Durga Bhandari

Durga Bhandari

Durga Bhandari, a 39-year-old from Tilottama-14, Bankatti, has become a symbol of successful entrepreneurship in Nepal. Before she got married, Durga sought employment in South Korea, where she stayed for three years. After returning to Nepal, she married and soon found herself heading back to South Korea for another two years. The money she earned abroad allowed her to buy two kathhas of land, marking the beginning of her journey toward establishing a sustainable livelihood in her home country. After her marriage, Durga's husband went to Qatar for work, where he earned only 15,000 rupees, barely enough to cover expenses. Meanwhile, Durga stayed in Nepal and faced challenges in providing nutritious milk for her children. She decided to buy a cow and start raising it at home. This decision marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. She fed her children milk from her cow and sold the surplus to a nearby dairy shop, earning 7,000 rupees in the first month. Realizing the potential for local income, she called her husband back from Qatar. Together, they established a livestock farm, taking a loan to start with an investment of 2 million rupees. The Bhandari couple faced several challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when they couldn’t sell the milk produced on the farm. They adapted by reducing the number of cows and starting goat farming, diversifying their livestock to include local and Boer breeds of goats. This flexibility allowed them to continue their business despite market disruptions. Their proximity to supportive neighbors and participation in various training programs further facilitated their growth. They didn't see the municipality's programs as mere training sessions but as integral parts of their entrepreneurial journey, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Daayitwa played a crucial role in supporting Durga's entrepreneurial journey. The organization focuses on empowering rural entrepreneurs in Nepal, providing resources, training, and support necessary to sustain and grow local businesses. Through Daayitwa's programs, Durga gained valuable skills and knowledge that helped her manage and expand her farm. Today, Durga Bhandari’s farm has 18 cows and 32 goats. They have leased two and a half bighas of land, where they grow grass on 15 kathhas and cultivate food grains and oilseeds on the remaining area. The farm yields a good income, making it possible for them to cover household expenses and their children’s education comfortably. Durga's farm has become a model for other farmers, demonstrating that entrepreneurship is possible within the country. The Bhandari couple’s success has inspired others in their community to consider local entrepreneurship over foreign employment. The farm not only provides for their family but also creates employment opportunities for local workers. Currently, they employ several people from their community, contributing to the local economy and reducing reliance on foreign employment. Durga Bhandari’s journey from seeking employment abroad to becoming a successful local entrepreneur highlights the potential for sustainable livelihoods within Nepal. With the support of organizations like Daayitwa and a commitment to adaptability and hard work, Durga and her husband have built a thriving enterprise that benefits not only their family but also their community. Their story serves as an inspiration for others to explore and invest in local opportunities, fostering economic growth and stability within the country.