Case Study 3: Mr. Bamdev Chaudhari (40), Chailahi-5, Dang

Mr. Chaudhari became landless as his 7 kattha of land was flooded by Rapti River in 2002. He had an interest in vegetable farming earlier,

but was more convinced when Udhyamshil Krishi Multipurpose Cooperative Ltd. entered the village in order to sensitize the landless and poor for riverbed farming.

When Udhyamshil provided some input support through the group, Mr. Chaudhary actively started vegetable production with the support of his family members in 12 kattha of river bank. From this he saved NRs. 50,000 in the first year. He became able to continue his children's education with this income. He then increased his cultivation to 16 kattha and produced 42 quintals of different varieties of vegetables, which fetched NRs. 70,000. From this money he started a rickshaw business and also purchased three goats and started business for full employment. He engaged himself in this business as riverbed farming is a seasonal enterprise. However, he further plans to be involved in riverbed farming with the support of his family members every year.