Ms. Puja Bogati, a resident of Thatikandh Ward No. 1, Khatigau, in Dailekh district, lives with her family of seven. Her husband is currently working in India for employment, while she manages both agricultural work and a small shop to support the family. She is also the secretary and an active member of the Self-Help Group (SHG)- Himali Women Group which is facilitated to by MCDS.
Although she had been regularly participating in all training and other sessions facilitated by MCDS and SHG meetings, her life took a transformative turn after attending a three-day training on professional vegetable farming. The training enhanced her skills and knowledge, empowering her to begin vegetable farming more professionally.
Ms. Puja shared, “Before participating in the training, I was practicing traditional vegetable farming, which barely produced enough to meet my family’s needs. After applying the knowledge I gained, I can now grow both seasonal and off-season vegetables in bigger quantities than before.
However, we still face challenges with proper road access and local markets. I, along with some helpers, carry the vegetables to the roadside, where local traders collect them and take them to Birendranagar, Surkhet, for selling.”
She continued, “Now, I am professionally engaged in vegetable farming, and the income I generate is enough to cover household expenses, educate my children, and even save some money. With the profits, I have also purchased a few goats and am planning to expand into professional goat farming as well.”
Ms. Puja remains actively involved in vegetable farming and expressed her gratitude to MCDS for the opportunity.
“A single training changed my life. It gave me the confidence to do something independently. I am proud to be recognized as a good farmer in my community. I sincerely thank MCDS for equipping women like me with such valuable skills.”
She also envisions a future where her community members adopt professional agriculture and livestock farming, generating sustainable income and improving their livelihoods.