Hetauda, March 19 -- The inhabitants of the remote highlands of Makwanpur are increasingly turning to commercial yam cultivation, finding a lucrative source of income in crops that were once grown solely for subsistence.

In the rugged terrain of Raksirang Rural Municipality-7, 66-year-old Khair Singh Chepang recently earned Rs 20,800 from a single sale of yams. He sold 104kg of the ploughshare yam, directly from his village at Rs 200 per kg.

"This is the first time I have earned such a significant amount from yams," said Khair Singh, who cultivated the crop across 10 ropanis of terrace edges. He noted that the yams he sold were purchased specifically to be used as seeds by other farmers.

To promote indigenous food security and preserve...