KATHMANDU, Dec 20: By the time the first rays of morning touch the fields, farmers are already at work, their hands deep in the cold, nourishing soil. It is in this very soil that Bimal Neupane grew up—a child of farmers surrounded by cows, buffaloes, milk and curd. Today, he stands at the helm of Milk Art, a premium food brand that carries more than flavor—it carries sweat, struggle and vision.
But this success didn’t happen overnight. It is the story of a farmer’s life, relentless perseverance, overseas experience, and the courage to make a difference in his own country.
Born into a farming family, Bimal spent his early years alongside his grandfather, father and uncles, learning the value of hard work firsthand. Days began with farm chores, continued with sweat-soaked labor and ended with evenings of exhaustion. “My childhood was spent in the same fields where my parents worked,” he recalls. “That’s why I understand the value of sweat in the soil. Farming life is never easy.” Over nearly 20 years, Bimal developed a deep connection with the land—a connection that would later inspire his entrepreneurial journey.
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Today, in his hands is a packet labeled Milk Art. But it contains more than just curd—it carries the sweat of farmers, family struggles, lessons from abroad and the determination to create something meaningful in Nepal. “The life I saw in my childhood was not easy,” he reflects, “but it taught me the value of labor and the meaning of honesty.”
At 25, Bimal went to South Korea for foreign employment. There, he gained firsthand experience in food hygiene, quality control, and systematic production. “My time abroad taught me that food is not just for filling the stomach. It is about health, trust, and responsibility,” he says. But while learning abroad, a question grew stronger—why can’t Nepalis work diligently in their own country? That question planted the seed of entrepreneurship.
Upon returning to Nepal, Bimal founded Milk Art & Food Products Pvt. Ltd. He was joined by Vikram, who had returned after nearly 12 years abroad. Together, a farmer from Nepal and an international industry professional combined their experiences to build a brand rooted in local values yet guided by global standards.
Many people distrust packaged food, believing it is inferior to homemade meals. “We aim to change that,” Bimal explains. “Safe, clean, and natural food can be delivered responsibly through proper branding.” From selecting raw materials to production, quality control, and packaging, every step follows the philosophy of home-cooked meals.
“Milk Art is expanding rapidly, and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Bimal says. “But the greater achievement is giving local farmers a market for their milk and creating jobs for youth.” He emphasizes that Milk Art is more than a business; it is a journey—a tribute to the soil, the value of labor, and a quiet rebellion against the notion that success requires going abroad. The partnership of Bimal and Vikram is a shining example of ordinary people transforming hardship into opportunity. The taste of Milk Art is filled not just with curd, but with human struggle, determination, and hope.
Meanwhile, The Bridge International (TBI) has been supporting returnee Nepalis through the Returnee Innovators for Nepal (RIN) program, helping them turn skills into business ventures. After a one-year entrepreneurship education program, ten young Nepalis, including Bikram, presented their business ideas at a pitch competition.
According to TBI CEO Jin Sol Hwang, the program empowers returnees to become successful entrepreneurs and contribute to Nepal’s economic development. Supported by KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), it has been transforming the entrepreneurial dreams of returnees into reality since 2022.
