Many young Nepalis are leaving the country in search of a better future. Whether for education, job opportunities, or financial security, the trend of youth migration is increasing daily. Besides the migration of many youngsters, some have chosen to stay and make a difference right here in Nepal.
Today, in the series 100 Inspiration Stories in 100 Weeks, we will present the motivational and inspiring story of Biraj Khadka, who returned to Nepal and started farming after leaving Australia.
Introduction
Biraj Khadka is a young Nepali entrepreneur who left Australia and returned to Nepal to follow a different career path. Biraj and Rikma, who is his wife, both came to Nepal for a 2-month vacation from Australia.
When COVID hit and the lockdown ended, they chose not to fly back, and that decision changed everything. They fell in love with village life and embraced the simplicity it offered. With no farming experience, they started a new journey, embracing nature, sustainability, and a more meaningful way of living.
Early Life
Biraj Khadka was born in Kathmandu, Nepal. He went to Galaxy Public School, Kathmandu. He completed his high school at the ace institute of management. After completing his high school, he joined mass com and journalism at Sharda University for his higher Studies, and later he joined Kantipur TV HD as a Program Presenter. He also joined as RJ at Hits FM 91.2
He is the elder Brother of a famous Rapper and Singer, Chirag Khadka, also known as 555 Rapper. He was the MC in Miss Nepal 2012.
Why He left Australia for Farming
Biraj Khadka, after completing his mass com and journalism at Sharda University and working as a Program Presenter at Kantipur TV HD, was pursuing his career path with more dedication, but due to the load shedding problem in Nepal, it was difficult to engage with real time audience that creates obstacles on achieving his future goals.
Like other youngsters, Biraj also got frustrated with the Nepali System as he was already facing many difficulties in his current workplace, and he was already planning to go to Australia for a better lifestyle. So like other youth, he also chose to go abroad for better opportunities and career exploration. He then went to Australia and started doing different jobs. He used to host Nepali events on weekends in Australia. His wife, Rikma Mainali was studying for a Bachelor in Nursing in Australia.
Eventually, Rikma completed her study, so during her vacation leave, they visited Nepal and explored different cities of Nepal with their family Members. While they were on Kalinchowk, Biraj’s father showed him their ancestor’s village called Bigu gaupalika. So Rikma and Biraj both got fascinated by their village. It was locked down, so flights were canceled.
They started to explore their village and built a home, and with zero knowledge of farming, they started to grow different vegetables. They even Started Animal Husbandry with the first 50 goats. Later, due to different perspectives on farming by different people.
As challenges arose and people gave differing opinions about farming, the couple found themselves confused. In those moments of uncertainty, Rikma took the initiative to self-learn basic veterinary care out of necessity. She had no formal academic training in veterinary science, but out of desperation and love for their animals, she taught herself how to care for them. Later, both Biraj and Rikma joined Hasera Permaculture Farm in Dhulikhel for hands-on farming training.
They now grow a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms, lettuce, cauliflower, and beans. Though the journey was full of hardships, it became one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives.
Methang Permaculture Farm
Biraj khadka built Methang Permaculture farm through his dedication with the motive of introducing farming among young educated peoples. He named his farm Methang because that place was once called Methang Hill during his grandfather’s times, but when the people migrated from that place, the name disappeared but when biraj went back to his village and started living there he once again revived his ancestor’s village name and named his farm Methang Permaculture Farm.
They use organic Farming and are promoting eco- Tourism. They have collaborated with herbalists, they provide them raw materials and they sell rhododendron tea. Many trekking guests stay there and are learning farming and taking care of animals on the farm, like sheep, hens, cows, goats, etc, and are fascinated by organic farming.
They are having their best experience and also paid. It is promoting ecotourism in Nepal. The farm grows a range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, many of which are grown using organic methods. Some of the key crops include tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, and various herbs. These crops are grown with minimal use of chemicals, and Biraj uses techniques like crop rotation, companion planting, and mulching to ensure soil health and fertility.
Biraj uses natural fertilizers like cow dung and compost to maintain soil fertility, avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers that can harm the environment.
In addition to vegetable farming, the farm also focuses on raising livestock such as goats and chickens, rabbits, and Hens. These animals benefit the permaculture system, providing manure for fertilization and contributing to the overall sustainability of the farm.
Biraj’s vision for the Methang Permaculture Farm is not only to grow healthy food but also to inspire others to adopt sustainable farming techniques, especially in rural areas of Nepal. Through this initiative, he hopes to improve food security and promote ecological balance in farming systems.
Biraj Khadka’s Vision for the Future and His Inspiring Message to the Young Generation
The main goal of Methang Permaculture Farm is to create a farm that inspires the young generation about farming and provides them an opportunity to reconnect with their roots while working in harmony with nature.
Biraj and Rikima want to show that farming in Nepal can be both successful and good for the environment. They focus on using natural methods to grow crops, protect the soil, and take care of water and other resources in a sustainable way.
Biraj inspires young people to connect with nature and think about farming as a career. He believes farming is not just about growing food, it’s also about taking care of the environment and building strong communities.
He encourages the youth to bring new and smart ideas to farming to make it more sustainable. To share their journey, Biraj and Rikma conduct workshops and use social media, hoping to motivate others to try sustainable farming and experience its rewards.
They inspire the young generation that if you want you can do all in your home country; the only thing you require is your passion and dedication to any work you follow. They set a big example in society that it’s not the country that’s stopping you, it’s your inner dedication and passion and your way of thinking.
If you want to do something, anything, your dream, just follow it. Don’t listen to others, just follow it do every possible hardwork and achieve it. In this Temporary world, the only permanent thing that is going to stay with you forever is your experience.
Read our Another Inspiring Store’s About Rupesh Thapa
