Laxmi, a woman in her sixties from Nepal, has become a pioneering figure in her community, inspiring women to embrace modern farming techniques and fostering economic independence. Four years ago, Laxmi joined Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture program. Initially, she struggled with tomato farming, but with the support of Convoy’s agriculture consultants and some additional resources, she gradually transformed her farm into a flourishing business.
“Before Convoy training, I only knew traditional farming — rice, millet, and potatoes. It was just enough to survive. Now, I can grow crops that let us thrive,” Laxmi said.
Laxmi’s journey began with simple crops — just enough to sustain her family, but not enough to provide additional income. With Convoy’s training, she learned to cultivate high-value crops like cauliflower and chili peppers on her 22 ropani of farmland. A ropani is a unit of measurement used in hilly regions of Nepal. It is equivalent to 74 feet by 74 feet, or 5,476 square feet.
Equipped with resources like high tunnels, organic pesticides, and fertilizers, Laxmi mastered techniques such as crop rotation and organic farming. Today, she proudly maintains a 100% organic farm and provides her community with healthier produce and a higher-quality product.
“I’m proud that my farm is 100% organic,” she said. “It makes a far better product and is healthier for my family.”
Beyond her own success, Laxmi’s dedication extends to her village. She is a key figure in the local agriculture community, helping other families learn sustainable practices. Through her influence, what began with just six families in Convoy’s program has grown to include 30 families actively farming in her community.
Laxmi has also become a trusted resource for agricultural troubleshooting, helping fellow farmers diagnose and resolve crop problems.
“The Convoy agricultural technicians have asked me to visit other farms to help solve problems,” she said. “I’m proud to be a leader in our village.”
Looking forward, she envisions passing on her knowledge to her grandchildren. “I want our village to be known for our crops. Through this training, our community will stay healthy and continue to grow,” she said.
For Laxmi, farming represents more than a livelihood — it’s a way of life. Her transformation from farming to feed her family to becoming a community leader is a great example of the power of education, innovation, and shared knowledge.
“To me, agriculture means life. If there is no agriculture, there is no life.”
