Blog

Breaking Barriers and Redefining Farming  

-By Dolma Ghale

Name: Samjhana Dahal
Address: Gaiyatar, Kamalamai Municipality 5, Sindhuli
Family Members: 4 (Husband and wife, 1 son and 1 daughter) 

Summary: 
During the lockdown, Samjhana Dahal, who once aspired to be a teacher, discovered a newfound passion in cow farming. Despite facing skepticism, she embraced this path with determination, leveraging her education and knowledge. Her journey from uncertainty to financial independence demonstrates how pursuing one’s passion can lead to success and inspire others to follow their own dreams. 

“Anyone can work in agriculture. Educated individuals, in particular, can excel in raising cows by introducing innovative solutions to existing problems. They are more capable of maintaining records on cattle feeding, personal income and expenses, and the quality of milk produced. Moreover, they are more likely to question and improve upon old practices and techniques.” – Samjhana Dahal

Background:
Samjhana Dahal, a cow farmer from Gaiyatar, Kamalamai Municipality 5, Sindhuli, has a story that most people have not heard of. With a Bachelor’s in Education and a Junior Technical Assistant program under her belt, Samjhana was on her way to becoming a teacher when the pandemic hit in 2020, sending the world into lockdown and turning her entire career plan upside down.  

Samjhana’s Journey from Lockdown to Cow Farming:
During the lockdown, Samjhana faced the challenge of managing her family’s needs without a steady income. Observing her neighbors thriving with cow farming, she realized it could be a promising opportunity. She started with one cow, producing 8 liters of milk a day, and as her passion grew, she purchased another, marking a new chapter in her life. In Sindhuli, it’s uncommon for educated people to run cow farms, and many questioned Samjhana’s choice. But she believed in following her true interests. As she continued to care for her cows, her love for the work deepened, and with wholehearted effort, success soon followed. Her education gave her the confidence to innovate and refine traditional practices. Samjhana believes that agriculture isn’t confined to any specific group; with interest and commitment, anyone can succeed.   

Heifer Intervention:  
Samjhana and her family were thrilled to receive cows from Korea. Now, with a local cow and a Holstein producing 29-31.5 liters of milk daily, she earns around USD 393 monthly, profiting USD 182-189 after expenses. Samjhana feels cow farming has empowered her and made her financially independent. She no longer relies on anyone for household expenses, personal needs, or her children’s education, gaining a profound sense of confidence. She encourages other women to get involved, believing from her own experience that financial independence brings both satisfaction and happiness. Supporting her family adds an extra layer of fulfillment to her life.   

Future Aspirations:
Looking ahead, Samjhana dreams of expanding her cow farming operation. She hopes to grow her herd, improve milk production and quality, and build a thriving business that supports her family and positively impacts her community.  

Final Thoughts:  
Sometimes life leads us down unexpected paths, and embracing these detours with an open heart can lead to even greater rewards than we ever imagined. Samjhana’s journey from an aspiring teacher to a successful cow farmer is a beautiful example of this. Her shift to cow farming, driven by both necessity and passion, demonstrates how embracing new opportunities and staying committed can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth.