Tueiya Chaudhary — Cultivating Change Through Vermicomposting and Community Farming
Tueiya Chaudhary, a 56-year-old resident of Dadagoun, Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City Ward No. 12, is a shining example of how sustainable agricultural practices can transform not only individual livelihoods but entire communities. As a dedicated member of the Paribartan Mahila Krisak Samuha (Transformation Women Farmers Group), her journey reflects the combined power of knowledge, community action, and eco-friendly farming methods.
Her transformation began when she participated in a specialized vermicomposting and waste management training program organized by CLEAN UP NEPAL, funded by IM Swedish Development Partner, and implemented in collaboration with the Freed Kamalari Development Forum (FKDF), Dang. The training provided her with hands-on experience in converting organic kitchen and agricultural waste into nutrient-rich compost with the help of earthworms. It also deepened her understanding of how waste reduction and organic farming can go hand in hand to improve both the environment and rural incomes. Tueiya said, “I am deeply grateful to CLEAN UP NEPAL and IM Swedish Development Partner for providing me with this incredible opportunity. Your support has transformed my life and empowered me to make a difference.”
Putting her learning into practice, Tueiya set up a small-scale vermicomposting unit at home. Each month, she now produces 5–6 kilograms of high-quality compost, completely replacing chemical fertilizers in her vegetable garden with her homemade organic alternative. The results have been remarkable—healthier crops, richer soil fertility, and improved yields, all without the environmental costs of chemical inputs.
Tueiya’s commitment extends far beyond her own farm. She has become a local leader and role model within her women’s group and the wider community, sharing her knowledge, offering practical demonstrations, and encouraging neighbors to adopt vermicomposting and other sustainable techniques. Through her leadership, more households are now moving toward eco-friendly farming, reducing waste, and cultivating chemical-free produce.
Her story is a testament to the far-reaching impact of empowering grassroots women with the skills and confidence to take environmental action. By combining traditional wisdom with modern sustainable practices, Tueiya has shown how small-scale initiatives can spark broader social and environmental change—strengthening livelihoods, improving food security, restoring ecosystems, and fostering solidarity among community members.
