Farmer Earns Rs 12 Lakhs A Year From Dragon Fruit Farming In Ilam After Returning From Foreign Employment

While many young Nepalis continue to seek jobs abroad, one farmer from Ilam has proved that agriculture can offer a successful and sustainable livelihood at home. Prabin Ingnam of Chulachuli Rural Municipality 3 is earning around Rs 12 lakhs annually through commercial dragon fruit farming, becoming an inspiration for many local farmers.

His success story shows how modern farming, proper planning, and government support can create income and employment opportunities in rural Nepal.

Seven Years Of Hard Work Brings Success

Prabin established Village Agro Farm seven years ago after deciding to invest his time and effort in agriculture instead of foreign employment. Today, the farm has become one of the largest dragon fruit producers in Ilam District.

Most of his day is spent taking care of the orchard. From sunrise until evening, he remains busy managing the plants, checking their growth, and preparing for harvest. Prabin initially began dragon fruit farming on just three kattha of land as an experiment. Encouraged by strong production and increasing demand, he gradually expanded his farm over the years.

Today, he cultivates dragon fruit on two bigha of land, including his own property and 38 kattha of leased land. The farm now has 2,800 Malaysian red dragon fruit plants, and production is expected to increase further this year.

According to Prabin, the expansion has significantly improved both production and income, and he plans to increase the farming area again next year.

Annual Income Reaches Rs 12 Lakhs

The commercial dragon fruit farm now generates around Rs 12 lakhs in annual income.

Prabin says the business has become profitable because dragon fruit requires relatively low maintenance compared to many traditional crops while offering strong market demand and attractive prices. Another big advantage of dragon fruit farming is its reliable market.

Prabin says he does not have to search for buyers because traders visit the farm directly to purchase the fruits. The harvested dragon fruits are supplied to markets in Birtamod, Damak, Urlabari, and Ilam. Depending on the fruit size and quality, prices range from Rs 200 to Rs 500 per kilogram, providing farmers with good returns.

Farming Creates Local Employment

Apart from earning a good income for himself, Prabin has also created employment opportunities for others. His farm currently provides regular jobs to five local workers, helping generate income within the community.

He believes commercial farming can encourage young people to stay in Nepal by offering sustainable employment and business opportunities in their own villages. Prabin's success has inspired other farmers in Chulachuli to start dragon fruit cultivation.

One such farmer is Mayatimaya Limbu of Chulachuli Rural Municipality 2. She established Chhathare Dragon Fruit Agriculture Farm six years ago and currently grows 650 dragon fruit plants on eight kattha of leased land.

Last year, after deducting all expenses, she earned around Rs 1 lakh 25 thousand from dragon fruit sales. As her plants continue to mature, she expects higher production and better income in the coming years.

Government Support Helps Farmers Expand

Government support has also played an important role in promoting dragon fruit farming in the area. During the fiscal year 2080/81, Chulachuli Rural Municipality provided Rs 4 lakhs in financial assistance to Prabin's farm. The support helped improve orchard management and expand cultivation.

Similarly, the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Ilam, provided Rs 2 lakhs 50 thousand to Chhathare Dragon Fruit Agriculture Farm under a 50 percent cost-sharing program for orchard management.

Farmers say these grants have helped improve production and encouraged more people to invest in commercial fruit farming. Chairperson of Chulachuli Rural Municipality, Rajendra Kerung, said agriculture remains one of the municipality's highest priorities.

He stated that the local government has allocated budget for new agricultural support programs in the coming fiscal year to encourage more farmers and strengthen commercial farming across the municipality.

Dragon Fruit Farming Expanding Across Ilam

Commercial dragon fruit cultivation is gradually expanding beyond Chulachuli.

Farmers in Mai Municipality, Rong Rural Municipality, Maijogmai Rural Municipality, and the lower areas of Ilam Municipality are also adopting dragon fruit farming because of its growing market demand and promising returns.

With increasing consumer demand, government support, and successful local examples like Prabin Ingnam, dragon fruit farming is emerging as one of the most promising commercial fruit businesses in eastern Nepal.