Chitwan, April 6 — Five years ago, the globe was shaken by the coronavirus pandemic. This unexpected surge of illness significantly affected numerous industries and led to a vast number of fatalities. To safeguard themselves, individuals implemented multiple strategies. A pervasive anxiety loomed—concern over catching the virus and uncertainty about the fate of those who were already sick.

In the midst of this turmoil, the tale of an older farmer from Chitwan who was admitted to the hospital due to Covid-19 emerged as particularly noteworthy.

For Chandra Kant Sapkota, the virus led to an unforeseen change. This 64-year-old individual, who had cultivated vegetables for close to forty years, has now become commonly recognized as the “jujube farmer” (bayer kisan).

A inhabitant of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-25 located in western Chitwan, Sapkota conceived the notion of cultivating jujube fruit when he was quarantined during his recovery from COVID-19. Nowadays, not only are these fruits being sold at nearby markets but they’re also shipped directly to Kathmandu.

The enhanced version of the hybrid Ziziphus mauritiana, also referred to as the Indian jujube or Chinese apple, is a tropical fruit recognized for its white, crunchy interior and its sweetness. When slightly unripened, it turns juicy and gains a delightful fragrance. This fruit has a smooth, shiny, and tight outer layer. Trees begin producing these fruits once they reach heights between two to three feet.

The concept emerged during his seclusion following infection in May 2020. After spending eight days in the hospital, he continued with 15 additional days of at-home quarantine. It was during this period that he started contemplating the serious possibility of cultivating Indian jujubes.

Currently, he has employed between 10 to 12 laborers who are frequently spotted collecting fruits from his two bighas dedicated to cultivating jujubes. Apart from growing jujubes, Sapkota also cultivates various vegetables across 10 bighas of farmland. The main marketplace for selling his agricultural products continues to be Kathmandu.

Sapanta remembered how during the COVID-19 lockdown, when there wasn’t much else to do but surf the web, he stumbled upon numerous agricultural videos. One day, one of these clips featured both Kashmir apples and Indian jujubes. The video mentioned that the taste of a jujube resembled that of a Kashmir apple, which ignited his inspiration.

After leaving quarantine, he started looking for Indian jujube saplings. The local nurseries told him that these could be found in Nepal, which thrilled him. Ultimately, a nursery in Sarlahi provided the saplings he needed. He got his land ready and commenced planting over an area of two bighas.

At first, he planted 1,100 saplings, and since there was additional room, he planted another 1,600. By the end of the year, the trees started producing fruit.

“I initially failed to space out the young trees correctly. However, I’ve realized that proper spacing enhances productivity,” he stated. “With appropriate care, an individual tree has the potential to yield at least 100 kilograms of fruit.”

Sapkota grows four types: Bharat Sundari, Bala Sundari, Kashmiri Apple, and Thai Apple.

The harvesting process starts at the end of January and lasts till mid-April.

“First, Bharat Sundari matures, followed by the Kashmiri Apple at the end. By planting them sequentially, you can ensure a continuous yield lasting around two and a half months,” he clarified.

At first, the local people advised against cultivating the spiky Indian jujube, particularly as a replacement for their customary crops. They recommended beginning with a modest approach. However, Sapkota remained committed to his dream.

In 1963, his family relocated from Parbat to Labornagar. Being the firstborn, he furthered his education in Brindaban, India, where he obtained an Acharya degree in Sanskrit grammar from Ranglaxmi University in 1986.

He mentioned, ‘I observed Indian jujube plantations in India and realized that our climate, soil, and topography share similarities. This realization encouraged me to attempt cultivating it here.’

Thanks to the substantial acreage he received from his father, Sapkota never sought employment elsewhere. He chose instead to immerse himself fully in farming. Currently, he provides approximately 20 metric tons of jujube to Kathmandu each day, with buyers visiting his farm directly for purchases. Additionally, there is an increasing demand for his produce in Butwal.

Even though prices are flexible and profits are small, the earnings manage to cover costs. “The Nepalese government doesn’t provide significant subsidies for farmers,” he stated. “I chose agriculture as a way to make a valuable contribution to my nation.”

In spite of the strenuous labor and modest earnings, he derives happiness and fulfillment from agriculture. He says, “I keep going because my heart feels content.”

Sapkota has two sons; the older one works as an astrologer, whereas the younger holds an MBA. Additionally, his daughter is married. Both of his sons reside in Kathmandu. It is agriculture that keeps Sapkota connected to his native town.

His commitment to advancing farming in Chitwan has garnered admiration from many, such as Kancha Malla, who previously served as the ward chair of Bharatpur-24.

Malla remarked, ‘Though he is advanced in years, his vigor matches that of a young person. He approaches his work with complete commitment and meticulously plans every detail.’