Dharan. Kedar Adhikari, a successful entrepreneur from Itahari, has become self-reliant through the flower and plant business. Continuing his love for plants since childhood, he established ‘Pashupati Nursery’ in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City-6 in 1990. The nursery, which was initially started with an investment of around Rs 2,50,000, has now been transformed into an investment of more than Rs 10 million. According to Adhikari, the nursery generates an annual income of Rs 35 lakh to Rs 40 lakh.

Adhikari’s grandfather and father started a flower and plant business. Inspired by his grandfather, his father started growing betel nut plants. “My father used to produce betel nut saplings and other varieties of flowers and fruits and sell them all the way to Birgunj, Butwal and Narayangadh. ’

At a young age, watering plants, weeding and planting flowers with his father was more of a pleasure than a game for Adhikari. “My father used to plant saplings, and I used to water them,” he recalls. It was satisfying to do so, and as the love and attachment to that work grew, he later chose this profession. My relationship with flowers and plants is connected to my soul. ’

Adhikari, who arrived in Canada only a few days ago, was attracted by the modern lifestyle there, but his heart was always in Nepal. He felt it was a matter of pride to do a small business in his own place rather than go to another country. Adhikari has been operating three nursery branches in Itahari after returning home after two years.

Currently, seven youths have been directly employed in Adhikari’s nursery. “It is really satisfying to be able to live in the country, earn income here and provide employment to others,” said Adhikari.

There are more than 2500 species of saplings in the nursery. Various species of exotic plants, seasonal flowers and fruits such as maniplant, terminalia, chinadal, Vietnamese coconut, taiqing jamun, mango, areca nut are found here. Some of the saplings are imported from Kolkata, Mumbai, Kathmandu and China while some are produced by the company itself, the official said.

“There is a huge demand for coconut and betel nut plants,” he said. The nursery run by Adhikari has now become the attraction of Itahari. Everyone who comes here is fascinated by the diversity and beauty of the plants. He said that many people come for shopping, taking photos and enjoying the garden.

According to the official, most of the demands are coming from online mediums like Tiktok, YouTube, Google and others. “We have been delivering all over the country. There is a lot of potential in Nepal for the youths who go abroad saying that there is no possibility in the country. With dedication, hard work and faith, you can earn enough income. Flowers and plants have not only given me financial but also spiritual satisfaction,” he said.

Young entrepreneurs like Adhikari, who gave up their ancestral profession and became self-reliant in their own soil by giving up the lure of foreign land, have proved that the path of employment and prosperity is possible within the country.