Blog

The Power Pair 

-By Dolma Ghale

Name: Anita Adhikari and Surotam Adhikari 
Family: Anita Adhikari and Surotam Adhikari (husband and wife, 1 son, 1 daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law) 
Address: Gaiyatar, Kamalamai Municipality 5, Sindhuli 

Summary: 
Surotam and Anita started with just four cows, pouring their hearts into their farm to support their family and help their children dream big. Through financial struggles and tough times, their immense support for each other became their greatest strength. Their relentless spirit and deep bond guided them towards a future of independence and hope. 

Individually, they are strong, but together they are a force to be reckoned with!

“We are extremely grateful to Heifer for their support. The cow has performed exceptionally well, and we are satisfied with the results. So far, we haven’t faced any difficulties raising the Holstein cows, and our cow farming has also created job opportunities for two other people who help us care for them.” – Anita Adhikari

Background:  
Surotam, hailing from a farming family, initially explored other jobs but found true joy in agriculture. Ultimately, as a father with a daughter and a son to support, along with the responsibility of caring for his parents, he recognized the need for a more stable pursuit leading him to fully commit to cow farming, continuing his family’s tradition. 

Surotam & Anita’s Journey to Cow Farming:  
Starting with just four cows, Surotam and Anita poured their hearts and souls into farming, working tirelessly to support their family and their children’s education. There were times of great hardship when they struggled to afford their children’s education, relying heavily on their cows to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, Surotam and Anita never gave up and supported each other, finding joy and contentment in the simplest things. Their children are now settled abroad due to limited job opportunities in Nepal. Although reluctant, Surotam and Anita understood the necessity of their children moving far away for better prospects. 

Heifer Intervention:  
Anita and Surotam’s journey in cow farming took a significant turn when Heifer Korea provided them with Holstein cows. They decided to part ways with their four local cows to focus on Holsteins, which they found easier to manage and more productive. They believe this decision proved to be pivotal for their path to independence. Their first Holstein, now 2.5 years old, produces as much milk as four local cows.   

Anita, also a co-op member, learned how to care for the cows properly and adopt better farming practices through Heifer’s capacity-building training. Anita feels that this experience has not only boosted her confidence but also empowered her significantly.    

Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts: 
Looking to the future, Anita and Surotam hope their cow farm continues to flourish and produce even more milk. They dream of sharing their knowledge and Heifer’s gift with other families, helping them achieve financial independence and economic empowerment. They also look forward to a peaceful retirement, cherishing quality time with their children and grandchildren. Their story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in perseverance, the magic of partnership, and the heartfelt desire to uplift others.