Local Official Balances Public Service with Profitable Dairy Farming in Bhojpur

Bhojpur. The Ward Chairperson of Pauwadungma Rural Municipality-1, Rajendra Tamang, is busy with commercial cattle farming alongside his public service duties. He remains engaged in productive sectors while fulfilling his responsibilities as an elected representative.

Tamang's cattle farm currently houses four high-quality breed cows. He is systematically managing the farm and attempting to increase production by adopting modern methods.

He has succeeded in earning income by selling the daily milk production in the local market. He stated that after deducting all expenses, he earns between NPR 25,000 to NPR 30,000 monthly from milk sales. According to him, one can become financially sound by investing in agriculture and animal husbandry during the remaining time while discharging the duties of an elected representative.

"If one can manage time effectively, success can be achieved in productive sectors alongside government responsibilities," he said, adding, "My message is that the youth should do something in their villages rather than going abroad for employment."

He mentioned that the income generated from cattle farming helps cover family expenses and inspires further investment. Despite the recent increase in costs for feed, medicine, and management, he shared his experience that good planning and hard work can yield positive returns.

Tamang's initiative has also helped attract local farmers towards commercial animal husbandry. Locals who visit his farm for observation gain information about cattle rearing and start thinking about starting their own businesses in their villages. Thirty-nine farmers in Shyamshila are now raising high-quality breed cows. This strengthens the potential for job creation and increased income generation at the village level.

In the context of Pauwadungma Rural Municipality prioritizing agriculture and animal husbandry by operating various programs, the active involvement of a public representative in this sector is viewed as a positive sign. Stakeholders state that the living standards of farmers can be improved if the grants, training, and technical support provided by the local level are utilized effectively.

Tamang informed that he plans to expand the farm further by increasing the number of cows in the future. He is also considering focusing on producing other dairy products alongside milk production. Giving the message that self-reliance can be achieved by working hard while staying in the village, Tamang urged the youth to be attracted to agriculture and animal husbandry.

He also shared that with the goal of making good use of the organic manure produced from the cattle farm, he has expanded kiwi cultivation in about 300 ropani areas. His family members provide necessary support for the work he has undertaken.