Age is just a number, boast 69-year-old Kulprasad Bhandari and 62-year-old Pipla Bhandari, who have been managing a thriving fish farm spread over 20 ropani (or 1.02 hectare) of land in Ayodhyapuri, Chitwan for the past four years.
The married couple say they have made around Rs 1.8 to 2 million in net-profit in a year when they did not have to repair the ponds. “Without deducting the expenses, our annual income from the farm reaches Rs 4.8 to 5 million,” they add.
Though the elderly farmers got involved in the business, professionally, four years ago, they have a 15-year experience in fish farming.
“The farm was actually started by our engineer son by taking the land on lease, but he wanted to quit midway,” Kulprasad told NBA. “Then we stepped in.”
The farm, with a Rs 15 million investment from five individuals, is supported by a Rs 5 million rural enterprise loan obtained by Pipla from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). She received it through the government via the Sana Kisan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiyasanstha Limited.
This loan, which aims to enhance the livelihoods of farmers by prioritising agriculture, was provided to her through the Ayodhyapuri Women Small Farmers Cooperative two and a half years ago. Pipla has already repaid Rs 1.2 million of the loan.
The couple has constructed reservoirs in 11 ropani of land.
“We have raised various species of fish such as grass carp, tilapia, silver carp and rohu in 12 ponds,” said Pipla. “We have not faced any market-related issue so far.”
The fish from the farm are sold in markets of Chitwan, Kathmandu, and Pokhara.
The endeavour of the sexagenarian couple has provided jobs to three local youths. The couple say they work on the farm 24/7 – feeding and taking care of the fish throughout the day and guarding the farm at night.
They plan to continue running the farm for a few more years.
“Though our sons have given up on the farm, we hope our eldest daughter and son-in-law will take over the responsibility in the coming years,” they say.
