Abandoning foreign jobs for Junar farming

KATHMANDU: Several young individuals in Ramechhap Municipality are leaving foreign employment behind to pursue Junar (sweet orange) farming.

Attracted by the dual income potential of Junar cultivation and intercropping, many youths are embracing this agricultural venture.

Himal Tamang, a Junar farmer from Okhreni, Ramechhap-6, explained that farmers can earn from both Junar production and crops like mustard, soybeans, and vegetables grown within the orchards. “After years of working in Gulf countries with no significant progress, Junar farming offers better income and stability,” he shared.

Having spent years in foreign lands, Tamang recalled his struggles as an unskilled worker in the Gulf region. He stated that systematic expansion of Junar plantations could generate earnings comparable to overseas jobs. “I worked in Gujarat, India, for 25 years, but dissatisfaction with the income drove me to return and start Junar farming,” he said.

Similarly, Ramkumar Karki of Sukajor, Ramechhap-7, spent four years in Malaysia with little financial satisfaction.

Frustrated, he returned to Nepal and began farming Junar. “The hardships abroad did not yield satisfactory earnings, so I decided to try something productive at home,” he explained.

According to Krishna Bahadur Bhujel, Senior Agriculture Officer of Ramechhap Municipality, dozens of farmers, including Himal Tamang, Tek Bahadur Tamang, Prem Bahadur Tamang, and Ramkumar Karki, have shifted from foreign employment to Junar farming.

He noted that their orchards and fruit quality are commendable compared to others.

Bhawani Basnet from the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernization Project, Ramechhap, reported that citrus farming in the district expanded from 520 hectares last year to 540 hectares this year. “The number of individuals returning from foreign jobs to engage in Junar and orange farming is increasing,” she said.

Basnet highlighted that there are no significant market challenges for Junar, making the business highly viable.

Factors like high production, absence of marketing issues, and increased profitability are drawing youths toward Junar farming.

Devarsi Sapkota, Chief Administrative Officer of Manthali Municipality, emphasized the importance of government incentives. “If the federal and provincial governments provide subsidies for such agricultural initiatives, it can significantly reduce the number of youths seeking foreign employment,” he said.

With growing support and success stories, Junar farming is emerging as a promising alternative for Nepalese youths seeking sustainable livelihoods.