On the lap of majestic green hills in Dhading lies the picturesque village of Tallo Gauthale. The village rests quietly among the hills, like the Gauthale bird in its nest, signifying a community were people of different castes – Magar and Brahmin – live together in peace and harmony.
Magars and Brahmins
Magars, an Indigenous Janajati group traditionally outside the Hindu caste hierarchy with their own languages, cultures, practices, and traditions, differ from Brahmins (Bahuns), who stand at the top of the caste system as priests and scholars, practicing Hindu rituals and living with historical privilege in Nepali society.
Flowing between the hills is the crystal-clear Thopal River. On its serene bank, at the foot of a hill, stands a beautiful one-storied concrete house.
The house is surrounded by colorful blooming flowers, the soft hum of buzzing beehives, mango trees heavy with ripening fruit, the gentle lowing of buffaloes, the cheerful clucking of chickens, and the playful bleating of goats- each adding life to this peaceful rural haven.
In front of this lively home stands Menuka Acharya Bhatta, sweat sparkling like tiny diamonds on her face, with a warm, welcoming smile and hands folded in a humble Namaste.
Dressed in a pink Kurta Surwal with a contrasting red small round shaped tika in between her eyebrows reflected her transparent and pure nature.
She radiates strength, simplicity, and self-reliance.
“Before, I used to be a shy nature woman, so I could not even speak confidently in front of new people. Now, I can welcome guests to my home without hesitation,” says Menuka, a 43-year-old farmer.
Originally from Upper Gauthale, she moved here 26 years ago after her arranged marriage.
Remembering her past she smiles and shares, “As the only Brahmin family in an indigenous Magar-majority village with different culture and tradition, my journey has been full of surprises and challenges.”
“I have a motto; I believe that hard work always pays off. Because of this, I have turned my challenges into a powerful story of change”, says Menuka.
Krisak Pathsala – A Farmer’s field School
Farmer Field School (FFS) is a field-based, research-oriented learning platform where 25–30 farmers gather in a farmer’s own field to gain practical agricultural knowledge. Unlike a traditional classroom, FFS uses real farm challenges as the curriculum, encouraging farmers to apply experimental methods, observe crop ecosystems, and analyse problems collectively. Guided by facilitators who play a supportive rather than instructive role, farmers enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence through hands-on learning, group discussions, and participatory decision-making, enabling them to address immediate agricultural issues effectively.
“Education is something both my husband and I deeply value.”
“Although both of us are only School Leaving Certificate (SLC) graduates and I had to stop my studies after marrying at 17, we have always dreamed of giving our two sons the opportunity for a proper, uninterrupted education,” she says.
“My parents were farmers, and so were my in-laws. I have been working in the field since childhood. I am confident in growing a variety of crops on my land”
“Growing vegetables for my family on my own land and picking them fresh from the garden every day is both exciting and motivating.”
The family of Menuka have always relied on farming for their livelihood. After separating from their in-laws, they inherited 1.02 hectors land to grow crops and raise livestock.
“Like many others, we have once depended heavily on chemical pesticides, until I joined the Gauthale Aama Krishak Samuha and began attending Krishak Pathshala, a farmer school supported by Action Nepal and DCA,” she adds.
“We were taught to prepare organic pesticides using buffalo urine, goat and buffalo manure, and locally available materials. Our costs for chemical pesticides have gone down, our soil quality is restoring, and our vegetables are getting healthier every year”, she explains with delight.
Though her first few attempts of applying organic pesticide on crops did not work as it should have, Menuka didn’t give up.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we have started reducing harmful chemical use step by step,” she says.
Towards sustainable Farming practices
“As members of the group, we as a community have been enlightened by knowledge of various farming techniques that were previously unknown to us, making our lives more practical and easier”, she claims.
“Before, everything was scattered: urine, manure, fodder everywhere. A few goats even got tangled and died. Now everything’s organised. We collect urine for making organic pesticides, use dung as fertiliser, and have designated feeding spaces for goats and buffaloes”, she further adds.
“With DCA and its project implementing partner Action Nepal’s support and over NPR 30,000 (EUR 211) of my own investment, I built an improved goat shed. Now, everything is organised as goats have a separate fodder space, urine collector has been placed, and I don’t have to worry if goats get entangled anymore”, she explains.
She also started off-season vegetable farming in tunnel houses. She says the productivity is double in tunnel in comparison to open land farming or traditional farming.
Years back, she used to carry baskets (Doko) of vegetables to the market. Now, she just calls the buyers, and they come to collect it in a vehicle.
Her livestock farm has 15 goats, 3 buffaloes, 2 calves, chickens, and over 25 beehives. A new buffalo shed is under construction. She harvests about 6 kg of honey seasonally, which mostly is consumed by her family but occasionally she sells it too.
She and 50 more women in her farmers group also share agricultural machinery like hand tractors and threshers. The use of these types of equipment has made agriculture easier and more efficient.
“We used to think that only men could operate machines, now we’ve changed that mindset. We women members have all been trained to use them. It has made our work easier, more efficient, and dignified, It has also boosted our confidence and sense of pride in what we,” she chuckles.
“With these new techniques and learnings, women like me are building sustainable lives through farming.”
From Outsider to Insider
Belonging to a Brahmin community, Menuka recalls her early discomfort in a Magar community.
“We as a Brahmin, start our day with milk; they start with alcohol. Once, someone served snacks with bangles dipped in alcohol, I couldn’t eat them. But I’ve learned that open conversations clear up such misunderstandings.”
Over time, cultural, traditional and dietary differences became less important.
“People in the Gauthale Magar community are sincere, direct, and honest.”
“My husband and I live alone, so when one of us falls ill, it becomes difficult for the other to manage everything: household chores, farming, and livestock care. Last year, when I was sick during paddy planting season, our neighbors stepped in and helped without hesitation.
She cheerfully adds, “Today, I sing and dance with them during their festivals. And I believe, that is the true power of the community.”
“A Brighter Future of my Children”
“My husband has been the most supportive and encouraging presence in my life. And we understand the value of education”, says Menuka.
Her two sons are currently pursuing their bachelor’s degrees in Kathmandu, the eldest in IT and the youngest a Bachelor in Business Studies (BBS).
“We want them to focus on their studies. Although they help us whenever they come home during holidays, we don’t expect them to take up farming like us.
“We are proud that we have been able to educate them with the income we earned through farming. We want them to follow their own paths and choose the professions they truly desire.”
Visitors from Denmark
She remembers, “When the Danish volunteers stayed at my house earlier this year, my youngest son helped me throughout their visit, as he could communicate with them in English, something my husband and I can hardly do.”
She proudly shares, “I have always dreamed of a bright future for my children as well as for myself and my community. I was delighted to participate and learn at the farmers’ learning school. Now, I am confident enough to communicate with the volunteers, and although I may lack fluency, I can express myself.”
“With support, education, and determination, I believe dreams for a better future can become reality,” Menuka says proudly.
Gradual Change in the Community
“I believe, eating chemical-free vegetables improves health and reduces the risk of chronic illness. This way me and my family are safer and healthier.”
With her rough hands, she grows her own rice and vegetables and uses every part of her field wisely.
Looking back, Menuka sees not just her own growth but that of her entire community.
“Before, none of us could speak either in public or even with the guests. Now, every woman member confidently introduces herself.”
“When Go Global volunteers first came to Gauthale, none of the villagers could interact with them properly. Likewise, since alcohol consumption is common in the Magar community, it was challenging to have meaningful interactions with the volunteers. However, this year, I hosted two volunteers in my own home, and I’ve seen a big change. People have gradually become more friendly and confident in starting conversations with them.”
Go Global Volunteers are the school students from Denmark who are enrolled in Go Global Studies. They visit Nepal in several groups each year, staying primarily in DCA project areas such as Dhading and Kathmandu. During their stay, they actively participate in cultural exchange: sharing their own traditions while learning about Nepali culture and tradition. They also engage in project activities on the ground, and upon returning home, they continue their involvement by organising and participating campaigns in support of DCA.
She feels delighted to showcase the community’s culture, especially Magar culture, to people from other countries.
“We are becoming emotionally and financially stronger,” she says.
“Krishak Pathshala has taught us how to track our income and expenses. Now, we may not be able to track exactly how much I earned last year, but with the tracking and calculation skills I’ve learned in the farmer learning class, we believe we’ll be able to share that confidently next year.”
In the village of Gauthale, like the Gauthale bird that builds its nest with care, Menuka has rooted herself in the heart of the community.
Menuka shares her motto, “I believe that hard work always pays off. Those who keep the bees are the ones who get to taste the honey.”
Through DCA’s Effort project, over 50 women like Menuka in Gauthale have embraced resilient and sustainable farming practices, transformed not just their own lives, but promoted a stronger and self-reliant community.