Himalayan News Service

Nuwakot, May 8:

When this newly-wed couple unwrapped one of the wedding presents, a surprise awaited them. A successful local entrepreneur, Som Prasad Pandey, had gifted them — Nakul Pandey of Gerkhu-3 and Saraswati Rijal of Jugetar, Bidur municipality-3 — a potful of earthworms.

Pointing to his gift, he urged the couple to "use these worms to start a compost manure business" saying that if they did so, they would be "happy forever". Som Prasad has been involved in this business for the last 18 months. Detailed instruction on how to use the worms was enclosed with the pot. Mixed reaction greeted such an unusual gift. Some thought it was a practical joke, but the couple have decided to start a compost business as suggested.