“Now, I try to resolve issues over phone calls and visit farms along the way,” says Urmila Ghale, a resident of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City Ward-14, Kailali District in Sudurpaschim Province. Urmila embodies tenacity and willpower in the face of adversity. Her journey began in 2061 with a grant of a piglet from the District Livestock Service Office (DLSO), Kailali. As the only woman from her community to undertake a 15-day Community Livestock Assistant (CLA) training in Pokhara while carrying a small baby on her lap, Urmila faced numerous challenges to build her own enterprises.

She expanded the opportunity to a valuable pig farming business making up to 12 female pigs. Miss. Ghale decided to put an effort into her childhood dream and completed her education and took 35 days Village Animal Health Worker (VAHW) training organized by DLSO – Kailali. She is the only woman from her community who fought for herself to be independent and uplift not only her family but also her community. Carrying a medicinal backpack and a cooled box of vaccines, Urmila worked diligently to earn the trust of her community through her skills. Her dedication and successful treatments eventually won local appreciation.

She joined the Veterinary Service Center, Dhangadhi, as a daily wage worker for nearly 2 to 3 years, but faced significant challenges when suddenly, Urmila faced a series of challenges: an outbreak of swine flu on a pig farm and the discontinuation of the daily wages system from the local municipality. These epizootic and pandemic flu presented multiple crises. Despite these setbacks, Urmila remained steadfast.  “Whatever difficulties nature throws my way, I'm confident that I can overcome any situation.”- Urmila. With support from Dr. Vishnu Prasad Dhital, Urmila took on the CAVE position at Heifer and signed an agreement for ongoing tasks in Dhangadhi. Through the Heifer/GRAPE project, she was introduced to Climate Smart Livestock Practices (CSLP), which not only helped her regain her strength but also empowered her to inspire other women in her community.

On 4th Mangsir 2080, Urmila participated in a Training for Trainers on CSLP, drew practical inspiration from an exposure visit of the HEIFER/CIGIG project in Palpa, and engaged in monthly meetings with five newly formed Self-Help Groups (SHGs). She guided and trained these groups on various CSLP topics, gaining the trust and praise of farmers across Dhangadhi. With an investment of NRS. 70,000, Urmila opened her own agro-vet service and now earns over NRS 60,000 monthly from her skills.

“CSLP is a revolutionary practice for modern farmers, especially in today's challenging global environment. Even though the duration of CSLP was short, it has significantly altered farming practices and empowered women in backyard communities. Urmila’s confidence and self-dependence through Agri-livestock farming are truly commendable. She is a perfect example for women from similar backgrounds, showing that with determination, they too can build their path to progress,” says Krishna Bahadur Dhami.

Urmila Ghale’s transformation from a determined trainee to a respected businesswoman and community guide is a powerful example of how unwavering commitment can foster personal success and drive societal progress.