Shankharapur Municipality-1, Kathmandu—Farmers in the Pokhari Khola area of Shankharapur Municipality have embraced commercial sugarcane farming as a sustainable livelihood, generating significant income. In Dhakal village, sugarcane farmers are currently engaged in the labor-intensive process of harvesting sugarcane and processing it into jaggery using traditional crushing machines.
The jaggery, locally known as "khudo sakkhar," is a natural sweetener made without chemical additives. Farmers produce this organic sweetener in large quantities and market it within the village itself. According to local farmers, this venture has become a lucrative business, with some earning millions of rupees annually from jaggery sales.
This shift toward sugarcane cultivation highlights the growing trend of agro-based entrepreneurship in rural areas. It not only boosts the local economy but also provides an opportunity for eco-friendly agricultural practices. With the increasing demand for organic and locally produced goods, the farmers in Shankharapur are setting an example of sustainable farming that blends traditional methods with modern economic opportunities.
Local leaders and agricultural experts believe that further support in the form of advanced machinery, training, and access to larger markets could help these farmers maximize their potential and make Shankharapur a model region for sugarcane farming in Nepal.
This success story underscores the untapped potential of rural agriculture and the need for strategic investments to bolster sustainable farming practices across the country.
