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A Journey of Love and Unshakable Support 

-By Nabina Basnet

Name: Birendra Khatiwada & Yashoda Khatiwada 
Address: Gaiyatar, Kamalamai Municipality 5, Sindhuli
Family Members: 4 (Husband and wife, 1 son, 1 daughter) 

Summary: 
Last year, when a tragic accident left Birendra unable to care for their cows, Yashoda made the difficult decision to close her grocery store and take over the farm. During this challenging time, her support became Birendra’s strength, helping him heal. Now, together, they are rebuilding their lives, and with the Holstein cows from Heifer Korea, they’ve found a renewed sense of hope for the future. 

“Last year, when my hand was injured while cutting grass with the machine, my world crumbled. Losing my ring finger was devastating, and I suddenly couldn’t take care of the cows or feed them by myself. In those dark moments, my wife made an incredible sacrifice. She closed her grocery shop to help me. Without her support and selflessness, I don’t know how I would have made it through that difficult time. Her love and support kept me going.” – Birendra Khatiwada

Background:
Standing by each other through every twist and turn of life, Birendra and Yashoda Khatiwada have dedicated the past 10-11 years to raising cows together switching from buffalo farming when the income proved insufficient. Despite not having formal education, Birendra and Yashoda pour their hearts into cow farming, drawing on the knowledge they’ve accumulated over the years. Their commitment is fueled by a deep desire to support their children’s education and dreams.  

Yashoda used to run a small grocery store in Sindhuli while Birendra looked after the cows. However, after Birendra severely injured his finger with the grass-cutting machine last monsoon, Yashoda closed the grocery store to take over the farm. It was an incredibly tough period for Birendra, but Yashoda’s support helped them navigate through the storm. Yashoda not only pitched in with the work but also became his pillar of strength, uplifting him during his darkest times. They reduced their herd from 15-16 cows because they couldn’t manage so many cows together anymore. Now, after a challenging recovery, Yashoda and Birendra are rebuilding their farm and lives. 

Heifer Intervention:  
Being one of the fortunate families to receive Holstein cows, Birendra and Yashoda’s lives have transformed remarkably. Previously, despite having 15-16 local cows, they struggled to sell even 100 liters of milk daily. Now, their two Holsteins produce 30 and 20 liters daily, respectively, earning them a steady monthly income of USD 756. This success has also enabled them to acquire land, enhanced their financial stability, and brought them renewed hope. 

Future Aspirations:  
Birendra and Yashoda’s dream is to expand their herd, increase their milk production and income, and pass the Holstein calf to other women in their community. Their goal is to share their success and help others in their community earn a living. They are driven by a desire to empower others and make a positive impact. 

Final Thoughts: 
Birendra and Yashoda’s journey is a powerful example of how far a strong partnership and support system can take you. Their story shows that with someone’s love and support, we can overcome any difficulty and achieve great things. Their journey is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the strength found in unity and the incredible potential of working toward a shared vision.