© Helvetas Nepal

Nurturing Prosperity: The Inspiring Story of Mr. Purnalal Acharya

BY: Pramod Bhari - 05. August 2024
© Helvetas Nepal

Purnalal Acharya's journey from humble beginnings to agricultural success showcases the power of determination. His commitment has transformed his life and inspired his community. As a catalyst for change in Kalikot, his legacy of resilience continues to inspire. He credits Helvetas Nepal, calling it his "godfather" for driving him to success.

Purnalal Acharya, 54, lives in Shuvakalika Rural Municipality of Kalikot district with his wife and younger daughter. Mr. Acharya is a resilient farmer whose journey in walnut cultivation has transformed not only his own life but also the landscape of his community. Through determination and innovation, Mr. Acharya's story serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential for agricultural success in even the most challenging environments.

Raised in the rugged terrain of Kalikot, Mr. Acharya inherited a deep-rooted passion for farming from generations past. Driven by a desire to uplift his community and overcome the region's agricultural constraints, he set out on a mission to cultivate walnuts.  

Nestled in the rolling hills of Kalikot, Mr. Acharya's walnut farm spreads across many ropanies of fertile land. Employing traditional wisdom and modern techniques, he thoroughly manages his orchards, nurturing soft-shelled walnut trees renowned for their rich nutritional value.

At the heart of Mr. Acharya's success lies his commitment to innovation. Embracing sustainable farming methods, he harnesses the power of trench irrigation to conserve water and optimize crop yields. Furthermore, he prioritizes organic fertilizers and natural pest control remedies, preserving the ecological balance of his orchards.

With the seasonal facility of motorable road in the village, he attracts buyers to visit his orchards and sell the products directly from the farm. This year he earned 250,000 rupees (USD 1,923) from soft-shelled walnut, which was almost double from the previous year. He doesn’t have to bother for sale because buyer visit to his farm and buy the product. He has expanded his orchard from 25 plants to 500 plants and expected to treat his future income as a pension crop.

Despite success, Mr. Acharya's journey has been fraught with challenges, from insufficient technical knowledge of grafting technology and orchard management practices. Through the capacity development events of MITO walnut project of Helvetas Nepal he has overcome his challenges and became an inspirational leader in the community.

Beyond his agricultural pursuits, Mr. Acharya is a beacon of inspiration within his community. He is a retired teacher and actively involved in local development initiatives. He champions the cause of sustainable agriculture, advocating for practices that benefit both the land and its people. His generosity extends beyond his farm, as he mentors aspiring farmers and fosters a spirit of collaboration and unity.

As the sun sets on another day in Kalikot, Mr. Acharya remains steadfast in his vision for the future. Eager to expand his walnut farm and explore new avenues of agricultural innovation, he envisions a future where prosperity knows no bounds. With a heartful of hope and a spirit fueled by determination, he continues to sow the seeds of change, inspiring generations to come.

Mr. Purnalal Acharya's journey from humble beginnings to agricultural success is proof of the determined human spirit. Through his unwavering determination and steadfast commitment to excellence, he has not only transformed his own life but has also become a catalyst for change within his community. As the winds of change sweep through the hills of Kalikot, Mr. Acharya's legacy of resilience and prosperity continues to thrive, illuminating the path for all who dare to dream. He acknowledges Helvetas Nepal for all his success in the farm and says that “Helvetas being a god father to me for driving me to this level”.