TANAHUN, Oct 29: Ram Krishna Pokharel of Rishing-5 Ramjakot, spent eight years of his life in Saudi Arabia. He used to earn Rs 100,000 per month which was enough to cover all his expenses. But deep down, the money earned by staying away from his loved ones gave him no satisfaction.

Following his heart, he returned to his homeland and started goat farming since November 2014. After bringing Pokharel Goat Firm into operation, Ramkrishna has been doing his job with great pleasure. He started the business with 15 mother goats and with an investment of half a million rupees. Currently, there are more than 80 goats in his firm. Sometimes, there are more than 200 goats in his firm. He has been raising two species of goats.

According to him, he makes around Rs 600,000 a year by selling goats. "It's better to shed sweat in our own land rather than struggling in others' country," said Ramkrishna, adding, " I think my decision to return home was right as I am earning good money and most importantly I am happy." According to him, even the highest amount of money cannot give the pleasure that we get in our own land by earning even a little amount of money.

As fodder is one of the essentials for goat farming, Ramkrishna has been growing various kinds of grass in 30 Ropani land. "I have utilized my fallow land for growing grass for the goats," he said. There is no problem in finding market for the goats. "Farmers come to me to buy mother goats and other goats are purchased by the slaughterhouses of Damauli, Pokhara, among others," he said.

In 2015, the local Livestock Office provided a grant of Rs 100,000. He laments that the local unit has failed to encourage and promote goat farming. "We are trying to expand our business but the local government is not providing any kind of help," he said. In the future, Ramkrishna wants to replace is goat farm with cow farm. "The government provides no grant for goat farming but does for cow farming. So, I have planned to start cow farming in the near future," he added.

So as to prevent a loss in his business, Ramkrishna has insured his goats.

 
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