How induction stoves are reshaping life in Madhesh

A New Era in Nepali Kitchens

In the small village of Birendra Bazar, located in Ganeshman Charnath Municipality of Dhanusha, a quiet transformation is taking place. On a hot afternoon, 28-year-old Archana Kumari Mahara steps into her kitchen, where a shiny new induction stove sits on the counter. The aroma of sizzling potato snacks fills the air as she prepares a meal in just minutes. For her, this is more than just a modern appliance—it’s a symbol of liberation.

For years, Archana used a smoky mud stove, which filled her home with harmful fumes and forced her to spend hours collecting firewood. She recalls the constant coughing, the soot-covered walls, and the difficulty of getting meals ready on time. Now, with the induction stove, her life has changed dramatically. Cooking is faster, safer, and more efficient. She no longer has to worry about the dangers of smoke or the hassle of gathering firewood.

Despite the benefits, not everyone in the community has embraced the change. Thali Maya Tamang, a 69-year-old woman, remembers when surveyors came to distribute induction stoves but chose not to take one. “I was uninterested at the time,” she admits. Now, she envies her neighbors who use the stoves and finds them more affordable than LPG cylinders.

Amida Khatun, another resident, was the first woman in the area to switch to an induction stove. She faced initial fears from her neighbors, who warned her that the stove might shock her. However, after years of suffering from health issues caused by smoke, she made the switch. Today, she saves money and enjoys a cleaner home.

Madhesh province is pushing for a shift away from firewood, recognizing its negative impact on both health and the environment. Burning wood releases harmful pollutants like black carbon and methane, which contribute to climate change and damage respiratory systems. According to the 2021 national census, nearly half of Nepal’s households still rely on firewood for cooking, while only a small percentage use electricity.

Ganeshman Charnath Municipality’s deputy mayor, Tulsa Kumari Pandey, understands the challenges. “Women suffered the most because smoke is the silent killer,” she says. To address this, the municipality launched a pilot project to distribute induction stoves, supported by the governments of Nepal and Norway, along with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The initiative has received positive feedback. Women now have cleaner homes, better health, and more time for other activities. Local entrepreneurs have also benefited, as improved access to electricity has helped boost economic growth.

However, tradition and misconceptions remain obstacles. Many people believe that induction stoves can cause electric shocks, which is not true. Despite these concerns, the municipality remains committed to its goal of reaching 5,000 households within two years.

The project also includes financial incentives to encourage the switch. Households that use at least 80% firewood and consume above 5 amperes of power are eligible for cashback. This encourages users to reduce their reliance on firewood and embrace cleaner energy sources.

Despite these efforts, some residents, like 52-year-old Chula Mahara, still use traditional mud stoves for certain tasks, such as cooking fodder for his goats. “The pot is too big for induction,” he explains. He continues to use a mud stove for specific purposes, highlighting the ongoing transition in the community.

The eCook induction stove, produced by ATEC Global, has become a key player in this movement. It uses IoT technology to track usage and generate carbon credits, which helps offset the environmental impact of traditional cooking methods. Through subsidies, households in Dhanusha can purchase the stove for a fraction of its original cost.

Local vendors report steady demand, with sales increasing over time. Awareness campaigns and street dramas have helped dispel fears and promote the benefits of the new technology.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Power cuts, low voltage, and outdated grids continue to hinder the adoption of electric stoves. However, upgrades are underway, with new substations being constructed to stabilize the electricity supply.

Back in Bharatpur, Archana reflects on her past. She remembers the days of soot-covered walls, constant coughing, and the burden of gathering firewood. Now, with a simple plug, her life has transformed. Her story, and those of her neighbors, mark a quiet revolution in Nepal’s kitchens.

Induction stoves are more than just appliances—they represent a shift toward dignity, health, and a cleaner future. As more households embrace this change, the promise of a brighter, healthier tomorrow becomes increasingly tangible.