After retiring from the Nepal Police in 2020, Arjun Bista of Barahkshetra Municipality-6 initially considered foreign employment. However, he decided to pursue agriculture, believing hard work at home could bring success. His decision has paid off, as he now earns up to Rs 1.5 million annually from cultivating pineapples on one bigha of land. With expenses of only Rs 100,000, Bista saves around Rs 1.5 million each year.

According to him, the market for pineapples is good, with consistent demand and favorable prices.

He explained, "I’ve expanded my pineapple farm by adding more plants than last year. This has helped increase my income, and I expect further growth in the coming year."

He highlighted that pineapple farming does not require continuous labor throughout the year; with just one round of planting and minimal maintenance, the harvest yields substantial returns.

Bista sells his pineapples at prices ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 150 per piece. Local businessmen often purchase his produce directly from his farm. He believes that his farming business enjoys a unique advantage in the Barahkshetra region due to the limited number of local pineapple farmers, which ensures a ready market for his goods.

Aside from pineapples, Bista also earns additional income from selling pineapple plants. He sells each plant for between Rs 10 to Rs 20, which contributes to his overall annual earnings of up to Rs 150,000 from the sale of plants alone.

Bista's success story has been supported by local authorities. The Barahkshetra Municipality provided him with a subsidy of Rs 77,000 to aid his commercial farming efforts. This financial assistance has further helped Bista expand his operations and increase his productivity.

Reflecting on his decision to switch to agriculture, Bista expresses satisfaction and gratitude for the opportunities he has found within his community. "Farming has not only given me a good income but also the chance to contribute to my local economy and provide for my family," he added.

Bista’s journey serves as an inspiration for others who may be contemplating a shift in career or considering agriculture as a viable source of income. -- RSS