By Our Correspondent
Humla, Dec. 19: People have been earning handsome amount by transporting goods through mules in the Himalayan areas of Humla district as many places still lack proper roads to welcome vehicles.
With the sector showing enough promises economically, many youths have also opted to transport goods through mules.
According to Lokendra Shahi, a resident from Ward 2 of Chankheli Rural Municipality, transporting goods through mules have helped him earn more than Rs. 200,000 a month.
“Transporting and selling goods from Gamadhi area of Mugu to different local levels across Humla district have resulted to a handsome earning. I had no work earlier but this business has helped me economically. I have 35 mules which are being used for the purpose,” said Shahi.
The porters have been transporting daily goods, different equipments and even medicinal herbs from one place to another and earning through the fare charged for transportation.
“The mules are in demand not only in Jumla, but in neighbouring districts of Mugu and Bajura. There are no empty days as the mules are required to deliver different goods daily in different parts,” said Chote Budha, a local from Kharpunath Gaunpalika, who owns 20 mules. According to Budha, he earns around Rs 100,000 every month.
On the basis of the number of mules one has, individuals have been earning anywhere between Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000 a month.
The porters charge from Rs. 35 to Rs.85 per kilogram depending on the nature of goods to transport them at a different place. They are able to transport goods around four to five times a month.
Many people in every village in the district now have started to herd mules and use it for transporting goods.
One mule businessman is said to generate employment for two to four other individuals. As per the locals, one mule costs around Rs. 120,000.
With the mules turning to be a good economic support for the locals in the Himalayas, many have started opting the business.