Returning Home: Migrant Worker Trades City Life for Sheep Farming in Myagdi

Myagdi. Him Bahadur Chhantyal, a 50-year-old from Malkwang, Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-5, Myagdi, did not have to leave the comforts of city life to herd sheep after spending 20 years working abroad.

At a time when people are migrating from villages to cities and abroad in search of facilities, opportunities, and employment, Him Bahadur has returned to the remote region of Malkwang to raise sheep in the wilderness. "The money I earned working in the UAE for 20 years would have been enough to live a luxurious life with my family in Pokhara," he said. "But I wanted to do something in my birthplace. Inspired by the belief that someone must stay back even if others leave, I returned to my roots to start commercial sheep farming."

Him Bahadur has utilized his experience and capital earned abroad to operate the 'Malkwang Sheep Farm' in his hometown. While his family and relatives live in Pokhara, he travels with his herd of 600 sheep, moving between the lowlands in winter and the Himalayan pastures in summer.

"I kept the sheep shed in the Khalikhola valley at the foot of Malkwang throughout the winter after bringing them down in Asoj," he said. "With the arrival of Baisakh, we move the shed towards the highlands, reaching the Dhaulagiri Himalayan pastures by Saun-Bhadau." He finds more joy in the mountains with his sheep than in the noise, pollution, and stress of the city.

Selling around 300 sheep annually, Him Bahadur has not only become self-employed but has also provided jobs for three villagers. Having invested approximately 10 million rupees in the farm, he reports annual sales of 3 to 4 million rupees.

Sheep and goats are sold directly from the shed for meat and religious rituals. His experience shows that there is no shortage of market demand if production is maintained. Ward Chairman Amar Chhantyal stated that the Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality helped construct a shed in Khalikhola to protect the sheep from the winter cold.

The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Center has arranged for free vaccinations against internal and external parasites and epidemics. To ensure the safety of his herd, Him Bahadur keeps five dogs. He also keeps two horses to transport food supplies. He noted that the lack of grazing land, wildlife attacks, and climate change remain significant challenges in sheep farming.