At a time when thousands of young men and women are migrating abroad daily after failing to recognize the vast potential of their own land, a former police officer in Parbat has demonstrated how unused river water can be transformed into prosperity. By utilizing water that once flowed away unused, he has built a business with an annual turnover of NRs 30 million.
Bikas Timilsina of Modi Rural Municipality–2, Deupur, Parbat, has been earning around NRs 30 million annually through rainbow trout farming in his village. After serving in the Nepal Police for 21 years and later completing a term as ward chairperson following the 2017 local elections, Timilsina entered the aquaculture sector with investments from four other local residents.
Located at the source of the Pati Khola stream in Timure, Modi–5 Bajung, the farm spans approximately 30 ropanis of land and operates with an investment of NRs 30 million. According to Timilsina, the farm records an annual turnover of NRs 30 million through the sale of around 30 metric tons of trout.
“The road leading to the farm is almost like a death route, but I have continued the business without losing hope,” Timilsina said. After retiring as a Police Assistant Inspector, he became an elected representative within three months of leaving service. Following the completion of his term, he has since devoted himself full-time to fish farming.
Surrounded by forest on all sides and rivers on two ends, Modi Rainbow Trout Pvt. Ltd. lies in a climate well-suited for cold-water rainbow trout farming. Located about five kilometers from Patichaur Bazaar along the Pokhara–Baglung Highway, the farm has become an attractive destination for visitors.
The trout produced at the farm is supplied to fish enthusiasts in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Currently, five people are employed at the farm, which produces around 30 metric tons of fish annually.
Originally established in 2014 (BS 2071) by Yam Prasad Sharma and others, the farm was completely destroyed by a flood a few years ago. It was later revived at a new location through joint investment by Bikas Timilsina, Yam Prasad Sharma, Prem Paudel, Rajesh Shahi, and Raju Khadka, with Timilsina taking responsibility for overall management.
Timilsina shared that after deducting all operational expenses, the farm saves more than NRs 10 million annually. At present, rainbow trout is sold at NRs 1,000 per kilogram.
