23rd October 2025, Kathmandu
The story of Prahlad and Shanta Ghimire from Babiyakharka, Ramechhap Municipality-8, showcases how private initiative and property rights enable successful land utilization in Nepal.
After Prahlad Ghimire retired from government service, the couple chose to revitalize their fallow land through personal investment, turning it into a thriving fruit orchard. Their endeavor demonstrates how individual dedication, rather than state programs, drives agricultural success.
Strategic Private Investment in Diverse Fruit Plantation
The Ghimires have strategically utilized their private property, dedicating space to both quick-yielding and long-term fruit crops. Their orchard demonstrates how market-oriented planning ensures steady supply and diversified income.
The Banana Strategy: Market-Driven Harvest
Prahlad Ghimire planted exactly 365 clumps of banana (Kera) based on traditional wisdom, ensuring continuous market supply through private calculation rather than government planning.
Banana Varieties: Marchamane, Malbhog, Jhupri, and Gheu varieties.
Private Land Use: 10 Ropani of privately owned land.
Market Income: Expected to sell at least one bunch daily through private enterprise.
Major Fruit Cultivation Through Private Investment
On their 15 ropani private plot, the couple has focused on high-value fruit and spice saplings through personal investment:
| Fruit/Spice | Quantity (Approximate) |
| Mango (Aanp) | 300 Trees |
| Litchi (Lichi) | 200 Trees |
| Citrus | Sweet Orange (Junnar), Orange (Suntala), Lime/Citron (Nibuwa), Lemon (Kagati) |
| Spices | Pepper (Marich), Clove (Lwang) |
| Other Fruits | Guava, Aati |
Private Land Optimization: Inter-Cropping and Future Plans
The Ghimires employed inter-cropping, planting maize (makai bali) between young trees, demonstrating how private landowners can optimize resource use without bureaucratic direction.
Shanta Ghimire confirmed that as the fruit trees grow, their private land will transition fully to a dedicated fruit orchard through their own planning.
Private Enterprise Sets Agricultural Example
In an area where surrounding lands are often left fallow, the Ghimire couple’s private orchard stands as testament to what individual initiative can accomplish. Their success provides a market-based example to the local community, demonstrating the potential of commercial fruit farming through private enterprise.
As Prahlad Ghimire expressed, “The saplings have grown well; seeing them flourish like this makes us feel that anything is possible with effort.”
Their dedication to utilizing their private property proves that individual enterprise, rather than government programs, leads to agricultural success and local economic growth.