sponge gourds. He then takes these crops to Laukahi and Inaruwa markets for sale.

Support from Agricultural Technicians

Ward chairperson Judilal Kodukiya stated that the land became highly fertile for vegetable farming after farmers removed flood-deposited sand. Farmers have been encouraged by agricultural technicians who provide guidance on proper cultivation methods, suitable seasons, pest and disease control, market management, and agricultural subsidy programs.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.