Farmers in Bhojpur shift to commercial buffalo farming with local government support

Bhojpur. Farmers in Lungin, Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality-2, Bhojpur, are increasingly turning toward commercial buffalo farming, encouraged by subsidy support from the local government. Moving beyond traditional subsistence farming, these farmers are now focusing on animal husbandry with the goal of increasing income and achieving self-reliance.

Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality has been implementing various subsidy programs targeting farmers, prioritizing the agriculture and livestock sectors. Specifically, to encourage cattle and buffalo farming, the municipality has provided support for shed improvements and the distribution of improved buffalo breeds. Chief Administrative Officer Mahesh Niraula stated that the program to distribute buffaloes and improved cattle has been running for the past three years with the aim of connecting farmers to income-generating opportunities. He noted that the municipality has been providing improved buffalo breeds at a 50 percent subsidy to help farmers earn income through milk production.

So far, 27 improved buffaloes have been distributed to farmers within the rural municipality, Niraula informed. Along with the distribution, farmers are also provided with technical training. Hemraj Karki, a farmer from Lungin, Hatuwagadhi-2, stated that the buffalo distribution program run by the rural municipality has been beneficial for farmers. He added that the shed improvement program, which accompanies the buffalo distribution, has made things even easier.

What was once limited to household use is now expanding into commercial buffalo farming. "The buffalo distribution program has directly benefited us," Karki said. "It has created a situation where we can earn income by selling milk and dairy products."

Local resident Dhan Bahadur Thapa mentioned that the milk and dairy products produced here are sold in local markets as well as nearby trade centers. Some farmers are also producing yogurt, ghee, and other dairy items. Ward Chairman Bichari Thapa stated that the Lungin area is suitable for animal husbandry, which is why they have emphasized this sector. Out of the 27 buffaloes distributed by the rural municipality, 22 are being raised by farmers in the Lungin area.

Rural Municipality Chairman Prem Kumar Rai said that special programs in the agricultural sector, including cattle and buffalo farming, have been implemented with the goal of making farmers self-reliant through animal husbandry. "We have distributed buffaloes under subsidy with the objective of increasing local production and raising the income level of farmers," he said. "This helps in connecting farmers to income-generating activities."

The rural municipality plans to further organize milk collection, processing, and market management alongside animal husbandry in the coming days.