Transforming Mountain Agriculture: Entrepreneurial Value Addition Pathways in Palungtar Municipality Gorkha, Nepal

Abstract

Palungtar Municipality in Nepals Gorkha District reflects a paradox of agricultural potential amid persistent poverty. Despite fertile
conditions and high-value crops like banana and dairy, farmers82% with less than 0.5 haface challenges including poor infrastructure,
post-harvest losses, and gender inequity. This study employs a mixed-methods design combining surveys (n = 402), interviews (n = 65),
Endogenous Switching Regression, and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation to examine how entrepreneurial value addition (e.g., solar drying,
cooperatives, GI branding) improves incomes (up to 65%), reduces youth outmigration (25%), and empowers women. The study proposes a
triphasic modelGI certification, decentralized solar hubs, and women-first cooperativesto align rural entrepreneurship with inclusive, sustainable development goals (SDGs 1, 5, 8, 13).