Returnee migrant worker turns into an entrepreneur

Sagar Chhetri, 31, of Bhimdutta municipality-18 in the district of Kanchanpur had a job eight years ago when he was doing his bachelor’s degree. But, that did not bode well for his prospects. He even did not have enough fund and ideas to invest.

Disappointed with the job he had, Sagar left for UAE in search of a job.

Sagar worked for three years in UAE and returned planning to do something back home.

Now, he has established Bindhabasini Micro-Enterprise to produce furniture of bamboo and Calamus Tenuis, and broom of Thysanolaena (Amriso) by investing some 2 million rupees that he earned from foreign employment. The factory has created direct employment opportunities to 10 individuals.

“I worked in a petrol pump for three years in UAE. After returning home from there, I chose to stay at home instead of leaving for foreign migration. As my father was an employee of Forest Office, I started this business with his suggestions,” Sagar shared.
Sagar has leased a land plot to run the factory for which he pays Rs 155,000 in rent for a year.

“Started from a small room, the business now has been largely expanded. Also, I have taken Rs 2.6 million in loan from a bank,” according to Sagar.

“Ten individuals have got jobs here. We have a transaction of more than 3 million in a year. I am making good income for the management of my seven-member family. It’s good to be at home instead of toiling hard abroad,” elated Sagar added.

According to Sagar, the demand for bamboo and Calamus Tenuis furniture and broom grass is very good and the goods he produces are supplied to all nine districts of the Sudurpaschim province. “We send our products in all nine districts of Sudurpaschim. We bring Calamus Tenuis from Kailali district and Amriso from Dadeldhura, Palpa and Jhapa districts,” he elaborated.

Satisfied with his business endeavour, Sagar has urged the youths to begin startups rather than going for foreign jobs. “We can make good income here if we work hard here like in the foreign country,” he said.

Sagar was of the view that the trend of foreign migration could be slowed down if the youth were provided with training, market linkup and subsidized loan to start their enterprises in the country itself. “Bank loan is required for lack of money. And, high interest rate has created more problems. More youths could be engaged at home if subsidized loans were ensured,” Sagar observed.