In recent times, rural areas have been witnessing a steady migration to urban centers. Many villagers are planning to leave their hometowns for cities. Among those from Kimbot village is Loknath Kandel, who moved to Baglung market 13 years ago in search of better opportunities. Despite this, he is still frequently found in his village. The main reason for Kandel’s regular visits is his orange orchard.
Kandel, known as a leading farmer in the district, has not sold his land or home despite relocating. In Kimbot, he owns 320 orange trees, 250 of which are currently bearing fruit. He visits the village weekly to care for his trees. Having started orange farming over three and a half decades ago, Kandel began his orchard in 1990 (2047 BS) with an investment of NRs 35,000. Today, it has flourished, yielding increasing annual income.
At the time he started, Baglung district did not even have road access. Learning from local farmer Kasiram Kandel, who pioneered orange cultivation in the Bihu area, Loknath Kandel expanded his orchard over 14 ropani (7,140 square meters).
Kandel explains that his love for the village and his dedication to orange farming are the reasons he did not move far away. While neighbors moved with their families to Baglung market, he relocated mainly for medical facilities, ensuring proximity to his orchard. He proudly claims to be the largest orange producer in the area, with all his property remaining in the village.
He recalls how he previously grew millet and maize but could barely sustain his family. Orange farming has transformed his life, enabling him to educate his children, now living in Japan, the U.S., and Portugal. Initially, produce had to be carried to Baglung market in baskets, but today traders come directly to the orchard. Kandel notes that lack of proper marketing and fair pricing remains a challenge, as selling directly at the orchard does not always fetch adequate returns.
This year, Kandel has already earned NRs 15 lakh from orange sales, with an additional NRs 2 lakh reserved for family consumption. Starting with just 30 trees, he now has over 320 and has invested more than NRs 25 lakh in his orchard. Kandel observes that Kimbot is becoming a notable orange-growing village, with buyers from Chitwan and Dhading already securing orchards this season.
