From Fallow Land to Full Bloom: Ramechhap Couple’s 365 Banana Plant Strategy Delivers Daily Harvest

23rd October 2025, Kathmandu

The story of Prahlad and Shanta Ghimire from Babiyakharka, Ramechhap Municipality-8, is a shining example of post-retirement entrepreneurship and successful land utilization in Nepal.

From Fallow Land to Full Bloom

After Prahlad Ghimire retired from government service, the couple chose to revitalize their fallow land, turning it into a thriving, picturesque fruit orchard. Their inspiring endeavor is proving that with dedication, anything is possible in agricultural investment.

Key to Success: Diverse and Strategic Fruit Plantation

The Ghimire couple has strategically utilized their land, dedicating space to both quick-yielding and long-term fruit crops. Their orchard boasts an impressive variety, ensuring a steady supply and diversified income.

The Banana Strategy: A Daily Harvest

Following the wisdom of their ancestors, Prahlad Ghimire planted exactly 365 clumps of banana (Kera). The traditional belief holds that this number guarantees at least one bunch of bananas will ripen every day, providing a continuous supply for the market.

Banana Varieties: Marchamane, Malbhog, Jhupri, and Gheu varieties.

Dedicated Land: 10 Ropani (a local unit of land measure).

Income Potential: Expected to sell at least one bunch daily.

Major Fruit Cultivation

On their 15 ropani plot, the couple has focused on high-value fruit and spice saplings, setting up their orchard for long-term productivity:

Optimizing Land Use: Inter-Cropping and Future Plans

While the fruit saplings were small, the Ghimire couple wisely employed inter-cropping, planting maize (makai bali) in the spaces between the young trees.

This technique ensures immediate returns from the land while waiting for the main fruit crops to mature.

Shanta Ghimire confirmed that as the fruit trees grow, the land will transition fully to a dedicated fruit orchard, maximizing the yield of Ramechhap’s local produce.

Setting an Example for Ramechhap’s Agriculture

In an area where surrounding lands are often left fallow, the Ghimire couple’s lush orchard stands out. Their hard work has not only ensured a fruitful retirement but has also provided a powerful example to the local community, demonstrating the potential of commercial fruit farming in Nepal.

As Prahlad Ghimire expressed, “The saplings have grown well; seeing them flourish like this makes us feel that anything is possible with effort.”

Their dedication to utilizing every inch of their land proves that a shift from traditional subsistence farming to modern, diverse fruit cultivation can lead to significant success and local economic growth.

For more: From Fallow Land to Full Bloom