Ilam, November 15
Dinesh Mahat of Kajeni in Suryodaya Municipality-8 has been earning a good income through commercial cattle farming while also providing employment to two local youths.
Mahat established B&M Agriculture and Livestock Farm four years ago with an investment of Rs 3 million. The farm currently has 10 adult cows, including five that are being milked and five expected to give birth soon. It also has 14 heifers being raised.
The farm produces 50 to 60 litres of milk daily, which Mahat sells to a nearby cooperative at Rs 55 to Rs 60 per litre. He said the annual income from milk sales amounts to around Rs 1.1 million. However, he complained that the price of milk was low compared to his investment.
Having become self-employed through cattle farming, Mahat has employed two young people at the farm, paying each a monthly salary of Rs 18,000 along with food and accommodation.
To support the farm, he has cultivated Super Napier, broom grass and other varieties of fodder on 30 ropanis of land.
Alongside cattle farming, Mahat has leased 100 ropanis of land, cultivating chayote commercially on 40 ropanis and tea on the remaining land. He also uses cow dung as manure for his own agricultural activities.
Mahat said he chose commercial farming and livestock rearing to demonstrate that people can earn a better income by staying in their villages than by going abroad. He emphasised the need to encourage young people to pursue self-employment opportunities within the country.
