A smallholder farmer, Raj Kumar Praja in the Chhapdada Rain Community is proving that a little support and a big idea can grow into a sustainable income. With a handful of vegetable seeds and some training from SVSI, he has created a unique small business that brings his family extra money every month. Few months ago, SVSI promoted eco-friendly farming and provided Raj with seeds for coriander, radish, and leafy greens. Using organic methods, he started growing these vegetables in small plots around his home.
But Raj did more than just grow and sell the raw vegetables. He saw a smarter opportunity to add value by making a popular local snack. He began preparing Chatpat, a spicy and tangy treat made from his freshly chopped radish, greens, and coriander, mixed with homemade spices. He sells it fresh to his community. His Chatpat quickly became a local favorite. This small business now earns him between 500 and 700 Nepali Rupees (NPR) each month. This is a meaningful amount of extra money for a rural family, helping to pay for essentials like food, education, and healthcare. "I never thought I could earn from just a few vegetables grown near my home," Raj says. "Now, with Chatpat, I not only feed my family but also make some money doing something local and natural."
Raj's story is a powerful example of the project's goal. It shows how supporting resilient, eco-friendly farming that uses local resources can create both better nutrition and new economic opportunities for rural households. His journey from a handful of seeds to a popular snack demonstrates that with the right support and creativity, even small-scale farming can yield big results.
