Rasuwa farmer finds success in traditional yak rearing

Pasang Sherpa, a 34-year-old farmer from Nagung in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-6, has achieved economic stability by professionalizing his family’s traditional yak-rearing business. After returning from a three-year stint in Malaysia, Sherpa expanded his inherited herd of 10 yaks to 60 animals over the past 11 years. He estimates the current value of his herd at approximately Rs 4.5 million. His operation supplies dairy products to the state-run Dairy Development Corporation in Kathmandu.

Sherpa reports that his yaks produce milk for six months annually, generating a turnover of about Rs 1.1 million and a net profit of roughly Rs 500,000 after expenses. His business, which operates from a shed on 13 ropanis of land, received a Rs 700,000 grant from the local municipality three years ago. Local officials, including Gosaikunda Rural Municipality Chairperson Kaisangnurpu Tamang and Ward-6 Chairperson Karma Dawa Sidar Waiba, have highlighted Sherpa’s success as a model for youth to pursue domestic entrepreneurship instead of migration.