40-year-old Dil Bahadur Achami of Manthali Municipality-7 Bhatauli is involved in agriculture along with his teaching profession.

Using his labor and learning, he is showing others the potential in his village. A social studies teacher at Sthanapati Secondary School in Puragaun, Manthali Municipality-9, he decided not to waste any time outside of school and instead pursue a future in agriculture in his own garden.

Dragon fruit farming, which started in 2080, has become Dil Bahadur's identity in two years. With 400 dragon fruits on 100 poles around his house, the drought-stricken garden has been transformed into a lush green garden with fruits such as mango, pomegranate, lemon, banana, kurilo, and bhuinktahar.

Although the production was not much last year, this year Achhami's hard work has yielded good results. He has earned more than 270,000 rupees by selling more than 900 kg of dragon fruit produced in the garden at 300 rupees per kg. He has also started earning income from other fruits. 'Agriculture is not easy in our village where there is a shortage of water, but with persistence and dedication, it is possible,' says Achhami. Now he has increased his confidence that he can become self-employed in agriculture in his own village.

With more than 25 varieties of fruits and vegetables, his farm has become a multipurpose agricultural farm. This diversified farming is now also the main source of his family's income.

His wife Sarita Kumari Ramtel's role is important in achieving success in agriculture along with education. According to her husband's plan and teachings, Sarita embarked on a journey to turn a barren field into a green garden, supporting him in agricultural work. 'With constant hard work and a little skill, it is possible to become self-employed in agriculture in the village,' she said.