Bharatpur: A shelter home in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-4 has successfully managed its operational costs through asparagus farming. The Narayandham Ashram has adopted organic farming techniques, focusing on asparagus, guava, jackfruit, and other crops, to sustain its financial needs while offering meals for 20 dependents and guests at no charge.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the shelter home’s manager, Taranath Paudel, explained that the crops and vegetables are cultivated through a combined livestock and agriculture farm. The shelter also raises cows, utilizing the organic manure produced to fertilize the crops. This method ensures that no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used in the asparagus farm.
The Narayandham Ashram has leased additional land plots for an 18-year term at an annual cost of Rs 72,000. Asparagus is cultivated on 15 Khattha of this leased land, serving as a financial cornerstone for the shelter’s operations, Paudel noted. The shelter’s investment of Rs 800,000 into asparagus farming has proven to be a viable financial strategy.
The shelter home reports selling approximately 20 kilograms of asparagus daily during the harvest season, with prices ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,200 per kilogram. This income is crucial in maintaining the shelter’s activities and providing for its residents.