Chepang Farmers Earn Income From Yam Cultivation
Why this is here: Farmers are selling their yam crops as seeds to other farmers, creating a sustainable cycle of local production and income within the Chepang community.
Chepang farmers in Makwanpur, Nepal are earning income from commercial yam cultivation. Farmers previously grew yams only for their own consumption. Khair Singh Chepang, 66, recently earned Rs 20,800 from selling 104kg of yams at Rs 200 per kg.
The Nepal Little Power Society (NLPS) initiated the ‘Chepang Identity and Food Promotion Programme’ three years ago. NLPS distributed ploughshare yam seeds sourced from Dhading and Tanahun. The organization currently purchases yams from farmers and redistributes them as seeds.
Somlal Chepang sold over 70kg of surplus yams after feeding his family. Over 75 farmers have received seeds through the program. Local officials say guaranteed markets encourage increased production and improve food security for the Chepang community.