Ward chairman balances leadership and vegetable farming to inspire economic growth

Kanchanpur: Narendra Prasad Chaudhary, Ward Chairman of Shuklaphanta-3, is not only dedicated to his official responsibilities but also passionately engaged in vegetable farming. His evenings are spent harvesting vegetables from his garden, which he takes to market on his motorcycle every morning.

For three years, Chaudhary has managed to juggle his duties as a public servant with his farming activities. His afternoons are dedicated to ward work, while his days off are spent planting, weeding, fertilizing, and irrigating crops. This commitment to farming has not only supported his family’s household expenses but also earned him admiration as a hardworking and approachable leader.

Chaudhary cultivates vegetables on ten acres of land, growing cauliflower, tomatoes, coriander, radishes, chilies, fenugreek, yams, potatoes, and other greens. His wife, Savitri Chaudhary, actively assists in the farming process. Last year, the couple earned approximately NPR 500,000 from vegetable sales. “We earned NPR 50,000 from selling cauliflower alone,” said Chaudhary. “We’ve already sold the first batch and will sell the second batch next month.” Other vegetables have fetched an additional NPR 20,000 in revenue.

The Chaudhary family also grows seasonal crops such as gourds, cucumbers, bitter gourds, and pumpkins, which brought in an income of NPR 100,000 in the past. These earnings cover household expenses, including their son’s education, while Chaudhary’s municipal salary is allocated for social work.

“Supporting those in need, welcoming guests, and contributing to social projects are responsibilities we cannot ignore,” Chaudhary said. “It’s challenging to sustain such efforts solely on a municipal salary, but farming helps bridge the gap.”

Chaudhary believes that public representatives should lead by example. “Economic prosperity among residents is essential for sustainable development,” he said. “Hard work inspires others, and seeing their ward chairman labor in the fields motivates people to adopt a similar work ethic.”

In addition to his farming activities, Chaudhary is proactive in development projects. He donates his labor for upgrading village roads and ensures the municipality supports local farmers. Under his leadership, farmers have benefited from subsidies for power tillers, high-tech plastic tunnels, irrigation pump sets, and improved seeds. Training programs tailored to farmers’ needs are also organized, thanks to his efforts.

Before becoming the ward chairman, Chaudhary served as a village headman in the Tharu community, where he was responsible for justice administration, land distribution, cultural preservation, and development initiatives. His hands-on approach to leadership and development has earned him a second term as ward chairman.

“Despite holding a leadership position, he works like any other farmer,” said Bil Bahadur Chaudhary, a resident of the ward. “His dedication to both farming and development has made him a trusted and respected leader in the community.”