Aasharani Chaudhary of Lamahi Municipality–5, Lamahi, is primarily engaged in a pickle business. She is currently participating in the Lumbini Province-level festival being held in Ghorahi to sell her products. She says that since this is her main occupation, she regularly attends various fairs and festivals held across the district. According to her, she has been consistently running this business for the past 13 years, as it serves as a reliable source of income.
She produces and sells a variety of pickles, including bamboo shoot, green chili, bitter gourd, fenugreek, and mango. She mentions that sales are particularly strong during festivals and fairs compared to regular days. “Mango pickle sells the most,” she said, adding that she earns more than NRs 25,000 per month from this business. Aasharani shared that she initially received training from an organization called SWAN Nepal, which helped her start producing pickles commercially.
“I sell pickles at prices ranging from NRs 250 to 500 per kilogram, depending on the type,” she said. In addition to producing and selling pickles, she also works as a trainer in skill-based programs organized by local governments for women.
She noted that although many women receive training in pickle-making, they often face challenges in producing and marketing their products. At the age of 40, Aasharani says she has strong support from her family. She is also a former freed Kamalari. She expressed happiness in being able to earn an income through her own business. Under the brand “Lajajuni Freed Kamalari Pickle Industry,” she operates her enterprise and stores mangoes in advance for a year to ensure continuous production.
Aasharani emphasized that local governments need to take more initiative in marketing products made by women entrepreneurs. She added that many women are interested in starting pickle businesses but are held back due to financial constraints.
According to her, empowering women economically requires focusing on skill development. She also encouraged consumers to use locally produced pickles, saying, “We do not use any chemicals; our pickles are of good quality.” Recently, she noted, mixed pickles have become the top choice among customers at fairs and festivals.
