In the landscape of Nepalese agricultural communication and journalism, Ashim Sapkota is a distinguished name that resonates with integrity and impact. For over 17 years, he has been a leading voice, relentlessly bringing the stories of the soil, farming, and the struggles of farmers into the mainstream media spotlight.
Early Life and Foundations
Born in Galyang Municipality-7, Syangja, Sapkota’s childhood was deeply rooted in the rural agrarian lifestyle. This early proximity to the earth provided the foundational empathy and understanding that would later define his career. Today, he stands as a preeminent agricultural communicator and a visionary media entrepreneur in Nepal.
A Pioneer in Niche Journalism
Sapkota began his journey at a time when agricultural journalism was not yet recognized as a distinct or specialized field in Nepal. Despite the allure of more glamorous sectors of journalism, he chose to focus on agriculture—the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Currently, he serves as the Managing Director of Agro Times Media Network Pvt. Ltd. He also leads Agro Times Monthly, a magazine that has been in continuous publication for 15 years. Under his leadership, the magazine has played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for commercial farming and keeping farmers technically informed.
Bridging the Gap via Television and Radio
Sapkota’s widespread influence is largely attributed to his presence on national broadcasting platforms:
Television: During his tenure at Nepal’s first specialized agricultural channel (Krishi TV), he hosted highly acclaimed shows like Hello Kisan and Krishi Samwad. Currently, he hosts and coordinates ‘Samriddha Krishi’ on GNN Television, a program dedicated to modern technology, market management, and the success stories of agri-entrepreneurs.
Radio: His reach extends to the remotest corners of the country through ‘Krishi Sawal’, a daily program broadcast via Nepal FM Network across approximately 40 radio stations nationwide. This program serves as a vital lifeline for rural farmers, addressing daily grievances and offering expert solutions.
Advocacy and Vision
More than just a communicator, Sapkota is a passionate advocate for systemic change. He has consistently used his platform to:
Challenge the exploitation by middlemen and highlight irregularities in fertilizer distribution and subsidies.
Inspire the youth to find opportunities in domestic farming rather than seeking employment abroad.
Promote the philosophy: “A nation cannot prosper until the dignity of the farmer is upheld.”
Conclusion
From the hills of Syangja to the national stage, Ashim Sapkota has become a pillar of Nepalese agricultural media. By translating the sweat of the farmer into powerful narratives and voices, he has injected new energy into the sector. Through flagship initiatives like Samriddha Krishi and Krishi Sawal, he remains a vital catalyst in Nepal’s journey toward an agricultural revolution.
