From rebel to farmer: Ex-Maoist finds success in agriculture

Krishna Niraula, 51, from Limchungbung Rural Municipality-2, Udayapur, once embraced the armed people’s war led by the then CPN-Maoist, believing that revolution could only succeed through a combination of the pen, pencil, and gun. Now, he has renounced politics and embarked on an agricultural revolution.

Niraula joined the Maoists on 6 March 1997, during the 10-year people’s war, where he initially played the Madal (a traditional drum). Today, he cultivates oranges and lemons on his 13-aana land, finding fulfillment in farming.

“When the Maoists embraced the parliamentary system, I felt the revolution was no longer possible, and the achievements could not be sustained. I returned home in tears and took up agriculture,” he shares. Niraula now manages 500 orange trees and 150 lemon plants, generating a substantial income.

For the past four years, he has earned approximately Rs 600,000 annually, and he estimates earning over Rs 1m in this year’s orange season alone. Despite some marketing challenges, oranges sell for Rs 90 to 100 per kilogram locally and Rs 150 in commercial hubs like Gaighat, Murkuchi, and Katari.

Inspired by his efforts, 80 other families in Tamlicha have joined in orange and lemon farming. Niraula predicts that this season alone, more than 10 vehicles filled with oranges from Tamlicha will be sent to commercial centers, bringing over Rs 50m in revenue to the village.

Oranges bloom in late February and are ready for harvest within 8-9 months. While the rural municipality and the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernization Project provide some support, such as an irrigation water storage system for 80 liters, large-scale assistance remains absent.

Niraula’s orange farming has transformed his family’s life. “With the income, I’ve funded my children’s education and healthcare. My eldest daughter, who holds a master’s degree, is married to a Korean national. My younger daughter is pursuing an ISC degree, and my son is preparing to study IT after completing Class 12 in science,” he says.

Recalling his days in politics, Niraula admits that he returned home in despair after the revolution he envisioned fell short. “I believed building the country would also build my home. But when I returned, I found my house destroyed, my parents aged, my wife unwell, and my children like orphans. I spent months crying,” he recalls, standing in front of his dilapidated house.

Reflecting on the political system, he laments, “What was the purpose of the people’s war when the children of ordinary poor families can’t even contest elections? The current government and electoral system are deeply flawed.” He adds that without a fully proportional system, the revolution remains incomplete.

Niraula’s political journey began with the UML, inspired by Manmohan Adhikari’s nine-month tenure. Later, disillusioned with the parliamentary system, he joined the people’s war. During the conflict, he served as the district president of the Jana Sanskriti Manch, led the Jana Sanskriti family, and chaired the Tamlicha People’s Government from 1998 to 2000, addressing feudalism and corruption.

He also led the All Nepal Revolutionary Farmers’ Organization as district secretary and president for two terms, advocating for an agricultural revolution. Although he holds a position on the Koshi Province Committee, he remains inactive. “I now want to live as a free citizen,” he says.

Disenchanted with politics, especially after the Maoists endorsed the controversial MCC agreement, Niraula declares that all three major parties in Nepal are alike. “There is no point in supporting the Maoists anymore,” he asserts.

Determined to chart a new path, Niraula has registered an agricultural and animal husbandry firm, using his ancestral 15–20 ropani of land to drive an agricultural revolution. Born to Ambar Bahadur and Ambikadevi Khatri, he has first hand experience of clashes in Ramechhap’s Lapchane, Bhojpur’s Hatuwagadhi, Siraha’s Bandipur, Choharwa, and Udaipur’s Gaighat Karamagachi during the people’s war.

Now, Niraula channels his energy into farming, turning his disillusionment with politics into hope for a self-reliant future.