Exploring opportunities within the livestock sector; Journey from working abroad to aspiring entrepreneurship
Exploring opportunities within the livestock sector; Journey from working abroad to aspiring entrepreneurship
Gruesome construction/labor work under the scorching sun, more than 2000 miles away from family and, adopting compromised lifestyle in an attempt to make a saving to support the family. This depicts the 5 years routine of Mr. Hemraj Sapkota. Despite holding an undergraduate degree, Mr. Sapkota was compelled to move abroad (gulf country/Qatar) to seek employment in an desperate attempt to earn a living for him and his family. Amid limited job opportunities, thousands of Nepalese youths move abroad in pursuit of fate and fortune and invest their prime productive years abroad-crushing reflection of today’s harsh reality facing Nepal.
“Demanding low cost labor work wasn’t paying well and I was not able to secure considerable savings for my family despite working extra hours and holidays. The work was overwhelming, it was draining me, both physically and emotionally. I couldn’t wait to quit and return home to my family”, says Mr. Sapkota. After nearly 5 years of spending his youth elsewhere, he finally made up his mind and returned back to Nepal. The strenuous experience fueled him with newfound motivation to crave opportunities within the agriculture sector. Sapkota family started low scale dairy enterprise; purchased two buffaloes from nearby village and started trading milk to local communities and Pokhara city, regional megamarket. Besides, he also has 14 goats, 12 local poultry and is engaged in agriculture and vegetable farming. From the sale of livestock and livestock produce as well as vegetables and surplus agriculture commodities, Sapkota family makes an average monthly income of NRs. 35000-40000, adequate enough to provide for his family, support child’s education, healthcare as well as other daily essentials. The mere satisfaction of being able to be present for the children and family has graced him with bliss and drive to keep moving.
Amidst his display of commitment and determination towards agriculture and livestock venture, AHTCS selected him for the 35 days Village Animal Health Worker’s (VAHW) training with the intention of supporting him in his enterprise as well as ensuring accessible quality veterinary treatment and consultancy services within the respective community. The training has equipped him with knowledge and skills on animal health, husbandry and management practices, disease and their management, clinical/technical competency and provided confidence to undertake basic veterinary treatment procedures. Within a month from the completion of the training, he has been able to garner trust of the community members; they call him during need to seek treatment as well as counselling services. He is constantly backed and mentored by the AHTCS vets and is always willing to learn and improve. Mr. Sapkota’s transformation is a true testament of sheer will and resilience and could potentially encourage and inspire youths looking to contribute to the communities.