Rasuwa, July 11, 2025 - In the remote highlands of Rasuwa, a quiet agricultural revolution is taking root—led by none other than a determined local woman, Lalmaya Tamang. Once struggling to sustain her household from traditional millet and maize farming, Lalmaya has transformed her modest farmland into a thriving source of income through the cultivation of Akbare Khursani—Nepal's fiery and aromatic round chili pepper.
Just a few years ago, selling one muri of millet earned her a mere NPR 3,000, barely enough to cover basic household expenses. But today, a single season of chili farming from a portion of the same land has brought in over NPR 50,000. The bright red chili pods, known for their heat and strong aroma, have attracted buyers directly to her field, with local sales fetching NPR 300 per kilo and Kathmandu markets offering up to NPR 400.
“We used to work endlessly in this field growing millet and maize, but the return was never enough,” said Lalmaya. “Now, customers come straight to the farm for the chilies—even before we finish picking them.”
Her success is not accidental—it is the product of courage, hard work, and timely institutional support. Last year, encouraged by her willingness to shift to commercial farming, the Uttargaya Rural Municipality stepped in to assist. The local government provided essential resources on subsidy, including chili saplings, mulching plastic, irrigation barrels, and other inputs necessary to ensure success.
“Once the municipality gave me everything from saplings to tools, I felt more confident to take the leap,” Lalmaya shared. “Even small support can make a huge difference for farmers like us.”
The result? Lalmaya has expanded her chili cultivation area this year, driven by both growing demand and increasing confidence.
Agriculture experts note that Lalmaya's story is emblematic of a broader shift in Nepal’s mountain communities, where farmers are increasingly turning to high-value crops suited to local climates. Akbare Khursani, in particular, thrives in mid-hill regions like Rasuwa, offering a promising alternative to traditional cereal crops which often fail to deliver profitable returns.
Beyond economics, Lalmaya’s story speaks to a deeper transformation—of resilience, adaptation, and rural empowerment. Today, she stands as a role model in her village, inspiring others to pursue innovative agricultural practices.
As Nepal grapples with rural poverty and youth migration, success stories like Lalmaya’s highlight the potential of small-scale commercial farming, especially when bolstered by targeted local support.
