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Licensed hunters have killed 10 Naurs (Himalayan blue sheep) and five Jharals (Himalayan Tahr) in the first season of hunting at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve this year.

Altogether 12 foreign hunters had obtained permits for hunting 12 Naurs and eight Jharals and 11 wild boars in the country's only Hunting Reserve for this year.

The Reserve spans 1,325 square kilometers and adjoins Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung districts. It boasts of 1,290 Naurs and 744 Jharals as per the census in 2021.

According to the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Office in Baglung, one licensed hunter from America could not come for hunting and another American hunter could not hunt the Naur. Hunters obtaining permits for wild boars also could not knock down seven wild boars.

Pashupati Adhikari, Information Officer at the Reserve's Office, shared that the hunters from the USA, Spain, Netherlands and Mexico had obtained permission for the hunting for this season.

Permit was open for Nepali hunters for hunting wild boars but the Office did not receive any application from the Nepalis hunters this season, added Chandra Shekhar Chaudhary, Chief Conservation Officer at the Reserve.

The hunting season for this year has been over while the next one starts from March to May.

Hunters along with guides, representatives of the Reserve Office and Nepali Army spend 15 days at maximum in the Reserve that is divided into seven blocks for hunting.

It is said that a foreigner hunter spends around Rs 2 million to Rs 3 million for bidding the price of Naur and Jharal, making necessary arrangements such as license, bloc reserve, helicopters, guide and equipment for hunting etc.

Buckwheat, known as ‘phapar’ in Nepal, is a humble crop with extraordinary potential. A pseudo-cereal and naturally gluten-free, buckwheat is packed with nutrients and thrives in Nepal’s high-altitude, cool climates. Its adaptability and health benefits have made it a staple in Nepal’s hilly regions, where it sustains communities like the Gurkhas, Sherpas, and Buddhist monks.

This versatile crop holds the promise of becoming a global superfood while preserving Nepal’s rich culinary heritage. But the problem is, as Bishnu Bilas Adhikari, an agriculture scientist, writes in his paper, “The demand of buckwheat in Nepal is increasing annually due to its multiple uses, which is not fulfilled from the Nepalis production. Buckwheat is imported from different countries including India, China, USA annually.” 

Despite its historic significance, my appreciation for buckwheat grew after a trip to Tokyo in 2014. At a small soba noodle shop, I savored a cold soba noodle salad prepared by an elderly chef. This experience highlighted the depth of buckwheat’s flavor and versatility. Back in Nepal, my encounter with ‘phapar ko dhido’ at a roadside eatery in Chitwan reaffirmed its culinary potential. The dish, similar to polenta, was served with local chicken, ghee, and a variety of accompaniments, showcasing how buckwheat can be the star of both traditional and modern plates.

The dhido was served as part of a traditional thali, accompanied by an array of local and seasonal vegetables, kalo daal (black lentils), stone-ground chutney, fermented radish pickle, crispy potato straw, gundruk ko achar (fermented leafy greens), and more. Each element of this meal complemented the phapar ko dhido, creating a symphony of flavors that showcased the depth and versatility of buckwheat.

This experience opened my eyes to the potential of phapar as a culinary hero. A more recent experience at Siddhartha Café introduced me to buckwheat momo—delicate dumplings with a nutty flavor. This innovative take on a beloved Nepali dish demonstrated how phapar could elevate gourmet cuisine while maintaining its roots. Siddhartha Hospitality Group, a pioneer in Nepali cuisine, presented buckwheat momo with such skill that I became an even bigger fan. The phapar momo, delicate yet packed with flavor, showed how this humble crop could be elevated to gourmet status.

Buckwheat is a sustainable crop that requires minimal water and grows in poor soil, making it ideal for Nepal’s rugged terrain. As the world embraces sustainable and health-conscious foods, buckwheat’s low environmental impact positions it as a key player in global agriculture. Nepal can market buckwheat as a Himalayan superfood emphasizing its connection to the Gurkhas, Sherpas, and Buddhist monks, who symbolize strength, resilience, and simplicity.

The versatility of buckwheat opens doors for creative culinary applications. We can incorporate buckwheat into dishes like soba noodles, pancakes, or Nepali-inspired momo and dhido. Additionally, we could also tap into the growing demand for gluten-free alternatives by promoting buckwheat-based breads, noodles, and snacks and highlight its low water usage and adaptability to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Phapar’s nutty, earthy taste pairs beautifully with Nepali fillings such as spiced greens or curried meat. Serve buckwheat momo with tangy tomato achar flavored with timur (Sichuan pepper) and mustard oil for an authentic experience.

By exploring its culinary potential and health benefits, buckwheat can reconnect younger generations to their heritage while attracting global food enthusiasts. With its rich history and adaptability, phapar is poised to become a celebrated superfood, embodying the resilience of Nepal’s people and landscapes.

With proper branding, Nepal can position buckwheat as a premium export. By sharing recipes and introducing phapar to global markets, Nepal can preserve its culinary traditions while reaching new audiences. But for that, we need to increase the production of Buckwheat. As Agriculture scientist Adhikari writes in his paper, “In case of high hills like Mustang, Manang, Dolpa, Mugu, Solukhumbu etc. where buckwheat is a major summer crop, there is still potential to increase its production and productivity.”

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

Bhoj Bahadur Tamang, 33, is known as a young agricultural entrepreneur in Machhapuchhre-4, Lahanchowk, Kaski. He graduated with a first division in management but couldn’t continue his education due to family issues. Later, he underwent hotel training and started working as a waiter, but he felt the urge to do something on his own. With help from friends and family, he ran a restaurant at Pokhara Engineering Campus.

However, he didn’t find happiness there either. He then went to Kuwait to work as a waiter. After 10 months, he returned to Nepal, realizing that if he could work so hard abroad, he could do better in his own country. At that time, his son-in-law was cultivating vegetables in tunnels in the village, which inspired him to try commercial farming. He initially rented land in Ghalegaun with his sister and started cultivating vegetables in eight tunnels.

“The villagers were angry, saying that if I farmed like this, none of the young people here would go abroad to earn a living,” said Bhoj Bahadur. “The opposition from locals only fueled my determination. So, I added 15 more tunnels.” However, the locals released buffaloes into the tunnels, destroying his crops. Fearing further sabotage, he decided to relocate his farming operations.

He then built 23 tunnels in a nearby settlement. Around this time, he won a lottery for the Israeli government’s “Learn and Earn” program, which proved to be a turning point in his life. The 11-month training taught him about plants, agricultural systems, technology, and entrepreneurship. Upon his return to Nepal, he began farming around his own house in Lahanchowk.

While many people from hilly areas moved to the valley, he rented land from others and engaged in integrated farming on about 104 ropanis (5.4 hectares) of land, of which only seven ropanis are his own.

Tamang produces grass for goat farming on 60 percent of his rural organic agriculture and livestock farm, with the remaining 40 percent dedicated to vegetables, including off-season varieties that fetch good prices. After returning from Israel, he also completed the Agricultural Technician (JTA) course through an 18-month program at CTEVT. Out of 100 students, he was the only one to complete the course.

Despite challenges like water, electricity, and transportation, he has successfully established his agricultural business. He credits the Lahanchok Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, under the Small Farmers Development Microfinance Institution, for helping him secure a Rs 3.2m loan. This loan, combined with his own capital, allowed him to expand his business. From June to November, he sells vegetables by hiring workers, typically selling 2,000 to 3,000 kg of vegetables daily. This year, he also sold 50 goats and still has 58 remaining. He employs four people regularly and up to 15-20 during peak seasons. He says his annual profit is Rs 1.8m. OGT students also come to his farm for training.

In recognition of his achievements, the province awarded him the title of Best Farmer in 2023. His wife, Shanti Bhattarai, has been by his side in all his successes. They fell in love while he was taking agricultural training in Israel and later had an inter-caste marriage.

Similarly, 62-year-old Pipla Bhandari faced difficulties in traditional rice farming, particularly with straw rotting. Five years ago, she decided to switch to fish farming. Having started 15 years ago, she has successfully turned it into a commercial venture in Madi Municipality-4, Chitwan. Initially, her sons dug the ponds, but they abandoned the project. Undeterred, Pipla and her 70-year-old husband, Kulprasad Bhandari, took over the project.

Just five days after her mother’s death, they resumed their work and formed a group to secure a loan from the cooperative to dig fish ponds. With a rural enterprise loan of Rs 5m, she expanded her fish farming business. From 31 kathas of land, she now operates on 11 bighas, with 12 ponds. The ponds can accommodate up to 350 large fish and 500 smaller ones in each katha.

Because the ponds have a natural water supply, she faces no water shortage, making her business easier to manage. She currently provides employment to three people on her fish farm, where she raises species such as Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, mrigal carp, Bigat, and Grass.

In the same way, 32-year-old Birendra Thapa Magar from Kaski Madi Rural Municipality-5 Madibensi is a passionate farmer. After completing class 12, he began bee farming and expanded his business to include a variety of agricultural activities. He operates a multi-purpose agricultural farm in Bangurpalan, about 12 km from Pokhara.

While many of his friends went abroad, Magar chose to build his future in Nepal. Initially investing Rs 60,000 to raise two pigs, the income was enough to support his family of five. He expanded his business by raising more pigs and investing further in the same land.

He became a member of the Sana Kisan Agricultural Cooperative, following in his father’s footsteps. By mortgaging his land, he took a rural enterprise loan of Rs 1.5m to expand his business. “I spent Rs 1.3m on infrastructure, and despite the lockdown, I continued working because I couldn’t give up,” he says. He now raises 51 pigs and sells the meat in the Pokhara market at Rs 580-600 per kg.

From the income, he built five vegetable tunnels and paid off Rs 1.2m of his loan, leaving only Rs 300,000 to pay off. “The subsidized loan made it easier. Without it, we would have had to pay 16 percent interest from others,” he explains. Magar hopes to further expand his business with additional loans in the future.

As the only son in his family, he values the ability to stay in Nepal and support his parents while earning income from his agricultural enterprise. “My friends now admire my hard work and want to follow my example,” he adds. He encourages other young people to stay in Nepal, as they can earn more than abroad.

Chandra Bahadur Shahi, after many years of working in the Gulf countries, decided to invest in agriculture upon returning to Nepal. He used the money he earned abroad to buy real estate, but it wasn’t enough to start his business. However, with his wife Anita being a cooperative member, he secured a loan from the cooperative and also received a concessional loan through the Asian Development Bank’s Rural Agricultural Enterprise Project.

Chandra Bahadur now owns three cows and seven buffaloes, selling 50 liters of milk daily. He earns over Rs 170,000 a month from milk sales, employing one person. Anita says, “From agriculture, we have food for our family, and we don’t have to look elsewhere for our children’s education. We are content.” Chandra Bahadur adds, “It’s better to be my own boss here than work for someone abroad.”

The rural enterprise financial project aims to transform subsistence farming into commercial agriculture, reduce poverty, empower women, and teach farmers to develop business plans. More than 2,000 people across the country have benefited from enterprise loans at subsidized interest rates.

Launched in 2019, the project, supported by ADB, aims to disburse Rs 6.126bn over five years. By 2024, Rs 4.32bn had been distributed, although the goal was delayed due to the pandemic. The deadline for completing the project has been extended to 2026.

Navraj Simkhada, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sana Kisan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd., notes that 2,008 personal and institutional loans have been disbursed across 550 municipalities. A total of Rs 3.86bn in personal enterprise loans has been provided to 1,970 individuals, and Rs 46.6m in institutional loans to 38 entities.

The Kathmandu Valley has witnessed continuous fall of temperature. Meteorologists said the trend will continue in the coming days. However, the weather here is fair.

Meteorologist Rogen Lamichhane said the minimum temperature was recorded at four degree Celsius this morning and now it is five degree Celsius.

The maximum temperature will hover between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius today. According to the regular weather bulletin of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the weather is partly cloudy in the hilly areas of Koshi Province and fair in the rest of the country.

Similarly, fog has occurred in many places of Tarai and Valley and in some other places of the country.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the weather will be partly cloudy in the Koshi Province and fair in the rest of the country while it will be partly cloudy in Koshi, Madhesh and Bagmati Provinces tonight.

The Department has urged all concerned to remain cautious of foggy weather in the Tarai and Valley and in some other places this morning.