Women entrepreneur Gauli turns into Dragon Queen

Amar Raj Naharki / Tanahun: A garden in Dhodeni, Byas Municipality-5 of Tanahun, has recently become a centre of attraction. Rows of cactus-like plants standing tall on green poles, decorated with pink and white flowers, surrounded by lush greenery, anyone who visits feels as if they are entering a park.

But this is no ordinary garden. From here, inspiration is spreading not only across Tanahun but also throughout Nepal, encouraging farmers to embrace organic farming.

The garden is run by Kalpana Gauli, who, after spending 16 years in teaching and 15 years in the boutique business, has begun a new chapter in agriculture. Gauli, who also serves as Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs’ Committee of the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries, Tanahun, has now earned the nickname ‘Dragon Queen’ in the agricultural sector.

Four years ago, she leased nine ropanis of land for 20 years and started commercial farming. On that land, she established ‘Maa Ambe Alaukik Krishi Farm.’

Gauli said, “Farmers often feel discouraged due to the shortage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. I wanted to show that productivity can be increased also by using organic fertilizers. That dream has now come true.” She has cultivated Siam Red, C varieties of dragon fruit using organic liquid fertilizers prepared from cow dung, composted grass, cow urine, and local herbs such as banmara, neem, bakaino, aloe vera, pepper, and others. This practice helps control pests and diseases while ensuring healthy production. Customers say the fruits produced here are not only pesticide-free but also more delicious and visually appealing.

“Because they are free of pesticides, I buy them regularly,” said Sobita Panth, a resident of Byas-1. So far, this fiscal year, Gauli sold dragon fruits worth Rs. 850,000, including fruits harvested in the fourth season. Last year, her sales reached Rs. 1.2 million, and she expects to double it to Rs. 2 million this year. With the plants continuing to mature and expand, production is also increasing. Gauli said, “In just three days, I sold dragon fruits worth more than Rs. 300,000.

Customers come directly to the farm, pick the fruits themselves, take photos, and make TikTok videos. Seeing their excitement gives me even more motivation.”Her farm has seen an investment of Rs. 15 million. Currently, dragon fruit is cultivated on 525 poles, and the farm includes infrastructure such as a warehouse, cold storage, guardhouse, and viewing tower. Her fruits are especially popular in local markets from Damauli to Aanbukhaireni.

Traders too have begun to prioritise locally grown fruits over imports from other districts. Since a single dragon fruit plant can bear fruit for 15 to 20 years, Gauli sees it as a long-term source of sustainable income. “Pesticides harm health, soil, and the environment. That’s why I fully rely on organic farming,” she said.

Having once spent her days with needle and thread in the boutique business, Gauli is now weaving a joyful and promising future in dragon fruit farming.