Dang, Nepal — August 12, 2082 (Nepali Calendar)
Continuing the successful legacy of the Mahuwa Mission 2024, this year’s Mahuwa Mission 2025 has set an ambitious target to plant over 2,000 Mahuwa trees across Community Forests (CF) in Dang district, aiming to further empower indigenous communities while promoting environmental restoration and sustainable income generation.
The plantation campaign is led by Sandesh Chaudhary, founder of Mahuwa Wine and Beverages Pvt. Ltd., who has been at the forefront of this mission since its inception last year. The mission is strongly supported by the Forest Division Office Deukhuri, Lamahi, Dang, which supplied 2,000 Mahuwa plants for this year’s initiative. Forester Chiranjeevi Khanal and forest technician and GIS expert Sujan Khanal provided vital technical and logistic support to ensure the plantation’s success.
Building on last year’s achievement of planting 1,000 Mahuwa plants in the Ambeshwori Mahila Community Forest of Fulbari, Dang, the 2025 campaign successfully planted nearly 1,000 additional Mahuwa trees in the Mankadari Community Forest Users Group (CFUG), Ghorahi Sub Metropolitan City – 17, Dhikpur, Sahayogi Tole.
The Mankadari CFUG spans approximately 10 Bigha, with 7 Bigha designated forest land and the remaining area covered by a pond. The forest is predominantly managed by the Tharu Indigenous Community, comprising about 80 households, with roughly 3% from the local community. The plantation drive saw enthusiastic participation from community leaders, tole (neighborhood) leaders, and 69 engaged members of the CFUG, ranging in age from 15 to 50 years and including men, women, and youth. This diverse group worked hand in hand to dig, plant, water, and guard the young Mahuwa plants.
Key community leaders spearheading the efforts included Chairperson Bujhauna Chaudhari, CF member and Sahayogi Tole Chairperson Bhim Bahadur Chaudhary, and CF Treasurer Kiran Chaudhary. The plantation event was facilitated by Bhim Bahadur Chaudhary and reflected the strong collective commitment of the community.
The Mankadari CFUG has ambitious plans to develop the forest area into a recreational park and picnic spot, coupled with initiatives for fish farming. Additionally, the community has requested fruit plants such as mango and avocado to be introduced in the area to diversify forest resources.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the forest is protected by a water dam and patrolled regularly by a forest guard. Maintenance and care plans—including watering schedules and protection from grazing—are actively discussed with the tole leaders to secure the growth and health of the plants. The community has also expressed interest in expanding plantation activities in the coming years, aiming to increase the number of Mahuwa plants and extend the campaign to other Community Forests.
In alignment with International Youth Day 2025 celebrations, the plantation campaign has also successfully integrated youth engagement, empowering young members of the community to play an active role in forest restoration and indigenous knowledge preservation.
A significant incentive for the community is the commitment from Mahuwa Wine and Beverages Pvt. Ltd. to purchase Mahuwa flowers and seeds collected from these forests, facilitating a sustainable income source that respects and uplifts local and indigenous livelihoods.
The Mahuwa Mission 2025 exemplifies a holistic approach to environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment, strengthening the bond between the people and their forests.