From Retiree to Entrepreneur: Giriraj Basnet's Successful Dairy Farming Venture

Giriraj Basnet, a 58-year-old retired civil servant, has transformed his life after retiring from the administrative service of the Nepal Airlines Corporation after 30 years. With a dream to start a modern cow farm, Basnet spent two years researching the feasibility of animal husbandry, milk business, marketing, and export of dairy products. He finally established Greenyard Agro Farm, which has become a successful dairy farming venture in the Katahari Rural Municipality-7, Morang.

Key Takeaways:

• Basnet has invested Rs. 400 million in his dairy farm, Greenyard Agro Farm.
• The farm currently produces 3,000 litres of milk daily from 400 mother cows and 100 calves.
• Basnet sells milk to Kamdhenu Milk Producers Cooperative and Shivam Dairy on alternate days.
• He plans to expand the farm to produce dairy products like curd, ghee, butter, mohi, and paneer, making them available to consumers at a cheaper price.
• The farm provides employment to 19 locals and 5 seasonal workers, helping to stimulate the local economy.
• Basnet has developed a plan to continually raise calves and connect farmers with milk production.
• He has grown 100 calves into mother cows from his own farm using advanced technology.
• The farm also raises buffaloes and goats, with a gradual plan to reduce the number of goats.

Statistics:

• Rs. 400 million invested in the dairy farm.
• 400 mother cows and 100 calves currently producing milk.
• 3,000 litres of milk produced daily.
• 19 permanent jobs and 5 seasonal workers employed.
• 150 bighas of land used to grow maize corns for silage every year.
• 5% (of total production) is Aimed to be used in producing dairy products like curd, ghee, butter, mohi and paneer.

Sources:

• A news article about Giriraj Basnet's dairy farm venture