Sweat-Powered Commerce: Freed Kamaiya Families Thrive Selling Fruits and Vegetables Along the Highway
In the Bagar farmland area of Kanchanpur’s Krishnapur Municipality, the freed Kamaiya families sustain their livelihoods by cultivating and selling fruits and vegetables beside the roadside. Over 80 freed Kamaiya households in the Vanhara settlement engage in Bagar farming, earning up to NPR 5,000 daily. Despite government agricultural subsidies, irrigation support, and market management programs, these initiatives have yet to fully reach the Kamaiya families, who primarily rely on their own resources. (April 27, Kanchanpur)
Vehicles traveling along the East-West Mahendra Highway occasionally pause near the Vanhara area of Krishnapur Municipality. Small makeshift huts line the roadside, showcasing fresh cucumbers, watermelons, muskmelons, and gourds. During the intense summer heat, travelers stop here to quench their thirst with fresh produce before continuing their journeys. However, this humble roadside trade is not just about alleviating travelers’ thirst; it represents a vital struggle for livelihood and self-reliance for the freed Kamaiya families.
Neeraj Rana from Krishnapur Municipality-2 has been sustaining his family for the past four years by selling fruits and vegetables cultivated on Bagar farmland beside the Vanhara River. Most of his customers are vehicle drivers and travelers along the highway. “Earning income by selling fruits and vegetables from morning till evening along the roadside covers my family’s daily expenses,” he said. Rana lives in the freed Kamaiya settlement, on a five-kaththa plot of land provided by the government about three decades ago during resettlement. His family has been residing in a basic house built on that land.
Starting from mid-January, he cultivates cucumbers, watermelons, muskmelons, gourds, and bitter melons in the Bagar farmland, while growing maize near his home garden. These fruits and vegetables are sold right beside the highway. “Daily sales can reach up to NPR 5,000,” Rana reported. “During peak season, earnings range between NPR 50,000 and 100,000, which helps us sustain our family.”
Currently, more than 80 families in the Vanhara freed Kamaiya settlement are involved in Bagar farming. Local farmer Shivlal Rana, who has been selling fruits and vegetables produced along the riverbank for about six years, shared that he cultivates watermelons on seven kaththa and gourds, squashes, and bitter gourds on ten kaththa. “Last year, we suffered losses due to unsold watermelon crops, so this year I have reduced watermelon cultivation and increased other crops,” Shivlal said. “At peak season, sales can reach NPR 500,000, allowing savings of NPR 200,000 to 300,000.”
In his view, farming is the primary source of family income. “There are no other reliable sources of work,” he added. “The income from farming is essential to meet annual expenses.” Along the roadside, watermelons sell at NPR 25 per kilogram, cucumbers at NPR 40, squashes at NPR 60, and bitter melons at NPR 50 each. Raw maize sells for NPR 15 per cob. Many travelers stop in Vanhara area during summer to purchase fresh cucumbers and watermelons.
Ramesh Bohara, a driver who frequently buys vegetables here, stated that the produce is fresh and affordable. “Fresh vegetables and fruits are available right along the highway, and the cucumbers and watermelons here are very tasty,” he said. “Purchasing local farmers’ produce also helps support them.” However, Kamaiya trader highlighted the increased risk of accidents due to the need to trade right next to the road. High-speed vehicles pose ongoing safety challenges.
Shreedhar Rana, involved in selling vegetables and fruits, stressed the need for safe market management. “It would be much easier if the municipality provided a secure marketplace,” he said. “An organized location would reduce accident risks, but no initiatives have been taken so far.” Despite good earnings from Bagar farming, they emphasized it requires substantial investment and hard work.
Initial expenses for cultivating amount to NPR 30,000 to 100,000. Fertilizers, seeds, plowing, irrigation, and other costs add up, shared farmer Anita Rana. “Farming is not easy; it demands relentless effort day and night,” she said. “Only good management ensures high yields.”
Local resident Jugmani Chaudhary shared that sales from vegetables grown in the Bagar help procure essential household food items. “The money from farming buys rice, salt, and oil,” she said. According to Bira Rana, Bagar farming has brought positive changes to the lives of freed Kamaiya families. “The sweat we shed on the fields is not wasted,” he said. “Hard work yields good production and income. This farming sustains our livelihoods.”
Until recently, family members had to wander village to village seeking employment. Now, by selling their own produce, they have successfully made their families self-reliant. For the Vanhara freed Kamaiya families, Bagar farming is becoming more than just a source of income—it is a foundation for self-sufficiency. However, government programs on agricultural subsidies, irrigation, seed supply, and market management have yet to fully reach these families, who still primarily depend on their own investment and labor.
Ward member Lilawati Wadayak said, “With a little more government support, production could increase further. Assistance in market management and agricultural materials would boost our income.” The Bagar farmland along the Vanhara River has now become a beacon of hope for the freed Kamaiya families. From morning till evening, the fruits of their sweat in the form of vegetables and fruits not only meet their household expenses but also serve as a source of dignity and independence in their lives.