Fields of Change: Bal Kumari Ghimire's Transformation through Vermi-Compost
Bal Kumari Ghimire, a resident of Rautahat, Chandrapur – 04, Kaptan tole, represent the spirit of resilience and entrepreneurship. At 49 years old, she is the treasurer of the Integrated Animal Developmental Agricultural Group, living with her husband, father and mother-in-law, while her two children pursue education outside the district. Bal Kumari and her family are highly dependent and engaged in the agricultural sector, relying on livestock rearing and agricultural activities as her primary sources of livelihood.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Bal Kumari's unwavering commitment to agriculture remained steadfast. Her journey encountered a pivotal moment when she decided to venture into vermi-compost production, a pursuit she had harbored for nine years. However, lacking the necessary technical knowledge and encountering resistance from her husband, she found herself unable to materialize her aspirations. Instead, she invested heavily in a buffalo farm, which became her primary source of income.
The turning point in Bal Kumari's story came with the inception of the Climate Change Adaptation & Advocacy Project (C-CAAP) in Chandrapur municipality, implemented by Rural Development Centre Nepal with support from Oxfam in Nepal. Through her agricultural group's association with the project, Bal Kumari's potential for climate-smart agriculture caught the attention of the project team. They recognized her existing infrastructure, particularly her buffalo farm, as an ideal foundation for vermicompost production.
Selected as a beneficiary of the C-CAAP project, Bal Kumari received technical guidance and support to establish her vermi-compost production initiative. With close guidance on infrastructure construction, bed preparation, and moisture management, Bal Kumari embarked on her journey towards sustainable agriculture. The project provided essential resources, including 20 kg of Eisenia Foetida sps. vermi-worms and other basic requirement materials support for vermi composting, enabling her to kickstart the production process.
Few months of dedication and hard work resulted fruit as Bal Kumari successfully produced vermicompost, which she sold within the Chandrapur municipality and utilized on her own agricultural land. Bal Kumari is excited and much hopeful with the production of vermi-compost and its scope with potentiality for the economic earning in future. She mentioned, “I will increase the vermi-compost production on larger areas by increasing the number of beds of vermi-compost production thereby producing bulk amount of vermi-manure and making a packet of 1kg & 5kg for selling in market”. Her entrepreneurial spirit has envisioned expanding her production capacity to meet growing demand.
Bal Kumari's achievements were further validated when she won the vermi-compost manure showcasing event organized by Small Farmers Cooperatives within the municipality. Today, Bal Kumari serves as an inspiration to her peers, advocating for the adoption of vermi-compost as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Her home has become a hub for vermi-compost sales, reflecting the increasing demand for her eco-friendly products. She is happy with the earning from the initiatives and has made her own recognition through this venture. Bal Kumari Ghimire's journey epitomizes the transformative potential of collaboration and innovation in agriculture. Through determination, resilience, and the support of initiatives like the C-CAAP project, individuals like Bal Kumari are paving the way towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for themselves and their communities.
