A REWARDING EXPERIENCE

IDE honours Nepali entrepreneurs

- Stuart Taylor

KATHMANDU - At its recent meeting in Nepal, the IDE board recognized several Nepali entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the possible for small farmers and small businesses throughout the country. Speaking on behalf of IDE, CEO Rosalind Copisarow told the assembled farmers, shopkeepers and manufacturers, “We are humbled and truly impressed by your stories of success.”

All smiles at the award ceremony

Sita Sunwar from Syangja described how low-cost irrigation equipment has helped her to build up her own market vegetable garden, earning her three times her previous income as well as the respect of her family and community.

Agro Vets provide a range of vital inputs and services to local farmers. Narayan Adikhari explained how IDE has worked with him to develop better links with his customers in the villages, introduce new low-cost irrigation equipment and provide technical training that allows him to better serve his customers with advice.

Manufacturers like Ram Ashish Sharma work with basic equipment to make treadle pumps. IDE has provided training in pump manufacturing and continues to advise and inspect for quality control. Sharma sells pumps wholesale for less than $9.

Equipment dealers like Shrestha retail low-cost drip kits and treadle pumps. IDE introduced the technology and has provided technical and marketing support.

Kalika Vegetable Collection Centre in Surkhet is run by 15 farmers. The group purchases from local farmers and sells to traders. IDE has provided training, finance and market contacts which have helped the group to earn $45,000 in annual revenue while providing a valuable market for vegetable producers in the area.