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🇳🇵 Nepal /Economy & Trade

Army retiree turns family farm into thriving dairy enterprise

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Shiva Bahadur Basnet, an army retiree, transformed his family farm in Dhankuta, Nepal, into a thriving modern dairy enterprise.
  • His business produces and sells caramelised milk fudge (kurauni) and other dairy products, providing local employment and selling to markets in Kathmandu and Sankhuwasabha.
  • The municipality supports dairy farming, with Basnet's success inspiring other farmers and demonstrating the area's potential for value-added dairy production.

Shiva Bahadur Basnet, a retiree from the Nepali Army, has built a successful modern dairy enterprise from his family's traditional farm in Dandagaun, Dhankuta. After 17 years of service, Basnet chose entrepreneurship over relying on his pension or seeking overseas work, revitalizing his family's livestock farming into a profitable business.

His dairy processing plant now provides employment for his family and local residents. The business specializes in kurauni, a caramelised milk fudge, with products also sold in Kathmandu and Sankhuwasabha. Basnet raises improved breeds of cows and buffaloes and collects milk from local farmers. His family is actively involved: one son manages milk collection, production, and marketing, while his wife and daughters-in-law assist with production.

Initially focusing only on kurauni, Basnet diversified into chhurpi (hard cheese) and ghee production as milk supply increased, processing around 250 liters daily. He notes that while orders are plentiful, the poor road network presents a challenge for timely deliveries. The kurauni sells for Rs700 per kilogram, with demand steadily growing.

There is no shortage of orders. The real challenge is the poor road network, which makes it difficult to deliver products on time.

— Shiva Bahadur BasnetBasnet describes the demand for his products and the logistical challenges he faces.

To overcome fodder shortages, a major challenge for livestock farmers, Basnet cultivated fodder grass on 1.02 hectares of land. Mahalaxmi Municipality, recognizing the area's dairy potential, has prioritized dairy production and launched support programs. Wards 1, 3, and 6 are designated dairy pocket areas, offering farmers improved breeds through cost-sharing schemes funded by federal and provincial grants.

Basnet's venture has inspired other local farmers who previously struggled to market their milk. They can now sell their produce locally for processing into value-added products. The municipality's initiatives, such as providing improved cows and buffaloes under cost-sharing programs, further bolster the region's dairy sector.

We grow grass on our own land, so we don't face any shortage of fodder.

— Shiva Bahadur BasnetBasnet explains how he overcame the challenge of fodder shortage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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