Parbat, Nepal – Bikash Timilsina, a former police officer from Modi Rural Municipality-2, Deupur in Parbat district, Nepal, has become a role model for many young people in the country after achieving significant success in his fish farming venture.

Timilsina, who served as a police officer for 21 years and as the ward chairperson of Modi-2 Deupur for five years, proudly shares that his enterprise, Modi Rainbow Trout Firm, generates an annual income of 30 million rupees (approximately USD 280,000).

Spread over 30 ropani (1.52 hectares) along the Pati Khola stream in Modi-5 Timure, the firm, in partnership with four local investors, has a capacity to produce 30 tons of fish from 37 small and large ponds. Currently, one kilogram of rainbow trout is sold at 1,000 rupees (approximately USD 9.50).

Timilsina mentioned that his company receives technical support from Parbat's Agricultural Knowledge Center and financial assistance from the district's fisheries development center for pond construction and facility upgrades.

After retiring as a deputy superintendent of police, he served as a people's representative for five years. Balancing public service with entrepreneurship, he is now fully dedicated to his business, supplying his products to the Kusma market and other markets like Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Established in 2071, the company has become a popular destination for students from universities, schools, and clubs interested in fisheries.

Initially, the venture faced significant financial setbacks due to a massive flood. However, Timilsina relocated the company to a nearby area and secured further investment from local investors, including Yam Prasad Sharma, Prem Poudel, Rajesh Shahi, and Raju Khadka. Since then, this entrepreneur, who now employs five other young people, has never looked back. He currently saves 1.5 million rupees (approximately USD 14,000) from his total income.

To expand his business, he has recently started producing fish eggs at the farm. His success serves as a compelling testament to the potential of entrepreneurship in Nepal.