Prem Lama of Sanga in Kavre was ridiculed when he established Ashapuri Organic Farm eight years ago. Spread across five hectares, the farm now produces 30 kg of vegetables daily helping Prem earn Rs 1.5 million each month from the sale of 60 varieties of vegetables and fruits in Kathmandu and Singapore. “There is a high demand for mushroom and yakon (ground apple) in Singapore,” says Lama.
Govinda Sharma of Pattale Khet has also found a niche in the international market. Many farmers in Kavre have been inspired by Sharma and Lama’s success stories and have made Kavre the epicentre of organic farming in Nepal.
Just a few years ago farmers were heavily dependent on chemical fertilisers for protection against pests and to increase production from small area. But with increasing awareness about the adverse effects of chemical fertilisers, farmers have changed their ways. Kavre annually produces 150,000 tons of fruits and vegetables half of which is sold in Kathmandu, and the rest exported.