Five years ago, the world was gripped by the coronavirus pandemic. The sudden outbreak of the disease had a profound impact on many sectors, claiming countless lives. In an attempt to protect themselves, people adopted various measures. There was constant fear — of contracting the virus and of what might happen next for those already infected.

Amid this chaos, the story of an elderly farmer from Chitwan who was hospitalised with Covid-19 stood out.

For Chandra Kant Sapkota, the virus brought about an unexpected transformation. The 64-year-old, who had been growing vegetables for nearly four decades, is now widely known as the “jujube farmer” (bayer kisan).

A resident of Bharatpur Metropolitan City–25 in western Chitwan, Sapkota got the idea of growing jujube while in isolation during his Covid-19 recovery. Today, the fruits from his farm aren’t just sold in local markets — they are transported directly to Kathmandu.

The hybrid Ziziphus mauritiana, an improved variety of Indian jujube or Chinese apple, is a tropical fruit known for its white, crisp flesh and sweet taste. Slightly underripe, it becomes juicy with a pleasant aroma. Its skin is smooth, glossy, and taut. The trees start giving fruits when the plant grows two- to three-feet tall.

The idea took root during his isolation after being infected in May 2020. He was discharged from the hospital after eight days and spent 15 more days in home isolation. During that time, he began seriously considering Indian jujube farming.

He now employs 10 to 12 workers, often seen harvesting fruit from his two bighas of jujube cultivation. In addition to jujube, Sapkota grows vegetables on 10 bighas of land. Kathmandu remains the primary market for his produce.

"During the Covid lockdown, there was little to do besides browsing the internet. I watched many agriculture-related videos. One day, I came across a YouTube video about the Kashmiri apple and Indian jujube. It said jujube tastes like a Kashmiri apple — that sparked the idea," Sapkota recalled.

Once out of isolation, he began searching for Indian jujube saplings. Local nurseries informed him they were available in Nepal, which excited him. Eventually, a nursery in Sarlahi supplied the saplings. He prepared his land and began planting on two bighas.

Initially, he planted 1,100 saplings, and as some space remained, he added another 1,600. Within a year, the trees began bearing fruit.

“I didn’t space the saplings properly in the beginning. But I’ve learned that maintaining the right distance improves the yield,” he said. “If cared for properly, one tree can produce at least a quintal of fruit.”

Sapkota cultivates four varieties: Bharat Sundari, Bala Sundari, Kashmiri Apple, and Thai Apple.

Harvesting begins in late January and continues until mid-April.

“Bharat Sundari ripens first, and Kashmiri Apple last. Planting them in order allows for a steady harvest over two and a half months,” he explained.

Initially, locals discouraged him from growing the thorny Indian jujube, especially replacing traditional crops. They suggested starting small. But Sapkota trusted his vision.

His family migrated from Parbat to Labornagar in 1963. As the eldest son, he pursued higher studies in Brindaban, India, earning an Acharya degree in Sanskrit grammar from Ranglaxmi University in 1986.

“I saw Indian jujube farms in India and realised our climate, soil, and geography are similar. That gave me the confidence to try it here,” he said.

With enough land inherited from his father, Sapkota never pursued a job. Instead, he dedicated himself to agriculture. Today, he supplies around 20 quintals of jujube daily to Kathmandu, with traders coming directly to his farm. There’s growing demand in Butwal as well.

Though prices aren’t fixed and profits modest, the income covers expenses. "There are no substantial government subsidies for farmers in Nepal," he said. “I took up farming to contribute something meaningful to my country.”

Despite the hard work and limited financial return, he finds joy and purpose in farming. “My heart is happy — that’s why I continue.”

Sapkota has two sons — the elder is an Acharya in astrology, and the younger has an MBA degree. His daughter is married, and both sons live in Kathmandu. Agriculture has tied Sapkota to his hometown.

His dedication to expanding agriculture in Chitwan has impressed many, including Kancha Malla, former ward chair of Bharatpur-24.

“He may be old, but his energy rivals a youth's. He works with full dedication and plans everything carefully,” Malla said.