Aagya Khabar,

Bardibas

The traditional social custom of ‘ArmParm’—a system where neighbors mutually assist each other in farming tasks by taking turns—has been practiced for many years in the villages and settlements of Mahottari. However, this practice is now on the verge of disappearing. Until a few years ago, the sowing of crops to the harvesting of grains was done collectively by nearby neighbors, but today, finding such communal cooperation is difficult.

Experienced farmer Shyam Mahto from Bijalpur, Bardibas Municipality–12, says, “In the past, it was easy to find help for farm labor, but today, even paying money for laborers is challenging. Many young laborers have migrated from the villages to cities and abroad, which has caused a significant decline in traditional farming activities.”

According to him, the lack of labor has led to an increase in the use of modern technology and chemical pesticides in farming, which has become the only option. “The younger generation nowadays shows less interest in farming, which is why cultural cooperation like traditional ArmParm is fading away.”

Similarly, farmer Bhimanath Gautam from Khayarmara, Bardibas–10, says, “ArmParm was not just about working together; it was a cultural bridge that connected emotional and social relationships. We used to work while singing songs and sharing snacks, which increased community unity. But now, that tradition is on the decline.”

This traditional system of ArmParm in villages not only built trust and harmony among nearby people but also made labor division enjoyable and easier. However, local farmers say that youth migration, the use of modern agricultural machinery, and foreign employment have weakened the collective cooperation in villages.

For the locals, this tradition was not just about farming but also a part of their social and cultural identity. Yet in today’s era, technology and modernization have replaced the traditional ArmParm system, but the trust and goodwill it fostered have not yet been fully restored