Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
on
Organic Farming
12-14 June 2006 (Baishakh 28-30, 2063)
Kirtipur, Kathmandu
Jointly Organized by
Directorate of Agriculture Extension,
Directorate of Vegetable Development, and
District Agricultural Development Office, Kathmandu
Published by
Directorate of Agriculture Extension
Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur
FOREWORDS
Theme Session
An Idea on Organic Agriculture System in Nepal - Ganesh Kumar KC 10
Concept, Status, Prospects and Opportunities of Organic Farming in Nepal - S.B. Aryal 27
Agricultural Extension in Promoting Organic Farming … - Prabin Lal Shrestha, Kishor Pant 35
Technological Development in Organic Vegetable … - Mr. Bashu Subedi, Mr. Hom Raj Regmi 43
Prospect, Challenges and Opportunity of Organic Tea … - Dilli R. Baskota 49
Prospect, Challenges and Opportunity of organic Coffee … - Prachanda Man Shrestha 53
Prospect, Challenges and Opportunity of Organic Honey … - Dr. Suroj Pokhrel 66
Organic Based Farming for Organic Aquaculture … - Rama Nanda Mishra, Gagan BN Pradhan 76
Community level Organic Vegetable Production Program … - Dila Ram Bhandari 82
Organic Livestock Farming : An opportunity … - Dr. Dinesh Prasad Parajuli 96
Organic Fertilization : Method of Soil … - S.L. Chaudhary, S.N. Mandal and C.P. Risal 103
Waste – A Source of Organic Fertilizer… - Shriju Pradhan Tuladhar 116
Role of Vermicomposting in Organic … - Prof. Dr. Ananda Shova Tamrakar, Kishor Maharjan 121
Organic Farming, Its Role in Soil Fertility, Effect on Crop Production,
Constraints and Future Strategy - Shanti Bhattarai, Kedar Bhudhathoki and Dil P. Sherchan 131
Pest Management in Organic Farming through … - Raju R Pandey and Ram B Paneru 138
Use of Botanicals in Organic Agriculture - Bhola Kumar Shrestha 144
Institutional Structure for Organic Agriculture in Nepal - Maheswar Ghimire 153
Standardization, Inspection and Certification of Organic … - Prem Bahadur Thapa 159
Roles of Farmers, NGOs and Private Traders in Marketing of … - Rajendra P. Shrestha 166
Policies and Strategies of Nepal Government to Promote Organic
Farming in the Context of Nepal's Membership to WTO - Krishna Prasad Pant, Ph.D. 170
1. Background
Organic farming in Nepalese context is not an uncommon word itself. Over a century,
resource poor farmers are doing such practices in traditional way which is similar to
organic farming. These farmers' knowledge and skills about organic farming would be
positive point for promoting organic farming in Nepal. Besides, the ecological advantages
have proved that Nepal has potential to produce quality organic fruits, vegetables, tea,
coffee, cardamom, vegetable seeds, mushroom, honey and medicinal plants & herbs.
In the past, the conventional agricultural practices focused on short-term productivity goal
and paid little attention to available local resources both natural and human endowments.
Agricultural practices focused on short-term productivity required more external inputs
resulting into the use of intensive chemical inputs in agriculture. In-judicial use of
chemicals like chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc. resulted in the environmental pollution
and showed adverse effect in the health of animals and human beings. Realizing these facts,
there have been growing concerns about importance of organic farming in our country.
Many other countries irrespective of their stage of development have already shown their
concerns on the importance of organic farming. As a consequence, farming system
paradigms have shifted from increased production and productivity to sustainability and
eco-friendly production system.
There are some pioneer examples of organic farming and organic products that are booming
in domestic and international markets such as tea, coffee, honey, gingers and medicinal
herbs.
Keeping these realities in view and to trace out the path for the future action the workshop
was jointly organised by Directorate of Agricultural Extension, Directorate of Vegetable
Development and District Agriculture Development Office, Kathmandu from June 12 to
June 14, 2006 at Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
2. Objectives
The overall objective of the workshop was to promote organic agriculture. However, the
workshop had expected to meet following specific objectives.
1. To make general consensus on the concept of organic farming and organic products.
2. To suggest appropriate norms and standards for organic farming and organic products.
3. To suggest policies related to standardization and certification of organic products.
4. Sharing, exchanging and disseminating information and practices of organic farming.
5. To assess the socio- economic dimension of organic farming and its sustainability.
(1)
with consultation with all these concerning agencies decided to organise the First
National Workshop on Organic Farming jointly from June 12 -14, 2006. Leading role
for organising the workshop was given to the Directorate of Agricultural Extension. A
workshop organising committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr. Deep
Bahadur Swar, Director General, Department of Agriculture. The committee was
responsible for the management of workshop activities. It had decided that the
workshop would be participated by selected farmers representatives, traders,
processors, NGOs, INGOs, CBOs, planners, researchers and extension workers etc. A
series of meetings were organised to decide the theme papers and the name of the
participating organizations and the participants. It was decided that the number of the
papers to be presented in the workshop would be 21 which cover major areas of
organic farming. All the procedures of the workshop were discussed and finalized.
Selection of the workshop venue was done and all the arrangements were made in
advance so that the workshop would run smoothly. The workshop was started and
finished in time.
(2)
HIGHLIGHTS OF INAUGURAL SESSION
The inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Deep Bahadur Swar, Director General, Department
of Agriculture. Mr. Ganesh Kumar KC, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives,
was the chief guest of the session. In the beginning of the session Mr. Prabin Lal Shrestha,
Acting Program Director, Directorate of Agricultural Extension, extended warm welcome to
the guests and participants. He also highlighted on the objective, importance and modality of
the workshop. The Chief Guest and honorable Secretary, MOAC, Mr. Ganesh Kumar K.C.
formally inaugurated the session with a traditional lamp set on blaze.
After inauguration of the workshop, the honourable guests espressed their views on the
workshop. In this connection Dr. Dalaram Pradhan, DG, Department of Livestock Services,
expressing his views, explained that the workshop was organized in time. He further
emphasized that since per capita pesticide consumption of Nepal is very low, our farming is
organic. He stressed that regular and timely supply of the input and increasing production
has been the challenges. He also reminded that since Nepalese Agriculture is impossible
without integrating livestock in the system, it is very important to incorporate livestock as
well in this process. He appreciated the timely initiation and wished for the success of the
workshop.
Resident Representative, FAO, Mr. Kazuyuki Tsurumi, laid emphasis on organic production
together with good collaboration with post harvest activities ant marketing system. He also
highlighted on the need of consumer awareness. He requested the forum to discuss if
organic farming can feed the growing population and also on the cost benefit aspect of
traditional versus organic farming.
Mr. Ganesh Kumar K.C; chief guest and Honorable Secretary, MOAC, in his inaugural
speech stated that the terminology may be new, but organic farming is not a new concept to
us since more than eighty percent of Nepalese Agriculture is organic by default and this is a
good prospect for organic farming in Nepal. He also mentioned that even in the pretext of
need for optimizing the production, experiences of sustainability of other countries is
encouraging. He however emphasized on the need for setting our own norms, standards
and also developing production guarantee system/group certification system during the
conversion period and also prepare the empirical evidences. He also added that national
policy should emphasize in indicating the possible area and identifying list of the
commodity that can be promoted as organic and urged the participants to come up with a
vision and necessary suggestions. He expected that the outcome of the workshop would be
fruitful towards formulating eleventh five years plan. Acknowledging the efforts of the
organizers he extended thanks to all of them.
Mr. Chutraj Gurung, Senior Vegetable Development Officer, Directorate of Vegetable
Development, offered the vote of thanks to the honorable guests and the participants. He
also extended the vote of thanks to all the organizations and the individuals who have
contributed for the success of the workshop.
The closing remarks were given by Chairperson and the Director General, Department of
Agriculture Dr. Deep Bahadur Swar. In his remarks he reviewed the transformation of our
traditional farming towards conventional agriculture and stressed the importance of organic
farming for the sustainable agriculture and the environmental protection. Emphasizing on
the need of organic farming and sustainable agriculture he highlighted the quotation of an
(3)
environmentalist “Only if, when the last tree will die, the last river will be poisoned and the
last fish will be caught, we will realize that we cannot eat money”. He also reviewed the
recent plan and policies that have given due importance to the organic farming. He further
stated that although organic efforts have been sporadic, but the time has come to realize its
need, importance and opportunities and challenges. He also hoped that this workshop
would come up with definite recommendations and guidelines to the Government of Nepal.
He requested the participants to participate freely and frankly in different aspect of organic
farming and come up with concrete policy recommendations and suggestions towards its
successful implementation. He also assured the participants to incorporate those
recommendations while formulating the eleventh five-year plan document.
Group Work
The workshop was planned in a way to get concrete suggestions for the development of
organic farming in Nepal in the days to come. It was expected that the group works and the
group suggestions would be of great value in this connection. The groups and their
assignments were designed accordingly. For this purpose four groups were formed as
follow :
(4)
Technological Practices
Sustainable soil management
Locally available organic resources management
Crop rotation
Integration of livestock
Green manuring
Vermiculture
Use trap plant and border plant
Promotion and conservation of pesticidal and green manuring plants
Conserve biodiversity
Use of bio-pesticides
Policies
Domestic consumption
Develop pesticides free zone area
Develop use of chemical fertilizer standard
Develop organic pocket in identified commodity
Export
Follow international standard
Institutional Arrangement
DOA - Department of Agriculture
PPD - Plant Protection Directorate
SMD - Soil Management Directorate
AED - Agricultural Extension Directorate
ABMPD - Agri-Business and Market Promotion Directorate
Farmer representative
NGO/INGO representative ministry level
Gender equity and environment division of MoAC
Representative of planning commission
Representative of DOA
Representative of DOLS
Food research and technology department
NARC - National Agriculture Research Council
NGO/INGO representative
(5)
Representative of ministry of commerce
Industrial commerce federation
IAAS
Inter-Linkage Mechanism
National Coordination Committee (MoAC)
(6)
Present Issues/Constraints
Research Priority
Coordination
Lack of knowledge
Organic market outlets
Certification
Inputs availability
Subsidy
Infrastructures
Financial arrangement
Insurance
Processing and handling centres
Coffee plantation in community forestry
Future Strategy
National Organic Agriculture Program
Different policies for large and small farmers
Organic zonation
Infrastructures for bio-fertilizers, certification system
Working Policy
Development and dissemination of technological packages based on indigenous
knowledge, skills and practices of organic farming.
Prohibition of use of GMO on organic production.
Use of FFS tool to educate farmers for organic production.
Identification and promotion of exportable organic commodities.
Provision of crop insurance for organic production.
Development and verification technology suitable for organic farming.
Accountability and regularization of funds provided by donors for promoting of
organic farming in Nepal.
Standardization
Formation of national standards based on international and local standards
developed by different agencies.
Formation of natial standard committee for promotion of organic farming in Nepal.
(7)
Institutional Organogram for National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP)
Government
of Nepal
Ministry of
Agriculture and
Cooperatives
Certification/Compliance
National Committee
Steering
Committee
for
NOAP Accredited
Inspector/Auditors
Accreditation Committee
(Formed as per the Farmers
recommendation of NSC) Processors and
added Operators
Areas
Research by agro-ecological region,
Product identification- Vegetable and other exportable crops (Coffee, Tea, Spices,
Fruits etc.)
Identification, Documentation and Technical Verification of Existing Technologies on
Pest and Nutrient Management.
Potential botanicals/Bio pesticides/Bio-fertilizers
Market research
Explore domestic & international markets.
Production economics.
(8)
Niche market identification_ quality, quantity, price
Market advocacy of organic products.
Linkage
FTF/ FFS approach.
Six monthly coordination meeting at different levels including RD and DADO.
A functional coordination committee from MoAC-RD -DADO to coordinate all
stakeholders at respective levels
(9)
THEME SESSION
An Idea on Organic Agriculture System in Nepal
- Ganesh Kumar KC1
1. Introduction :
Climate change, soil erosion, bio-diversity loss, decrease in water resources, misuse or over
use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals, and the resultant high
production cost have posed challenges in agriculture development in the 21st century.
Food security for all cannot be ensured unless these challenges are managed in time. Even
the rate of productivity growth observed in the irrigated land during previous decades has
recently been weakening (IRRI's report). On other hand, population migration from rural to
urban areas is also increasing rapidly causing over exploitation of limited natural resources.
Uncontrolled urbanization due to rapidly increasing population has put stress on the land
availability for cultivation. Cultivable land is increasingly being put to other uses such as
road, settlement and other infra-structures development leading to land fragmentations as
well. To face the emerging adverse situation, various studies recommend Organic Farming
as the appropriate alternative for the years to come.
History of Nepalese agriculture development and the research indicate that the organic
farming has been the integral part of agriculture system in this country for eon.
Sustainable soil and nutrients management research studies have shown that there is the
higher sustainability potential in organic Agric-system than in fossil energy based modern
agriculture. However, production of adequate and nutritive hygienic food products, using all
the available modern inputs and technology, is the demand of the population. Organic
agriculture system is remarkably helpful in maintaining and improving the soil fertility.
Organic Farming also discourages the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other
hormones in crop production as well as the heavy usage of antibiotics in animal husbandry.
This ultimately enhances biodiversity, soil biological activities and sustainability. Healthier
cropping pattern is widely disseminated among the farmers through the adoption of bio-
fertilizer, green manure, off-farm organic wastes and biological methods of pest control.
These are cost responsive technologies and can be effective agricultural approaches in rural
poverty alleviation and environmental balance effort. Theoretically, organic agriculture
system enhances low external input supply agriculture (LEISA) which decreases the over
dependence on external production inputs in one hand and helps farmers to review and
create independent environment themselves on the other.
Organic farming can be the answer to the challenges of modern day agriculture in the 21st
centuries. Nepalese agriculture may move well ahead if it can blend the strength of today's
youths with ancestral progressive lining of cultural and traditional traits of inherited
agriculture maintaining self reliance on food availability which certainly is the only one & a
major concern of governmental, non governmental and all organizations involved in the
issue of natural resource conservation and rural development. In real sense, organic
farming spiritually demands for sustainable use of biodiversities for future world.
Organic farming is a life style and also a dignity of majority Nepalese farmers. It is one of
the valuable property inherited from generation to generation. The production outputs from
1
Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
( 10 )
traditional farming alone could not fully satisfy the ever increasing demand for food
commodities of the country and hence the gradual amendment has been incorporated. But
unfortunately, during the era of green revolution, haphazard application of higher doses of
chemical fertilizers and agro chemicals to produce more food has contributed not only to
the uncertainties and environmental pollution, resurgence of new plant pests, forest area
degradation, flooding, erosion, drought and floods but also decline in overall productivity of
major food commodities. The marginalized and poor farmers are the ones who would be the
first victims of the adverse effect created by the modern agriculture especially in the
developing countries.
Modern agriculture, no doubt, gives immediate benefit in short term but leads to damage of
the essential natural food system and biodiversity. Like in other developing countries,
Nepalese agricultural system also adopted different external technologies; but mainly due to
the dominance of the traditional thinking and limited investment, commercialization of
agriculture has not been satisfactory. Because of weaker commercialization, most important
commodities are produced at 20-30 percent higher per unit cost of cultivation in Nepal as
compared to other countries. Consequently, Nepalese agro products are facing difficulties in
international as well as national competitive markets. In view of these the attention of
scientists, planners, politicians, industrialists etc have been attracted towards organic
farming for which there are consumers who are ready to pay higher price for organic
products. However, it is not to be forgotten that adoption of organic agriculture does not
means escape away from modern agricultural system.
( 11 )
Clarify the activities for production and post production.
Must ensure the adoption of the basic norms of Organic Guarantee System (OGS)
prior to the certification for declaring the area as chemical free
For small farmers “Internal Control System” in order to execute the OGS can be
applied.
( 12 )
- Lead role to be taken jointly by Crop Development Directorate, Soil Development
Directorate, Plant Protection Directorate of DOA and Animal Production
Directorate of DOLS.
- Organic farming related policy formulation, guidelines preparation and market
management related activities are to be designed and developed by the advisory
committee formed at MoAC.
- Form an Organic Farming Sub-committee at regional & district levels as a
sideline working committee within existing DADCs.
- Assign the role of monitoring of organic farming related activities at the district
to the District Agriculture Coordination Committee.
- Form a special "Research Subject Selection Committee" at NARC in order to
mainstream the unanswered subjects of organic farming taking market
potentials into consideration.
( 13 )
Each village and regional communities should be alerted on conservation,
utilization and enhancement of biodiversity based on location specific identities.
Provision of government owned forest areas including other fallow areas for
establishment of Agri-horti-silvi-pastoral production system.
Promotion of vermi-culture to convert selected kitchen and household wastes into
valuable vermi-compost.
Special attention to water resources conservation and rain water harvesting and use
as well as soil conservation.
Support for rain water harvesting in every households of target areas
Arrangement for publicity and diffusion of the theme 'living soil is the basic
requirement of organic farming" as a the principle motto
Provision of making saplings available at nominal price for "on farm tree production
programs".
Timely management of critical inputs.
Development of necessary physical infrastructures for grading, processing, storage
and value addition.
Support in establishing biogas plant, solar dryer, and wind mills
Establishment of group wise certification system for export promotion of organic
farm products as well as establishment of Internal Control System for Small Holder
Certification making record keeping compulsory to support certification process.
Support for soil testing and irrigation management from government during the
conversion period in the form of conversion grant or organic input subsidy.
Support in preparing the inspection modality by government as per the interest of
the importing countries.
( 14 )
Focus especially on drought resistant, insect/pest resistant & adverse climatic
conditions favoring high yielding varieties. Likewise, incorporate special research
and development programs on botanicals, bio-pesticides and fertilizers.
Organize financial resources by NGOs/INGO/GOs all for organic farming researches.
Coordination committee should play special role in local seed preservation.
Conduct awareness raising, dissemination and propaganda related activities using
radio, TV, Newspapers, posters, pamphlets, hand bills, video films etc.
Disseminate organic foods while distributing the food aid program especially in
children food programmes.
Provision of eco-tourism in areas having better organic farming activities.
Conservation of traditional farming system and maintenance of natural history of
earth.
Promote the concept of organic/bio-village.
6.2 Labeling
To initiate the work towards certification system the label of "Organic Product" can
be used only for those commodities which fulfills the basic principles of Organic
Farming guidelines and standard. However, its certification system must be
approved immediately at least for high value commodities for export.
The label should include the complete name and address of producer, processor and
certifying agencies in the label.
( 15 )
If some mixed products are not of organic origin, the certifying authority, before
allowing the label of 'organic product' to such commodity, may assign an
appropriate label without prejudice to the "Basic Concept of Organic Product".
The organic standard, processing date, product's serial number should be clearly
printed and kept in visible style before sending to the market.
If the organic product is in the process of transformation, the symbol (label) of
"primary product under process of transformation" should apply.
( 16 )
7. Recommendations :
7.1 Policy
Promote agricultural production and trade emphasizing integrated organic farming
system.
Declare Organic Agriculture Zones taking into consideration the specialties of a
particular location, district and region; and launch publicity and extension of
integrated organic farming system.
Appoint institution for coordination of organic agriculture at Ministry of Agriculture
and Cooperatives and the departments under it.
Establish an organic farming coordination committee involving governmental and
non governmental agencies.
8. Conclusion :
In the context of sustainable food production and safe environment conservation, the
available empirical evidences clearly compels us to go for organic farming for the benefit of
whole mankind. At present also approximately 22.81 million hectares of cultivable land is
covered by organic farming which resembles trading worth about 3900 billion US $.
Nepalese farmers, agriculture traders and exporters, policy makers, and technocrats should
put all efforts to materialize the benefit in favor of the country in time, which may really
promote and contribute to the economic progress of majority of Nepalese farmers as well as
farming system improvement based on natural principles and energy sources.
( 17 )
Annex -1
Soil fertility Management tools and technology
S.N. Name of commodities Description for use
1 Chemical fertilizer restricted to use
2 Commodities produced in own farm -
2.1 Dung, urine, slurry can be used
2.2 Fermented poultry manure ,,
2.3 Vermin compost ,,
2.4 Plant residues, leaves ,,
2.5 Green manure ,,
2.6 Biodynamic mixture ,,
2.7 Azola ,,
2.8 Groundnut seed coat and similar products. ,,
2.9 sugarcane residues, straw for mulch ,,
2.10 Organic products manure from kitchen waste ,,
can be used after well
2.11 Organic mushroom production wastages
fermentation
2.12 Latrine wastages (at best 4-5 months composting) ,, ,,
( 18 )
In the organic manure all items mentioned above, if having some elements like Nitrogen in
excess amount can not be used. Likewise micronutrients supplement should be given from
own farm organic sources. If needed to use from out side the farm or from unknown place
then use following the recommendations of certifying agencies.
While using natural organic products collected, attention must be given to check it's
natural sources and if it is going to destroy the natural balance then restrict the collection
and use. Certifying agency can study such cases seriously and be affirmative towards
maintaining the natural balance.
Annex - 2
Insect Disease Management
S.N. Equipment Remarks
1. Chemical pesticides x Not permitted for use
2. Scented materials Dangerous to the balance of ecology.
3. Machinery trap
4. Chromatic trap
5. Plant pesticides + May have negative effect.
6. Silicate
7. Propolis
8. Plant & animal extruded oil + May have negative effect.
9. Bentoneite
10. Soft soap
11. Gilitine
12. Biodynamic mixture
may have effect to the permanent insect or
13. Harmful of parasites +
parasites
14. Micro organism Restriction to the use of imported one, if GMO.
15. Sulpher + May have negative effect.
16. Copper salt + ,, ,,
17. Potassium paramagnet + ,, ,,
18. Caustic soda + Compositional imbalance
19. Light mineral oil + May have effect.
20. Natural nematicides + use cautiously.
21. Natural mulching materials
Note :
Permitted for use
+ use with caution
x Not permitted for use
( 19 )
Annex - 3
Livestock medicines and drugs can be cautiously used during the transformation period.
But the records about the used medicine or chemical should be kept strictly in the farms.
Medicines and chemicals that can be used :
- All types of medicines prepared from:
- Homeopathic, anthropomorphic materials and all the medicines prepared from
natural resources.
- Acupuncture is allowed.
- Tincher & antiseptics prepared from natural resources.
- Certified ayurvedic medicines.
Minerals :
- Calcium
- Calcium gluconate
- Calcium chloride
- Calcium phosphate
- Magnesium phosphate
- Calcium magnesium mixture
- Natural iron solution eg. Sipno
- Medicinal plants eg. oil seed, mustard leaf.
- Castor oil.
( 20 )
Annex - 4
Following standards of organic agriculture are proposed for
implementation for the time being
Seed
1. Seed should be obtained from organic source.
2. If not possible, seed from inorganic source can be used if it is not chemical treated.
However, the system of chemical free declaration by the seed supplier must be
developed.
3. Seed treatment can be done by using the materials accepted for organic agriculture
(listed in annex 2)
4 During initial stage priority should be given to the quality products. As far as
possible improved organic seed should be exchanged with organic seed produced at
local level.
Crop variety
1) Use of local variety preferably locally improved crop varieties as far as possible.
2) The use of hybrid varieties can be accepted on the consultation and approval of
inspector, only if open pollinated local or improved varieties are not available or they
are not useful due to the lack of desired genetic characters. But more than 40% of
the total cultivated land should not be covered by hybrid seed.
3) Genetically modified varieties should not be used.
4) In first year organic producer can use the seed treated by chemicals. But the
information should be given to the certified agency and the consumers.
Cropping pattern
Should be based on the crop certified by authorized agency for complete organic seeds.
1) One of the important principles of organic agriculture is mixed cropping. So it
should be directed towards the mixed cropping pattern.
2) At least two crop varieties should be cultivated in each 500 Sq. m. of area.
3) At least three seasons crop rotation should be planned.
4) Once in every four seasons leguminous crop should be cultivated as a main crop.
Roots of leguminous crop should be left in the soil during harvesting.
5) In case of Perennial crops intercropping crops, land type and relevant issues must
be planned in advance and documented.
Land use
1) Complete land use plan should be prepared on the basis of land structure, micro
climate, social & economic and the market availability.
2) Out of the total area, 1% & 10 % should be allocated respectively for the watershed
and natural herbs and plants.
3) In lands having more than 20% slope, seasonal crops are not encouraged to cultivate.
If these are needed to be planted effective erosion control activities should be followed.
4) Deforestation should be discouraged for organic farming.
( 21 )
Conversion Period
1. If organic farming is done in barren land collecting naturally available seeds and
other agricultural inputs fulfilling all basic requirements, then the production of
very first year can be certified as Organic.
2. If the producer can proof that for more than 3 years the land is free of chemicals use
then the products can be declared as Organic. But it must be declared in advance
and certified by the Inspector.
3. The certifying agency can fix the conversion period based on the type of land and its
cultivation history.
4. Usually the conversion period must be minimum of 3 years and is not usually
required for more than 3 years except in case as mentioned above (1&2).
5. At least once in a year the certifying agency must supervise and monitor the field
and report.
6. In case of 3 years conversion period requirement, the certifying agency, after proper
inspection of the product, may assign organic symbol of conversion period for the
product of the second or the third year.
Land parcel
1. The organic farming plot should be minimum of 1000 sq. meter (2 Ropani).
2. The distance between the organic plot and chemical plot should be more than 4
meter along (to be called as buffer zone) with the provision of Hedge row.
3. The products of this buffer zone will not be entitled for organic symbol.
4. Depending upon the type of the crop or the height the hedge row should be managed.
At least drainage of 1.5 deep must be there on the upper slope of the plot.
Fertilizer management
1. Prior to the initiation of Organic Farming the soil condition must be analyzed and
nutrients management plan should be developed accordingly.
2. Use of FYM must be made obligatory. However, while using the manures and
fertilizer prepared from Industrial areas or from commercial animal farm it must be
certified by the concerned authority.
3. Integrated Nutrient Management approach must be adopted.
4. Farm waste and plants remains should not be burnt in the field itself. To manage
the insect and disease and weed pest alternative approach of the pest management
be applied. Cultivate leguminous crops compulsorily.
5. Use of heavy machinery and equipments for cultural operations should be at the
minimum. The moisture condition of the soil must be considered at all times while
preparing the land for plantation. Better avoid field preparation during the months
of March - April.
6. The pH of the soil must be balanced using the natural products only.
7. The best suitable Soil must have the following level of the nutrients:
o Organic Matter - 5-20%
o Available Nitrogen - 0.2% - 0.4% Available
o Phosphorus - 150 kg per hectare
o Potash - 125 kg per hectare.
o pH of the soil should be in the range of 5.5 - 6.5
( 22 )
o However to balance the nutrients availability the EM, Rhizobium, Trichoderma
like micro organism can be supplemented .However these products should not
be polluted with GMO.
8. Prior to the initiation of organic farming if the soil condition is too much deteriorated
some chemical fertilizer can be used under the strict supervision of the inspector or
the certifying agency.
9. Appropriate technology for soil conservation, seepage, and nutrients vaporization
must be applied. The manures prepared from the industrial waste as well as plants
used from general areas must be certified before using it in the organic field.
10. While composting, C/N ratio must be maintained.
Plant protection
1. Integrated Pest management approach should be adopted to manage the harmful
pests. In no circumstance the chemical pesticide is used. The botanicals can be
used but no pesticide should be applied during the flowering and pollination stage of
the plants.
2. In case of epidemics the safe pesticide can be used to save the crops under the
guidance of the certifying agency. If pest‟s symptoms crosses the EIL, it should be
reported to the certifying body immediately.
3. Any plant products to be used for mulching can be used even if it is from the
chemical treated farm. But see the possibility of disease transmission.
4. The machinery and equipments used to spray chemicals must be properly washed
before using it in organic field
5. Augment the population of natural enemies of the pest in and around the field.
6. Arkhul, Khiro can be used for the mulching. But should not be used in root crops.
7. Mechanical method of pest control can be used including the light trap, and
pheromones traps.
8. Except GMO all other microorganism can be used for the pest management.
9. In mushroom production rice husk from the chemical used field cannot be used.
Water
1. The water from deep well should be analyzed for its content and use for irrigation
only if found potable. The water quality standard must be of WHO standard. Flood
irrigation cannot be used.
2. While using the water coming through others field must be cautiously watched that
it is not mixed with chemicals. Both the producer and inspector must be alerted in
such cases.
3. Water from any source should not be used unless the laboratory report shows the
water to be safe for irrigation.
Wild Production
1. Wild products can be collected only from chemical free areas .Always leave at least
10 percent of the population of the collected product in situ for further propagation.
2. The collections must be properly identified and make sure that these are free from
any chemical contamination.
3. The collector should not go more than 300 meter away from the field site.
( 23 )
Commodity Seed Storage
1. The organic and non organic products must be labeled, packed, separately till it
reaches the consumer.
2. The storage container or the room should never be treated with any chemical.
3. Physical traps and lure material can be used but these should not contaminate the
products.
4. No additive should be used in order to off time ripening for any purpose. It should
be let take its own natural course.
Livestock
1. The animals or bird must be of organic origin to call as organic products.
2. In case of the livestock brought from non organic area for organic production only
after undergoing following conversion period its products can be labeled as Organic
Products.
Eggs…….20days
Milk…….60 days
Meat………180days
3. The feed and fodder to be used as organic livestock must have 60 percent roughage
from the organic source. To the extent possible everyday the animals must get at
least 1 hour roaming in open place for grazing or stretch. If no open place available
for this purpose it should be done even in or within the compound.
4. Both the producer and inspector must keep motto in mind that "no cruelty to
animals"
5. For the animal‟s health care no antibiotics be used. Apply sanitation and hygiene as
preventive method for treatment. However, vaccination can be used
6. Products from GMOs and Embryo transplantation cannot be recognized as organic
products.
( 24 )
The certifier should inspect these areas as well.
Processing should be done without compromising its original quality .
The use of the additive should be minimal.
Care should be taken no mixing with chemical used products or adulteration
takes places during transportation, and packing.
The packing material should be environmental friendly.
All processors must have due license or permit from the Government of Nepal. If
the processing item falls under special category then special inspection system
be developed.
The main products must be organics and it should not be mixed with any
unwanted material.
The processed products must have 95% original raw material. Materials used for
processing should not exceed 5%. The weight of the main product itself should
be 50 percent in addition to salt, water, and mineral. While other materials
should weigh not more than 50%.
The water to be used in the processing plant should meet the WHO standard of
water quality. Permission must be taken from the concerned agencies if the
water use in the processing is more than 50%.
No other additive and chemicals other than mentioned in the annex 2 can be used.
All equipments and tools should be properly cleaned before using for the
processing.
Packaging
1. Give priority to packaging material made of natural products, like Jute sacks, wood
box, paper bags etc rather than plastics material and these materials should not be
treated with any chemicals.
2. If the bags are reused then it must be carefully cleaned and dried before reusing it.
The material standard must be of Food grade.
Storage
1. Organic products must be labeled properly and kept separately. If at all the organics
and non organics products are to be kept in the same store house then minimize the
chances of impinging.
2. While cleaning the storage and taking measures for control, following must be
practiced:
o Refrigeration along with temperature devices.
o Ice made out of quality water following the standard set by WHO.
o However if the organic and non organics products are packed separately then it
can be transported in the same vehicle or other means of transportation.
3. While cleaning the utensils and equipments rack, table, chairs and boxes, use only
the materials given in the Annex-2
4. No chemicals can be used in the storage. If some lures or like chemical is to be used
for trapping then take permission of the concerned agencies or use it as per the
instruction of the inspector.
5. Processed products should be kept appropriately so that no disease or insects pest
dare attack or infest it.
( 25 )
6. To the extent possible organic and non organics should be kept separately.
7. Air tight packaging also can be used.
8. Carbon dioxide packaging also can be done.
9. But the radiation technology cannot be applied.
10. In special condition following technology can be adopted.
Refrigeration along with temperature devices.
Ice made out of quality water following the standard set by WHO.
However if the organic and non organics products are packed separately then it
can be transported in the same vehicle or other means of transportation.
Annex 5
General Information
About 18 million ha. of which
- 7.7 million ha. in Australia
- 4.2 million in Europe
- 3.7 million in L. America.
- 1.3 million in North America.
- 94000 ha in Asia
- 41000 ha in India
- 600 – 800 ha in Nepal
(FAO, Env. and Natural resource service – 4)
In Nepal mostly in vegetable (maize/rice) about 1500 household engaged into
Nepalese O.A.P. are non certified one :
( 26 )
CONCEPT, STATUS, PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF
ORGANIC FARMING IN NEPAL
- S.B. Aryal
Abstract
The use of chemicals yield immediate gains in terms of increased production, which can
raise the productivity levels, but the excessive use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers over
a long periods results in poor health of soil, humans, animals and environment. Despite
high consumer prices, demand for organic food is in upward swing, all over the world.
Organic farming is practiced in approximately more than 100 countries throughout the
world on half a million farms.
Nepal is rich in its natural resources with a lot of diversity making it in international
market for a wide range of Agro- commodities. There are ample opportunities to increase
area under organic farming of exportable commodities like Tea, Coffee, Large Cardamom,
Ginger, Fresh vegetable etc.
Promotion of organic farming in Nepal mainly depends on
Appropriate conversion method of conventional farming in to an organic farming
Establishment of national certification program
Government support
Introduction :
The use of chemical yield immediate gains in term of increased production which can raise
the productivity levels, but the excessive use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers over a
long periods results in poor health of soil, humans, animals and environment. The
accumulated effect, ultimately led to a fall in crop yields and puts sustainability at stake.
Adverse effects of inorganic farming are as follows:
High Concentration of nitrates (Chemical / Pesticides) in soil cause environmental
hazards and health Problem.
Resistance development in Pathogen
Destruction of soil structure, soil texture, aeration and water holding capacity.
Indiscriminate killing of useful insects, micro-organisms and predators.
The effects of chemical fertilizer, pesticides, fungicides etc on human beings are as follows:
Cancer due to Nitrate concentration in ground water
Abnormal cardiac function by pesticides
Arsenic diseases by pesticides
Internal ulcer by pesticides
Blue eye disease in children by pesticides.
Headache, Nausea and vomiting by pesticides
Throat, skin and eye irritation.
Department of Agriculture, Nepal has initiated the application of chemical pesticides for
crop protection since 1960s and stored products of pesticides increased steadily since then.
More than 76 metric- tones of obsolete pesticides are lying in the different warehouses of
Nepal. Nepal currently uses about 55 tones of active ingredients (2001), but the amount of
Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture
( 27 )
pesticide ingredients unused each year and after use of container and its volume is not
known. In Nepal, there are no facilities for the disposal of obsolete pesticides in an
environmental sound manner.
Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizer over a long period results in depletion of organic
matter content and plant nutrients in the soil. So the farmers are now compelled to use
more and more chemical fertilizer and other inputs. The law of diminishing return will set in
and these are indications of significant changes in the natural resource base e.g. falling
ground water table, water logging, degradation of soil quality (loss of organic carbon and
deficiency of micro and secondary nutrients like Zink, Manganese, Iron, Sulphur etc.) and
severe soil erosion. Most of the organic matter releases minerals four times faster under
tropical condition than in temperate conditions and unless supplemented in every cropping
season, the organic carbon content of the soil decreases fast. Most of the soils under the dry
farming system contain less than 0.5 percent organic carbon. Unless it is raised to 0.9 to
1.0 percent, productivity of these lands can not be optimized.
Organic source of Nitrogen also improve soil structure and soil bioactivity that is not
directly improved by mineral sources of Nitrogen, the productivity of the crop for each
Kilogram of Nitrogen may be better with organic sources of Nitrogen than with mineral
sources of Nitrogen alone.
( 28 )
All farm produce that went through the stringent practice of organic farming, after
scrutiny is certified as organically produced products and are termed as organic
produce.
Component of organic farming
Organic Manures
FYM, compost
Animal manure
Poultry Manure
Town and city compost
Green Manuring
Legume and non- legume crops
Green leaves manure
Blue green algae
Azolla
Biofertilizer
Azotobacter, a plant growth promoting and preferably rhizosphere colonizing
bacteria, fixes 20-30 Kilogram Nitrogen per hectare.
Rhizobium : Fixes 50-200 Kilogram Nitrogen per hectare
Azospirillum : An Associative Nitrogen fixing bacteria. Fixes 50 Kilogram Nitrogen
per hectare
Phosphofix : Solubilise unavailable forms of phosphate to soluble form
Biopesticides
Beaveria bassiana (entomopathogenic fungus)
Metarhizium anisopliae (ento-mopathogenic fungus)
Bacillus thurengenisis
Bio fungicides
Trichoderma viridi
Pseudomonas (also plant growth promoter)
Botanical Pesticides
Neem formulation (Neem Kernel extract, Neem cake extract, Neem oil extract
Ginger, garlic and chilly extract
Ginger with other plant extracts in Cow urine
Tobacco (Surti) and soap solution (control Aphids)
Trap crops
Marigold (control Nematode)
( 29 )
Organic Farming: International Scenario
Despite high consumer prices, demand for organic food is in upward swing, all over
the world. Farmers and scientists are conceding that agro chemicals are devasting the
soil, water and biodiversity and creating health hazards by their toxic residues in food.
Organic farming is practiced in approximately more than 100 countries throughout
the world on half a million farms
24 million hectare now under organic management, generating US dollar 25 billion
Australia leads (10 million hectare) followed by Argentina (3 million hectare)
Europe has more than 5.5 million hectares
North America has nearly 1.5 million hectares
94,000 hectare land in India under organic farming
600-800 hectare in Nepal
B. Vegetable Production:
The demand of organically produced fresh vegetable is increasing in Nepal, mainly in urban
areas. Organic vegetable farming has been started in few districts of Nepal.
Kathamanud valley, Bara, Dang etc. In Kavresthali area of Kathamandu, Panchakenya
Agriculture Cooperative has produced 96 metric tones of fresh vegetable from 20 hectares of
land in 2003 (2061). The produce was marketed to local markets and in one permanent
marketing stall at Balaju.
At present, in organic vegetable farming, farmers are not using inorganic fertilizers and
chemicals, but seed / seedlings are purchased directly from market, which may not be
organically produced, and the products are not certified. The certification program does not
exist in Nepal. Major constraints facing organic vegetable production are;
Poor compost quality
Pest and disease problems
Reduced production
( 30 )
Aesthetically unappealing produce
No organic premium
Exact data of area and production of organic produced vegetable is not available due
to absence of National Organic Policy.
( 31 )
and Vegetable was respectively 2.85, 1.91, 2.08, 11.49 and 10.92 Metric tines during
2003/2004 (MOAC, 2004).
There is enough opportunity to convert these inorganic farming practices gradually to
organic farming, which will be economically viable, socially accepted and
environmentally friendly.
4. At Present, Government is providing 100 percent subsidy on transportation cost of
chemical fertilizers from Road head to district Headquarters in Remote districts of
Nepal. In this Fiscal Year 2062-63 (2005-2006) Rs. 49,455 thousand has been
allocated for transportation subsidy in 26 districts. This big amount can be easily
diverted for the promotion of organic farming.
5. The major organic products sold in global market include dried fruits, nuts Tea, Coffee,
Vegetable and Spice etc.
At Present Nepal is exporting mainly large cardamom, Ginger, Organically produced
Tea, and Coffee beans and off- Season fresh vegetable to India, Bangladesh and
overseas countries. 5851.705 Metric tones large cardamom, 16772.931 Metric tones
Ginger were exported during 2003-2004 (2060-61). Similarly 71.590 Metric tones
green bean Coffee (2004-2005) and 984.22 Metric tones Tea (2004) was exported.
(Source: National Spice Development Programme, Khumaltar and Fruit Development
Directorate, Kirtipur). Another major export commodity is fresh vegetable. At present
Nepal is exporting fresh vegetable to Tibet, Bangladesh and Arabian Countries.
Thus there is ample opportunities to increase area under organic farming of
exportable commodities like Tea, Coffee, Large cardamom, Ginger, Fresh vegetable etc.
Conversion Stage:
Year 1: 75 % Chemical fertilizer + Bio-fertilizers + 3 Metric tones FYM /Vermi-compost.
Year 2: 50 % Chemical fertilizer +Bio-fertilizers + 6 Metric tones FYM / Vermi-compost.
Year 3: 25% Chemical fertilizer + Bio fertilizer + 9 Metric tones FYM / Vermi-compost.
( 32 )
Year 4 : No Chemical fertilizer + Bio fertilizer + 11 Metric tones FYM / Vermi-compost.
Use of Bio-pesticides should replace the chemical pesticides from the very 1st year
because of their residual nature. Area where crop production is "default – organic"
organic farming can be practiced in the 1st year.
3. Government Support:
A long-term project on organic farming should be launched for selective crops and in
selective areas, which can be replicated later throughout the country. In the first phase,
cash crops like fresh vegetable, Tea, Coffee, Large Cardamom, Ginger etc. should be
included for domestic and export market.
In order to develop an effective organic agro-industry in Nepal, government, NGO/INGO
must work together to;
Provide farmers with technical training in organic production and post harvest
techniques.
Establishment of model farms
Provide Incentive (subsidy) to resource poor farmers especially for bio-fertilizers and
bio-pesticides
Provide marketing or Buy backs arrangement
Create domestic markets for organic producers by raising public awareness as to the
benefits of organic agriculture
Promote organic farmer cooperatives to increase organic production to levels needed
to export
Develop strong technical linkages with neighboring countries to transfer organic
farming technologies
Organize Regional / National workshop on organic farmer at least once a year, to
exchange the experiences.
( 33 )
Acronyms
RONAST : Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology
HOPTA : Himalayan Orthodox Tea producer Association
NOSB : National Organic Standard Board
CWDS : Community Welfare Development Society
NPG : National Perma Culture Group
SECARD : Society for Environment Conservation and Agricultural Research and
Development, Nepal
ECOS CENTER : Ecological Services Center
COPP : Coffee Promotion Project
HCPCL : High land Coffee Promotion Company Ltd.
SSMP : Sustainable Soil Management Project
NGOs : Non- Governmental Organizations
NARC : Nepal Agricultural Research Council
AEC : Agro- Enterprises Center
NASAA :
NOSB : National Organic Standard Board
References:
Budathoki, K etal. 2004. Organic fresh vegetable production. Paper presented at workshop
on sustainable Agriculture Development. May 11, 2004.Kritipur, Nepal
International Panacea Limited (IPL). 2004.Boosting Neplease Agri-based income. Paper
presented at Workshop on Sustainable Agriculture Development. May 11, 2004. Kritipur
Nepal
K.C. Ganesh.2004. IPM and Biopesticide for organic farming. Paper presented at Workshop
on sustainable Agriculture Development .May 11, 2004.Kritipur Nepal
MC Clintock, Nathan.C., 2005.Going Organic. Paper presented at workshop on organic
farming. July 27, 2005. Kritipur, Nepal
Ministry of Population and Environment /UNIDO. June 2004. Proceeding of inception
workshop (Jan 14-15, 2004). Pp220
SAIC. December 2004. Statistical Bulletin SAARC Agriculture Data .2004. Bangladesh
( 34 )
Agricultural Extension in Promoting Organic Farming in Nepal
- Prabin Lal Shrestha*
- Kishor Pant**
Abstract
A few decade before the chemicals were not used by the farmers in agricultural crop
production and storage in Nepal. Instead, they were using the local organic manures and
organic pesticides. The farming of those days would be considered as the organic farming.
With the introduction of the high yielding varieties and the improved agric technologies
import and use of the chemical fertilizers and pesticides started in Nepal. Production of
more food was a challenge that time for the food security. After more than three decades the
government realised the fact that non-organic agriculture is not environment friendly. The
non-organic products are harmful to human and animal health. So the government's thrust
now is to promote the organic farming. The organic farming is a holistic production system
which avoids or largely excludes the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers,
growth regulators, livestock additives as routine drugs.
Organic farming is becoming more and more popular these days. Most of the high hill
farmers and large number of mid hill farmers do not use chemicals even today. There is a
big number of farmers with small land holdings in Nepal. So they can provide necessary
labour for organic farming. Because of the global trend in increased promotional activities
in organic farming Nepal can be benefited from the export of the organic agric. products.
Lack of adequate research and extension activities, organic inputs, government policies and
programs can be taken as the present constraints. Main issues in organic farming today in
Nepal are the issue of certification of the products, lack of production and marketing
techniques.
Agric. extension may have a number of roles for the promotion of the system. Awareness
programs for the consumers, social mobilisation through the farmer groups, different
extension methods such as demonstrations, field visits, workshops, trainings, farmers' field
schools etc and development of linkages among the stakeholders so on and so forth.
1. Introduction
Agricultural sector still remains one of the major contributors in the Nepalese economy. It
contributes 38.8% to the national GDP and provides employments to 65.7% of the total
population (MoAC, 2004). Its' topographical variation enables the cultivation of varieties of
cereal crops, fruits, spices and vegetables etc.
Organic farming is one of the important farming systems practiced today. In general,
organic farming is a sustainable farming system which insisted to the production of healthy
crops in the environment friendly conditions. It avoids the use of synthetic chemicals on the
farm. Defining Organic farming some times connotes with other eco- friendly farming
system such as biological farming, Perma- culture, natural farming, regenerative farming,
ecological farming, integrated intensive farming, etc. which are based on principle of
harmony with nature. The only distinguishing feature of organic farming is the certification
of products by authorized agencies.
( 35 )
The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of
interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. The soil is of central
importance in organic farming. In reality, organic farming is a consistent system approach
based on the perception that tomorrow‟s ecology is more important than today‟s economy.
Thus, organic farming is a holistic production system which avoids or largely excludes the
use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, growth regulator, and other chemicals.
Organics also prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) - or genetic
engineering.
( 36 )
2.7. Profitable
Organic farmers can manage to reduce production costs by avoiding expensive cost of
agrochemicals. Even if the organic crop yields are lower the overall economic yields of the
farm will be competitive since organic system benefit from market premiums (fair prices)
and sometimes lowered input costs.
( 37 )
4. Opportunities
4.1 Ecological and geographical advantages: The country has diverse ecological and
climatic conditions which is supportive in cultivation of diversified crops. Most of the
farmers in the high hills and majority of them in the mid hills do not use the
chemicals in their farming.
4.2 There are a large number of small farmers in Nepal. So, there will not be the labor
problem. The farmers themselves could fulfill the labor demand.
4.3 The world trend is towards the organic farming. Many positive actions have been
taken globally for the development of organic farming. So, there is a good scope for
organic products in the future.
4.4 Consumers and the farmers are becoming more and more aware of organic products
from environment and health point of view. They have learnt that organic products are
safe to the health and environment.
4.5 Nepal, as a member of WTO, can have good opportunities in the global markets. Good
quality organic agricultural products can be marketed globally.
4.6 Nepalese farmers are equipped with the indigenous knowledge of farming organically.
The indigenous knowledge can be utilized in the organic farming today.
4.7 Local inputs are largely used in organic farming. Therefore the farmers need not
depend on the external inputs most of the time.
5. Constraints
5.1 Lack of adequate information on different aspects such as advantages of organic
farming and the organic products, crop and area on organic cultivation, technology,
marketing, suppliers of inputs etc.
5.2 Lack of adequate technology.
5.3 Lack of organic inputs such as seeds, bio-fertilizers and bio pesticides.
5.4 Lack of government initiatives, policies and assistance. The norms and standards on
inspection and certification in organic agriculture have not been established yet at
government level.
5.5 The organic farming is the labor intensive farming. So, in the urban areas where the
scarcity of labor exist the cost of cultivation may be high.
5.6 The belief of people that - organic agriculture is not a feasible option to improve food
security.
5.7 Awareness : There is lack of consumer‟s and the producer‟s awareness in the organic
farming and the organic products.
6. Issues
There is no doubt that organic agriculture is more sustainable and low inputs farming but
there are still several issues that have to be addressed
- Low yield
- Lack of appropriate technology
- Lack of marketing system
( 38 )
7. Role of extension in the promotion of organic farming
Agricultural extension has been considered as one of the important component of
agricultural development. Extension has vital role to play in the promotion of organic
farming. In the past, the government's policy was to increase agricultural production so,
agricultural extension activities were more focused to production objectives. However, more
recently, food security, environment and biodiversity conservation, social inclusion and
equity, market information and poverty alleviation became part of the agenda of the
organizations involved in extension services. Extensions involves offering advice, helping
farmers analyzing problems and identify opportunities, sharing information, supporting
group formation and facilitating collective action (Garforth 1997).
The level of technology generation and dissemination on organic farming is not significant,
in Nepal, even today. NGOs and private service providers fulfil the technological need of the
farmers to some extent. The extension services provided by government agencies are very
limited and are confined to awareness and training programs only. Furthermore,
institutional supports for promotion of organic farming are also limited. Professional
institutions have not been functionally established to assist farmers in the production,
post-production and marketing processes.
Therefore analyzing the present status different extension activities could be implemented
for the promotion of organic farming in Nepal. Among them the important ones are
discussed below.
7.1 Social mobilization through consumer and farmer groups
Social mobilization is important for raising awareness among the people on the benefit of
organic farming. Formation and mobilization of consumer, producer and the marketing
groups/ associations could play a major role in social mobilization. These groups can play
vital roles in;
- These groups in association with the public/private agencies or independently can
play important roles in creating awareness among the people on the importance of
organic farming and the organic products.
- The farmer groups will test the available technologies and disseminate them if they
will be beneficial for them.
- People involved in the marketing groups could promote marketing of the organic
products. The groups could assist the authorities in the process of crop inspection,
monitoring and so on.
The extension organizations will play the role of the facilitators to assist these groups.
7.2. Educational Activities:
- Educational activities are very important part of extension. The educational activities
include different extension methods such as field trainings, workshops,
demonstrations, field visits, tours etc. To educate the producer and consumers in the
production and consumption of organic products and their effect on health,
environmental and economic aspects different extension methods could be applied.
- Preparation of educational materials for organic farming (Bulletins, Pamphlets,
Booklets, Posters).
7.3. Linkages
Improved technology based on research findings is an essential tool for assisting the
farmers. Farmers can upgrade their farming practices and farm management and
( 39 )
marketing techniques for better production and price. It is the responsibility of extension to
assist the farmers in delivering them the improved agricultural technologies. The extension
workers work in the close contact with the farmers. They used to be aware of the problems
faced by the farmers. The extension workers also used to have contacts with the research
organizations. Because the extension personnel have to work in close contacts both with
the farmers and the researchers, they can develop linkage between the farmers and
research. They will deliver the findings of research / improved technologies to the farmers
and feed back the problems of the farmers to research. Furthermore, there are a number of
NGOs, CBOs and other private sectors which are involved in agriculture development
activities in the country. The extension personnel can coordinate these organizations for the
benefit of the farmers.
7.4. Up scaling the technical skill of the clients
Development of organic farming and other farming largely depends on the technical skills of
the farmers and other personnel involved in the farming. So, extension can play an
important role in imparting technical and managerial skills to the clients. Following
activities could be implemented in this direction.
Technical training on organic production techniques for farmers
Establishment of experimental plots (Demonstration)
Training on post harvest handling
Training and capacity building program for field level extension worker.
7.6. Facilitate the inspection and certification of organic product at field level.
The field level inspection of the organic farming at regular basis is very important. It is
considered as the base for the certification process. The regular inspection help avoid the
unfair practices in organic farming. Extension can play an important role in facilitating the
inspection and certification of organic products at the field level.
( 40 )
Dissemination of technical information about organic agricultural practices such as
agronomic practices and use bio fertilizer, bio-pesticides etc.
Market information on demand and supply, market price, consumer preferences etc.
Information on global and local market opportunities for organic produces and price
premiums.
8. Suggestions
8.1. Due attention should be paid on establishment of appropriate institutions (National
Organic Standard Board) and formulation of suitable laws dealing with production and
marketing of organic products both in domestic and international markets. Establishment
of such institution help comply the regulations on organic production as well as in
international negotiations with governments to open up access to foreign markets.
8.2. National organic products standard and certification program should be developed for
the certification of the organic products.
8.3. Education: There are limited courses and activities on organic farming at universities
and training institutions. As the consequences, extension services have usually faced
problems of trained professionals on organic agriculture. Thus, incorporation of
courses related to organic production is necessary in the education programs of
universities and training institutions for developing professionals in this field.
8.4. Research
Although there is growing concern about importance of organic farming, there have
been limited researches on organic farming. Most of the studies are concentrated only
with soil fertility status. Therefore it is suggested to conduct research on;
Scientific validation of traditional farming practices that could increased land
productivity and resource sustainability.
Organic farming as one of the major components of farming system.
Selection of suitable crops for organic farming
8.5. Selection of organic production pockets and commodities should be done for
promoting organic farming in Nepal.
( 41 )
Acronyms
AEC Agro- Enterprises Cente
CBOs Community Based Organizations
COPP Coffee Promotion Project
EU European Union
GDP Gross Domestic Products
NGOs Non- Governmental Organizations
NOSB National Organic Standard Board
NPG National Perma Culture Group
NARC Nepal Agricultural Research Council
NOSB National Organic Standard Board
WTO World Trade Organizations
References
Annual report 2004, Coffee promotion project, Helvatas- Nepal.
Annual report, Plant Protection Directorate 2002. Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur, Nepal.
FAO Report (1998). FAO/ IFOAM meeting on organic agriculture, FAO, Rome.19-20 march
1998.
George Kuepper and Lance Gegner 2004. Organic production overview, fundamentals of
sustainable. http:/ www. Attar.org/attar.pub./PDF/ organic crop.pdf.
Gartforth, C. (1997). Supporting Sustainable Agriculture through Extension in Asia.ODI
Natural Resource Perspective.No.21.June
Institute of science society (ISIS) report. www.i.sis.org.uk/organic agriculture.php.
Marattha, S.P. and R.D. Yadav 2001. A report on survey of pesticide application and
consumption practices at Siraha, HMG/N, RAD. DADO, Siraha, Nepal.
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.2004. Agriculture Diary, Agriculture Information
and Communication Center, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur.
Nadia Scialabba, opportunities and constraints of organic agriculture, A Sociological
analysis, FAO.Rome. http:// www.fao.org/ organicag.
Organic food production, Alternative farming system information center. www.nal.usda.
gov./afsic/ofp.
Palikhe B.R. 2002. Pesticide and environment. HMG/N, MOAC, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Plant Protection Directorate, 2003. Integrated Pest Management Through Farmer Field
Schools. Proceedings of a workshop Kathmandu, Nepal 25-26 July 2002, organized by
National IPM Program in Cooperation with the FAO Program for Community IPM in Asia.
HMG/N, MOAC, DOA, PPD, Harihar Bhawan, and Lalitpur, Nepal, 2003.
Organic farming in Asia and Pacific. www.fao.org./DOCREP/004/ Ad452E/ad452 e4y.htm.
Sharma, A.K.2001. A hand book of organic farming. AgriBios, India
( 42 )
Technological Development in Organic Vegetable Production System in Nepal
- Mr. Bashu Subedi, Mr. Hom Raj Regmi*
Organic agriculture defined
Organic agriculture is a term used to include all systems of agriculture that support the
healthy and life supporting production of food through environmentally and socially sound
production methods. It adheres to globally accepted life supporting principles, which are
implemented in the local economic, geo-climatic, and cultural settings. Organic farming
promotes health in the farmer, the food, and the environment. It uses methods that respect
and uphold the natural capacity of plants, animals, and the landscape.
The basic rules of organic production are that natural inputs are approved and synthetic
inputs are prohibited. Organic agriculture is best known as a farming method where no
synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are used. However, this description does not mention the
essence of this form of agriculture, which is the holistic management of the farming system.
According to the definition of the Codex Alimentarius (FAO), "organic agriculture is a
holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem
health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It emphasizes the
use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into
account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems. This is accomplished by
using, where possible, agronomic, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to using
synthetic materials, to fulfill any specific function within the system." (Sharma, 2001).
*
VDD, Khumaltar
( 43 )
Eliminating the use of synthetic nitrogenous fertilizer greatly lowers the risks of nitrogen
contamination of water. Crop rotation is a widely used method of fertility maintenance and pest
and disease control, which is used in large- and small-scale farming in both developed and
developing countries, especially under intensification. Fodder legumes are well-known fertility-
building crops and are grown on vast areas in sub-tropical Asia and in semi-arid regions for the
dual purpose of feeding livestock and adding nitrogen to the farm fertility cycle. Grain legumes
may also produce a reasonable crop without nitrogenous fertilizer. Leguminous crops in
rotations add various amounts of nitrogen to the overall farm system through biological
fixation; other nitrogen-fixing plants such as Azolla may also be used.
Integration of legumes and organic soil amendments: Biological nitrogen fixation is a
powerful technique but it often requires some addition of minerals to the soil, especially
phosphorus. Most certification programmes restrict the use of mineral fertilizers, which
may be necessary to supplement the organic manure produced on the farm. Natural and
organic fertilizers from outside the farm are used (e.g. rock phosphate, potash, guano,
seaweed, slaughterhouse by-products, ground limestone, seaweed, wood-ash). While most
certification programmes prohibit the use of sewage sludge and night soil they are still used
in some places. However, sludge may contain many contaminants including heavy metals,
which can have a deleterious and cumulative effect on the soil, while night soil contains
human pathogens and must be carefully composted before use.
Crop Rotations: Crop rotations encourage a diversity of food crops, fodder and under-
utilized plants; this, in addition to improving overall farm production and fertility may
assist the on-farm conservation of plant genetic resources. Integrating livestock into the
system adds income through organic meat, eggs and dairy products, as well as draught
animal power. Tree crops and on-farm forestry integrated into the system provide shade
and windbreaks while providing food, income, fuel and wood. Integrated agri-aquaculture
may also be found within diverse organic agricultural systems. Economic objectives are not
the only motivation of organic farmers; their intent is often to optimize land, animal, and
plant interactions, preserve natural nutrient and energy flows, and enhance biodiversity, all
of which contribute to the overall objective of sustainable agriculture to preserve natural
resources and ecosystems for future generations.
Biological diversity: Biological diversity is another central principle of the organic vegetable
production system. Natural diversity promotes balance in plant and animal systems, allows
for healthy, synergistic relationships and thus reduces the need for external inputs.
Diversity includes varied crops, livestock breeds, rotation cycles, pest management
strategies, and the allowance for natural habitat for wild species.
Resources sufficiency: Local and regional resources self-sufficiency is another foundation of
sustainable agriculture. Organic agriculture, which is more of a closed system of agriculture,
dramatically reduces external inputs such as chemosynthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and
pharmaceuticals. Materials and resources are to be re-cycled within the farm and the
immediate surroundings to prevent costly and wasteful transportation and processing costs
Plant nutrient sources and their management as substitute for inorganic inputs
Improvement and maintenance of soil physical, chemical and biological properties are the
key features in successful organic vegetable production system. In this regard, technologies
are available to organically enrich the soil nutrient sources, which are available to the plant
growth and development. These technologies are;
Improvement of traditional cattle compost (FYM) (Suvedi and Suvedi, 2048, Suvedi
et al., 2050, Misra, and Roy, 2003)
Vermi-composting
EM-Composting
Concentrated organic fertilizers-EM Bokashi, Oil cake, Fish bi-products, bone and
meat meal, Cattle urine etc.
Local liquid fertilizers (Jhol mal, giti mal, sangini mal etc)
Crop bi-products-rice bran, wheat bran, grain legume bran etc.
Bio fertilizers-Nitrogen fixing bacteria, phosphorus and potash solublizing bacteria,
Mycorryhzea (Arya, 2002) etc.
Bio growth promoters-Pseudomonas bacteria
Organic Insect Pest Management (OPM) Technologies
( 45 )
Insect pest management is crucial in organic vegetable production system. Various options
are available there in organic pest management approach. Above all, cultural practices and
biological pest controls are the essence of organic pest management practices. Cultural
approach encompasses field and water sanitation, crop rotation, mixed cropping etc.
Biological control gives major thrust on biocontrol agents. These biocontrol agents are
insects, fungus, bacteria, virus etc. The available biocontrol agents are;
Trichoderma- This fungus is effective against soil born diseases like root rot, foot rot,
and damping off.
Metrazime: This green fungus is effective against white grub which is one of the
devastating insect of mid hill bariland production domain.
Bouveria basiana: This fungus is effective against diamond back moth of cabbage.
Pseudomonas: This bacterium can be used against many foliar diseases and it also
acts as a growth promoter.
Bacillus subtalis: This bacterium can control blights of potato and tomato effectively.
Bacillus thrungenesis: This is well known bacteria against larvae of different
lepidopterians.
Pasturia penetrans: Nematode can be controlled effectively by this bacterium. Again
it is very easy to recycle this bacterium in further use (Dufor, Earles, Kuepper and
Greer, 1998).
NPV: This virus is effective against the helicoverpa.
Apart from these biocontrol agents, there are many insects‟ predators and parasites that
have been found effective to control many harmful insects of vegetable crops.
Similarly, some non-biological control measures of some of the diseases are there. Use of
baking soda (Kuepper, Thomas and Earles, 2001) against downy mildew of cucurbits and
rose, spraying of compost tea against late blight of tomato and potato (Diver, S., 1998) are
some of the examples and are available in country.
These listed technologies are available in Nepal, however, strong research is needed to verify
and confirm their effectiveness in temporal and spatial dimensions.
( 46 )
In organic vegetable farming, local resources have been widely used. Again this is a complex
process of production rather than simple as in inorganic farming practices. Integration of
livestock, mixed and relay cropping, SALT, use of forest resources are all widen the farm
biodiversity. This biodiversity in flora and fauna certainly helps to maintain in ecological
balance of the vicinity.
Soil biodynamic
Living and active soil is another key factor in organic vegetable production system. Use of
effective microorganisms, bio-fertilizers helps to increase the population of beneficial soil
microbes. They also dominate the activities of harmful soil microbes and converts neutral
microbes in to the beneficial ones (Higa, 1994). So, soil always is in the state of living and
dynamic form which is necessary for productivity increment.
Research networking
Establishment of organic farming research group and network under national research system
Research work on;
Organic seed production system,
Organic soil and plant nutrient management,
Organic pest management,
Organic post harvest handling system
Organic produce marketing system should be immediately initiated
Develop model for organic certification scheme
Extension and development networking
( 47 )
Establishment of National Organic Agriculture Authority
Delineation of organic farming zones/areas for both domestic and export market
Establishment of national organic standards and certification scheme
Establishment of National network for organic agriculture promotion
Train human resources for the promotion of organic agriculture
Policy clarification on organic agriculture
References:
Arya, Prem Singh, 2002. A Text Book of Vegetable Culture, Kalyani Publisher, India
Diver, S., 1998. Compost Teas for Plant Disease Control, http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-
pub/PDF/comptea.pdf
Dufor, R., R. Earles, G. Kuepper and L. Greer, 1998. Alternative Nematode Control
http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/nematode.pdf
Higa, T. and J. F. Parr, 1994. Beneficial and Effective Microorganisms: For a Sustainable
Agriculture and Environment. International Nature Farming Research Center, Atami, Japan.
Jaising, R., 2005. This is Organic Agriculture, Jain Brothers, New Delhi
Kuepper, G., R. Thomas and R. Earles, 2001. Use of Baking Soda as a Fungicide,
http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/bakingsoda.pdf
Misra, R.V. and R. N. Roy, 2003. On-farm Composting Methods, FAO, Rome www.fao.org
Nature Farming. http://www.moa.or.jp
Regmi, H.N and D. Singh, 2005. Horticulture Science (A competition Guide), Lalitpur
Regmi, H.N. 2062. Organic Agriculture, Kathmandu
Regmi, H.N. 2062. Plastic Gharma Tarkari Kheti, Kathmandu
Regmi, H.N. and D. Singh, 2005. Resource Mapping: A Tool for the Promotion of
Sustainable Organic Agriculture. Paper presented at National Seminar on Organic
Agriculture and Food Security in Nepal, Nepal Permaculture Group, 13-15 December 2005,
Hotel Malla, Kathmandu, Nepal
Sharma, A.K., 2001. A Hand Book of Organic Farming, Agro bios (India)
Sharma, G., 2005. Organic Agriculture in Nepal. An analysis in to Status, Policy,
Technology and Psychology. Paper presented at National Seminar on Organic Agriculture
and Food Security in Nepal, Nepal Permaculture Group, 13-15 December 2005, Hotel Malla,
Kathmandu, Nepal
Weber, G., K.D. Subedi and B. Bajracharya, 2000. Legume Integration in to Hill Farming
System, Decission Support Guide. Sustainable Soil management Program (SSM-P), Lalitpur
;'a]bL, sfnLbf;, ;bfgGb h};L, t]h axfb'/ ;'a]bL, ;Togf/fo0f d08n / lai0f' s'df/ lwtfn, @)%)=
uf]7]dn tyf sDkf]i6dn Joa:yfkg, tflnd k'l:tsf, lbuf] e"–Joa:yfkg sfo{qmd / df6f] Joa:yfkg
lgb{]zgfno, nlntk'/
( 48 )
PROSPECT, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITY OF
ORGANIC TEA PRODUCTION IN NEPAL
- Dilli R. Baskota
Definition
Tea qualifies a „organic‟ or Biotea only when active use of environment friendly technique
are adapted and approved by inspection authority as per EU regulations.
Organic farming system basically focuses on utilization of local resources as far as possible.
As Organic Agriculture respects law of nature, increasing numbers of health and
environment conscious consumer are looking for chemical free cup. Therefore organic tea
production may play a vital role in the economy of the developing country in the long run.
Kanchanjangha Tea Estate, Panchthar
( 49 )
Table 2. Effect of different organic manures on yields
Manures Un pruning Section
Concentrated organic 3tons / Ha 2,292 kgs
Organic Manure (FYM) @ 10tons/Ha 2,172 kgs
Green manure (Mulch) @ 10 tons/Ha 2,204 kgs
Conventional Fertilizer NPK 130:40:130kg/Ha 2,308 kgs
(Source by: TRA Johrat)
Market Situation of Organic Tea:
It is noticed that the there is a steady growth of organic tea market specially in EU, USA
and Japan. The growth rate of demand for the organic tea is very encouraging ie.29% in the
USA. Although there is no accurate data, the growth rate in EU countries is definitely a
double digit. Previously the organic products were only sold in health food shops but now-a-
days big supermarket chains have started allocating space for organic food, where tea is
one of the major items from the third world.
Situation in Nepal:
Although Tea plantation was started in 1863 in Ilam, the industry could not move forward
for a century. In 1965 Nepal Tea Development Corporation was formed and some gardens
were established in government sector. In 1982 HMG/Nepal declared the five districts of
eastern Nepal as Tea Zone providing various facilities. Introduction of small farmers scheme
with such facilities had lured many farmers to plant tea. The soil of the plantation area was
very fertile. But this is the bitter fact that most of the Indian Experts hired by National Tea
Development Corporation never cared for the soil condition and recommended high dose of
chemicals and pesticides that caused not only degradation of soil but also farmers were
habituated to use such chemicals. In 1990 renowned gardens of adjoining Darjeeling were
switched to organic production due to high demand of organic tea in Europe. But the
farmers in Nepal were in dilemma as mostly they were advised by the experts from
Darjeeling to use chemicals and pesticides. Farmers are still applying pesticides like
monocrotophos, which are banned in EU. This year also few samples of Nepal Teas were
rejected due to the pesticides residues in tea.
On the other hand farmers practicing organic tea production are also selling at the same
price, as there is no factory that pays premium price for organic. However the situation in
Panchthar is different. Kanchanjangha Tea Estate, the first certified tea garden in Nepal has
been extending its services to the area farmers and other sick gardens. With the technical
support of KTE, a group consisting 189 farmers and three gardens were already certified
organic and 197 farmers are under process. Farmers are getting better price compared to
Ilam. In Dhankuta, Gurase Tea Estate is also certified organic and educating its area
farmers to adopt organic system of production.
( 50 )
Why Organic In Nepal:
Nepal is considered one of the exotic country because of its diverse geo climatic conditions.
There is still a belief among western consumer that Nepal is close to the nature. The major
tea area is in the foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga believed to be the treasure of bio diversity.
In addition Nepal has the highest animal population per family in the South Asian country.
It is very common that every Nepali family keeps few chickens, a pair of bull, one or two
cows or buffaloes. Ilam the largest tea-producing district in Nepal is famous for milk
production. Therefore going organic is not difficult in Nepal compare to any other countries
in the world. In Panchthar mostly plantation exist in mid part, as upper part is forest from
where the topsoil of the plantation is being fed naturally. In some of the garden organic
matter content is very high i.e. 7.9%.
Recommendation:
Nepal is always considered closer to the nature because of its unique location and huge bio
diversity therefore Organic Tea production may be a sustainable hard currency earning
commodity if following steps are considered seriously and execute jointly by Govt., private
and donor community.
Research:
Soil fertility and pest management is very vital in organic tea production system.
Organic Tea farm have been using horn dust, oil cake, farmyard manure as input.
Further research is needed for proper dose per bush for sustainable productivity.
( 51 )
Plantation of Bakina, Asuro and Lemongrass are the current practice for natural pest
management.
Scientific research is extremely needed to see if such practices are helpful. Similarly
research is needed to preserve the bio diversity or to preserve the predators.
Organic farming is considered suitable for intercropping. Therefore tea friendly crops
should be identified to plant as inter –crop inside the garden. As the tea market have
also demanded additives tea, vacancies can be filled up with other plants such as
lemongrass, chamomile etc. so that it helps to create market of inferior quality tea.
Organic tea consumers are exceptionally conscious in quality and other aspect. Some
preliminary researches have indicated that Nepal Organic Tea has some unique
properties such as linalool. In addition caffeine is found comparatively lower than other
conventional teas. Accurate findings from depth research in this regard could be good
selling points in international niche market.
Quality Assurance System in Production Unit:
Food safety, food hygiene and sanitation are very important for organic product
especially for the products from developing countries. Introduction of Good Agriculture
Practice, Standard Operation Procedures, and Quality Assurance System such as
HACCP should be mandatory for organic processing factories to build up buyer‟s
confidence as well as to meet the WTO‟s SPS/TBT rules.
Market Promotion:
Nepal tea is hardly known to the rest of the world. Therefore promotional activities
should be strategically conducted mobilizing Nepal Embassies, Consulates, NRN and
Friends of Nepal. Promotional activities will certainly boost sales and help to fetch
premium price. Fair trade Organization should be mobilized as far as possible.
Promotional activities need to be conducted in trekking routes so that trekkers return
with a positive impression about Nepal Tea.
Certification:
The major challenge for organic sector is certification of small growers worldwide. In
Nepalese contest, situation is even worst. In the beginning Nepali farmers hardly can
afford the certification cost. Therefore the govt. especially MOAC should take initiation
to communicate with USDA-NOP to create certification body in Nepal as soon as
possible. Nepal Standard should be developed focusing on the specialty of traditional
agriculture practices. IFOAM, apex body of organic agriculture movement have
developed certain basic criteria for production of organic tea as:
o Clone should be collected from local variety, which can resist pest and disease.
o The plantation should not disturb the rights of the local people and preserved the
soil structure and bio diversity of the area.
o Local resources should be mobilized as far as possible.
o Production system must respect the declaration of UN Human Rights.
o In brief organic tea not only provide employment at grassroots specially to
uneducated women it could be one of the major exportable product from Nepal if we
could promote it jointly (government, international agencies/donor and private) by
formulating a policy and action plan keeping small farmers at the center.
( 52 )
PROSPECT, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITY OF
ORGANIC COFFEE PRODUCTION IN NEPAL
- Prachanda Man Shrestha*
Abstract
With the development in organic sector, organic market grew consistently, supply lagged
behind, and resulting price premiums provided an incentive to cheat. In reaction, organic
regulations were developed to protect honest organic producers and consumers against
misleading organic claims. As a rule, a product cannot be sold as organic, until and unless
the product is certified by an accredited certifying body.
Currently organic agriculture sector is the fastest growing food sector. Organic agriculture
is practiced in approximately 110 countries with more than 26 million hectares organically
managed. In Asia, the area under organic management is comparatively small but
increasing rapidly. About 52 countries in the world are producing coffee. However, the bulk
of coffee is produced in Latin America, in particular Brazil.
Though coffee was introduced in Nepal in 1938, coffee was realized by the farmers as an
income generating crop after a long time. There has been a sharp increase in number of
coffee producers (12000 in 2005) and area (1078 Ha in 2005) under coffee. Though coffee
produced in Nepal is organic by default, there are chances of contamination, specifically in
the areas where commercial fruits and vegetables are produced with use of external inputs.
With the shift from dry to wet processing, the quality of Nepali coffee has increased and
subsequently export has increased (38mt. in 2004 to 66mt. in 2005).
Though the requirement of the majority of the coffee processor/traders is organic, certified
organic is grown only by about 1000 farmers in Gulmi and Arghakhanchi. To, introduce
Nepali coffee as a specialty coffee in the international market; group certification needs to
be initiated to maintain the organic standard and improve the quality of coffee. There is a
potential for conversion of Nepali coffee to organic production system with intensive
dissemination of knowledge and training and demonstration on use of organic inputs
prepared from locally available resources.
Main bottle neck in the development of coffee is the lack of research and development.
However, Coffee Farmer Field School (FFS/C) could be used a means of participatory
technology selection and dissemination. Immediate need is a network of stakeholders
planning to promote organic agriculture in Nepal.
1. Background
Conventional agriculture is focused on achieving maximum yields of a specific crop based
on a rather simple understanding that crop yields are increased by nutrient inputs and they
get reduced through pests, diseases and weeds, which therefore must be combated. Over
the last few decades, the focus in agriculture shifted from mainly subsistence agriculture to
market production. Due to reduced fallow periods, overgrazing or exploitative cultivation,
many traditionally farmed areas face severe degradation. At the same time, higher yielding
crop varieties have been introduced which are more prone to diseases.
( 53 )
It must be acknowledged that with the help of Green Revolution technologies crop yield
increased tremendously, especially in the temperate zones. Several southern countries also
experience the Green revolution as a success story. However, the success of the Green
Revolution in the south was unevenly spread: while technology brought considerable yield
increase in fertile river plains or irrigated land, it rather failed on marginal soils, which
constitute the major part of the land in the tropics. As the fertile lands usually belong to the
wealthier farmers, marginal farmers did not benefit greatly from the new technologies. One
reason for its failure in marginal lands is the low efficiency of fertilizer application on
tropical soils: Unlike soils in temperate regions, many tropical soils do not retain chemical
fertilizers well. The nutrients are easily washed out from the soil or evaporate as gas. The
major part of the applied fertilizer may subsequently be lost (UNCTAD 2003).
Organic farming tries to meet the increased need of the growing population while not
risking the long-term productivity of the farmland. Organic agriculture is a holistic way of
farming; besides production of high quality product, an important aim is the conservation
of the natural resources fertile soil, clean water and rich biodiversity. (Eyhorn et. al. 2002).
Organic farming is already practiced in many developing countries. Two studies by the
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Latin America and Asia have
examined the potential of organic agriculture for reducing poverty. Both studies have
revealed that farmers were always able to increase their income. Depending on their initial
situation, they could either reduce production costs or increase yields. In addition, they
benefited from higher prices for organic products. IFAD's studies have also shown that the
adoption of organic farming has positive effects on ecology, although to date only few
research projects have investigated this aspect: organic agriculture leads to an increase in
animal and plant species, can help to improve soil fertility, and uses less water than
conventional agriculture. Organic farming has therefore led to considerable success
particularly in areas with difficult agroecological conditions.
Extreme weather fluctuations present a growing threat to agriculture. Organic systems
appear to be more stable and resilient in response to climate disruption based on
comparisons with their conventional counterparts under stress conditions such as severe
drought and flooding. In 1993, conventional rice in Japan was nearly wiped out by an
unusually cold summer while organic farmers yielded 60-80 percent of the annual average.
The better composition of water-stable aggregates in organic soils and reduced soil
compaction result in the favorable performance of organic systems under both flood and
drought conditions. (FAO 2002).
These results show that organic agriculture does have a potential to reduce poverty. It
creates opportunities to increase income and reduce risks by enhancing ecological stability.
In addition, it contributes to diversifying agricultural production. However, successful
adoption of organic production is not easy to carry through. Most importantly, farmers
need advice on organic cultivation technologies, but they also need access to market
information and marketing know-how. Finally, they often depend on financial support
during the phase of transition, which usually takes about three years.
The evaluation of a Swiss-supported organic cotton programme in Mali, Kyrgyzstan and
Burkina Faso has reached similar conclusions. Like the IFAD studies, it also puts
particular emphasis on the importance of strong producers' associations. This type of
cooperation allows farmers to professionally organize and coordinate the marketing of their
( 54 )
products. Moreover, it gives them the opportunity to exchange experiences and secure
quality control.
Organic production is not merely concerned with a product, but also with the whole system
used to produce and deliver the product to the ultimate consumer. According to IFOAM
organic agriculture is a whole system approach based upon a set of processes resulting in a
sustainable ecosystem, safe food, good nutrition, animal welfare and social justice. Organic
production therefore is more than a system of production that includes or excludes certain
inputs (IFOAM 2005).
Coffee in Nepal is predominantly grown by resource poor small farmers under marginal
upland condition. Requirements of majority of the processor/traders also is organically
grown coffee (without use of chemicals under shade condition). These situations point
toward need of putting thrust on organic coffee production. This is also in line with Coffee
Policy of HMG Nepal which has recognized coffee as a potential income generating crop and
has emphasized the importance of organic coffee production.
16
12
On-site inspection did not commence until the 10
6.3
6.2
to increase confidence among the growing 2002 (Total: 17.5 m ha) 2005 (Total: 26.4 m ha)
group of consumers.
( 55 )
International Federation for Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) was founded in 1972 in
Bonn, Germany and formulated the first version of the IFOAM Basic Standards (IBS) in
1980. IBS serves as a guideline, on the basis of which public and private standard-setting
bodies can develop more specific organic standards. While the organic market grew
consistently, supply lagged behind, and the resulting price premiums provided an incentive
to cheat. In reaction, many countries developed national organic regulations to be able to
protect honest organic producers and consumers against misleading organic claims. The
first organic regulations were adopted in the United States of America (the States of Oregon,
1974 and California, 1979). In Europe, France was the first country to adopt an organic
regulation in 1985. EU Regulation 2092/91, covering the labeling of organic foods, was
adopted in 1991. Other national standards important for international trade are the
Japanese Agriculture Standard (JAS) organic standards for plant products (2000) standards
of the US National Organic Program (NOP) developed in 2002. With a view to harmonization,
Codex formulated guidelines for the production, processing, labeling and marketing of
organically produced foods, adapted in 1999. The guidelines were revised in 2001 to include
provision for livestock and livestock products. The Codex guidelines are voluntary; member
countries can choose to what extent they follow them (FAO 2003).
The organic agriculture sector currently is the fastest growing food sector. Organic
agriculture has developed rapidly world wide during the last few years and the agricultural
lands and farm continues to grow. It has been estimated that organic agriculture is
practiced in approximately 110 countries of the world. According to a survey of organic
farming world wide, more than 26 million hectares are currently managed organically as
compared to 17.5 million hectares in 2002. In total, Oceania holds 43 percent of the world's
organic land, followed by Europe (23.8 percent) 350.0
Figure 3: Estimated Area under Organic Management in Asia
and Latin America (23.5 percent) (Figure 1). 300.0
299.0
150.0
hectares) (Figure 2). As most of the organic
land in Australia and Argentina is extensive 100.0
76.3
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comparatively small, but increasing rapidly. Among the more significant countries
producing organic products are China, Bangladesh, India and Indonesia as well as
Kazakhstan and Japan (Figure 3). Area under organic management in Nepal is only 45
hectares which seems to be under estimation of the actual area under organic management.
The market of organic agriculture products is also increasing, not only in Europe and North
America (which are the major markets) but also in many other countries, including several
developing countries. In 2003, the market value of organic products worldwide reached 25
billion US$, the largest share of organic products being marketed in Europe and North
America. In upcoming years, ongoing growth of the market and organic land area is
expected, also due to an increased support of governments and development organizations.
The market of organic agriculture products is also increasing, not only in Europe and North
America (which are the major markets) but also in many other countries, including several
developing countries.
( 56 )
Global Scenario of Coffee Production and Marketing
Coffee is indigenous to Africa, with Arabica Figure 4: World Production of Coffee by Type, 1996/97 - 2000/01
140
coffee reportedly originating from Ethiopia and
115
Robusta from the Atlantic Coast (Kouilou 120
104 104
112
99
region and in and around Angola) and the 100
Millions of Bags
Great Lakes region, and today is widely grown 80
70
73 75
69
65
throughout the tropics. It is second to oil as 60
31
and provides employment to over twenty 20
million people in some of the poorest countries
0
in the world. The top coffee producing 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01
Arabica Robusta Total
countries in the world are Brazil, Colombia,
India, Indonesia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Vietnam. However, there are over 70 countries in
the world that produce coffee and smaller coffee-producing countries may produce gourmet
coffee, which is highly valued by coffee lovers
Figure 5: Production of Arabica Coffee by Continent, 2000/01
in the world (Ring Surf 2003-2004). It has
Asia and Pacific,
been estimated that 52 countries in the world Africa, 5.9, 9% 4.4, 6%
150
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( 57 )
means that within five years, the market share in some countries might reach 10%. The
market for organic coffee is difficult to estimate. However, in 2001/02 trade sources
estimated world production of organic coffee at some 48,000 tons i.e. 800,000 bags.
Different trade sources have varying views on growth prospects for organic coffee sales.
Estimated consumption of organic coffee in 2002/03 presented in major consumer
countries presented in Figure 6 shows that the total estimation of 700,000 bags is less than
the production in 2001/02.
10000
Development Region (EDR) are not very
No. of Coffee Producers
10000
2000
any disease in the eastern region could
spread the diseases to other parts of the 0
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
producing area and expansion of coffee in EDR will have to compete with tea for available
resources and market. The districts in far-west and mid-west development regions have low
potential for coffee production due to the frequent drought problem. The major coffee
growing districts where substantial amount of coffee being traded lie in Central and
Western Development Regions namely Gulmi, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Baglung, Syangja,
Parbat, Kaski, Lamjung, Gorkha and Tanahu in the Western Region and Lalitpur,
Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Dhading and Ramechhap in Central Development Region.
According to information available, number of coffee producers has increased from 1,984 in
the year 1996 to 12,000 in 2005 (Figure 7). Similarly Figure 8 shows that the area under
( 58 )
coffee increased from 220 Ha in 1996 to 1078 Ha in 2005 and the production of dry cherry
increased from 29 Mt in 1996 to 250 Mt in 2005 (NTCDB 2003 and MoAC 2005)
Initially, coffee was planted as a contour Figure 8: Area and Production of Coffee in Nepal
1200
plant for soil erosion control and other 1078
139
188
218
89
communication and other services) is well 56 72
37 45
29
0
developed farmers might be using some 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
( 59 )
processors/traders procure the dry cherries from the producers and process (drying,
hulling and sorting) the dry cherry to produce green beans for international market and
roast and grind the beans for domestic market.
In the wet processing, the coffee is pulped, fermented, washed and dried to produce dry
parchment at the village level. Dry parchment is collected and transported to the central
processing centre. Then the processors hull the parchment to produce green beans.
Though wet processing was introduced in Nepal in 1999, by AEC and subsequently by
GARDP in Gulmi and Arghakhanchi, wet processing was not adopted at the village level due
to a number of problems: 1) preference for dry processing which involved less hassles, 2)
lack of technical know-how specifically proper way of fermentation 3) lack of systematic
plan for running pulping centers and 4) Lack of demand for wet processed coffee (CoPP
2004). However, Plantec Nepal Incorporated (Plantec) initiated wet processing within its own
estate and exported wet processed
Table 1. Dry vs. Wet Processing of Green Beans Marketed in the
green beans in 2002. Until the Years 2004 and 2005
year 2003 i.e. the harvest season Dry Processed Wet Processed Total
of 2002/03, dry processing was Year
Mt % Mt % Mt %
predominantly practiced at village 2004 52.5 73 19.1 27 71.6 100
level. After the promotion of wet 2005 43.3 42 60.1 58 103.4 100
processing by CoPP, Helvetas in
collaboration with Nepal Tree Crop Global Development Alliance, Winrock International in
2003, and initiation of wet processing at village level in 2004 i.e. 2003/04 harvest season,
the coffee producers have been able to sell the fresh cherry immediately after harvest on an
attractive price and coffee producers have realized the importance of coffee as a income
generating crop. Presently, wet processing has been accepted and adopted by the farmers,
pulper operators and processor/traders in Nepal. Wet processing has not only done value
addition at the village level but also improved the quality of coffee exported in the
international market (Lama, P.K. 2005). The shift from dry processing to wet processing has
also increased the income of farmers when same amount of coffee is sold as fresh cherry to
pulper operators instead of drying the fresh cherry to produce dry cherry (Shrestha 2005).
Estimation of dry and wet processed green beans marketed in 2004 and 2005 (Table 1)
shows that the production of wet processed green beans has more than doubled from 2004
(27% of total green bean marketed) to 2005 (58% of total). The trend on increase in amount
of wet processed green beans will be continued until the international buyers are interested
on it and continuous effort will be done to improve the quality of coffee at village and
processor level.
To further improve the quality of coffee, study on wet processing needs to be done and the
technology used at present should be improved. Monitoring of the pulping centers are also
essential to provide on the spot technical assistance and collect information on collection of
fresh cherry and production and sale of dry parchment. Testing of different types of pulpers
in 2004 and 2005 has shown that drum pulper is appropriate for pulping bigger amount of
fresh cherry (CoPP 2004 and 2005).
23
2005 as compared to 34 mt (47% of total) in
25
20 19
the year 2004. Biggest importer of Nepali coffee 14
15
is Japan which imported 36 mt of green beans
10
in 2005. The trend of export of Nepali coffee to 4
6
5
2
international market is very encouraging. 1
( 62 )
Traditional farming practices such as use of farm yard manure, composting, manual
weeding etc., are typical practice of the resource poor small farmers.
Availability of sufficient labor (family) for labor intensive operations like digging hole,
manuring, planting, picking, drying, etc.
The coffee production system in Nepal is environment friendly with use of locally available
resources and no use of external inputs/chemicals.
In addition to this, not only the guiding principle of coffee producers organization is to grow
organic coffee, but also the requirement of the majority of the coffee processor/trader is
coffee produced under organic management system even if not certified. The focus of HMG
Nepal‟s Coffee Policy on organic coffee production has added impetus towards the organic
coffee production in Nepal.
Due to the growing condition and location of the coffee growing areas (remote in majority of
the cases) coffee produced in Nepal is organic though not certified except for areas in
market centers and district headquarters/municipalities where commercial vegetable and
fruit production is practiced. This could be the reason, though not permissible, the
processor/traders sale Nepali coffee as organic coffee in the domestic market. It is also true
that there is a better potential for production of organic coffee in Nepal. However, the
concept of organic coffee production is yet to be thoroughly understood by the producers
and processors/traders. Major constrains of organic coffee production in Nepal are as
follows:
Lack of proper understanding of organic standard and regulation
Lack of research and extension support services
Poor production and on-farm post-harvest quality management practices
Lack of high yielding varieties and high quality seeds/planting materials
Existing higher price of fresh/dry cherry as compared to international market ; and
big range of price of dry parchment
Absence of minimum quality standard and quality control measures
Unfair competition among processor/traders and lack of transparent market system
Coffee presently sold in international market is on the basis of personal relation, not
on a competitive basis on quality and consistency of taste.
Inconsistency in taste of coffee
Lack of knowledge and experience on Group Certification/Internal Control System
Lack of National Program on Organic Production.
With the introduction of Internal Control System for Group Certification by District
Cooperative Federation, Gulmi and initiation of Internal Control System by CoPP Helvetas
through DCPA.NGO, the feasibility of sustainable Group Certification will be evaluated
under Nepalese condition. However, there is a need for sustained efforts from all the
concerned so as promote the concept of organic coffee production in Nepal.
( 63 )
networking to support production, processing and marketing of coffee in a sustainable and
environment friendly way.
Lack of research on organic coffee production and processing is one of the major
bottlenecks for the development of coffee sub-sector. Participatory technology selection and
dissemination needs to be done to improve the productivity and quality of organic products
including coffee.
Coffee policy puts emphasis on production of organic policy. There should be a movement
towards organic agriculture in Nepal. Strict regulations should be implemented to identify
organic management system.
One of the reasons of sale of Nepali coffee in the international market is the location of
production area and the coffee produced by resource poor small farmers. Organic
certification could be expensive so sustainability of the organic certification without donor
support should be studied and attempt should also be made to certify Nepali coffee as Fare
Trade Coffee.
International coffee experts have recommended to further separating the coffee according to
the altitude, coffee grown between 800 to 1100 masl and above 1100 masl. According to Mr.
George Willekis of Holland Coffee Inc. coffee grown above 1100 masl could fetch additional
premium (Willekis 2004). Based on the expert advice, to improve the quality and
consistency in the taste of coffee there by creating a reputation of Nepalese coffee, coffee
produced in Nepal should be collected on the basis of two ranges of altitude and market
should be explored for these.
According to the processor/traders, wet processed coffee of Nepal has been recognized by
international buyers of Japan and Europe as a high quality coffee with potential for further
improvement. Study should be done and attempts should be made to further improve the
quality of coffee not only by improving the production management system at the producer
level but also wet processing at the village and central level.
Minimum quality standard of coffee is not defined for Nepalese coffee. Attempts should be
done to define the quality and institutionalize the quality monitoring system.
Lack of coordination among traders result in collection of low quality coffee to sustain the
coffee sub-sector and create a reputation of Nepali coffee in the international Market,
traders should be organized and coordinate with each other for collection of coffee.
Coffee promotion activities need to be concentrated in Central and Western Development
Regions in the pocket areas suitable for high quality coffee production. Coffee area
expansion specifically in the Eastern Development Region should be discouraged to avoid
competition with tea and also avoid possibility disease epidemics.
( 64 )
6. References
CCRI (Central Coffee Research Institute). 2000. Package of Practices for Organic Coffee,
Coffee Research Station, Chikmagalur, India. pp 8.
CoPP (Coffee Promotion Project). 2004. Annual Report 2004. Introduction and testing of
pulpers, pp 20.
CoPP. 2005. Annual Report 2005. Pulper improvement.
CoPP. 2005 Report of Study on Coffee Production, Promotion and Certification in Nepal.
Study done by Mr. Maheshwar Ghimire and Mr. Bhola Shrestha. May 2005.
Eyhorn, Frank; Heeb, Marlene & Weidman, Gilles. 2002. IFOAM Training Manual for
Agriculture in the Tropics. IFOAM Germany, FiBL Switzerland, CABI Bioscience UK, Agrecol
Afrique Senegal, Agrecol Andes Bolivia and INDOCERT India. Oct. 2002. pp 14.
FAO. 2002. Organic Agriculture, Environment and Food Security. Edited by Nadia El-Hage
Scialabba and Caroline Hattman. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,
Rome. pp 9.
FAO. 2003. Environmental and Social Standards, Certification and Labeling for Cash
Crops, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. Prepared by Cora
Dankers with contributions from Pascal Liu.
Giovannucci, Daniel. 2005. A Summary of Trends in International Market for Organic
Coffee and Nepal‟s Potential Options. Research and Analysis Conducted for Winrock
International Institute for Agricultural Development & The Nepal Tree Crop Global
Development Alliance, April 2005.
IFOAM (International Federation for Organic Agriculture Movement). 2005. The IFOAM
Norms for Organic Production and Processing. Germany. Version 2005.
Lama, P. K., 2005. Feed back on quality of wet processed coffee from the Japanese buyer to
Everest Coffee Mill.
MoAC. 2005. Statistical Information on Nepalese Agriculture 2004/05. Ministry of
Agriculture and Cooperatives, Agribusiness Promotion and Statistics Division, Singha
Durbar, Nepal.
NTCDB. 2003. Tea-A-Tea. Smarika. National Tea and Coffee Development Board, 2060. pp
38.
NTCDB. 2005. Tea-A-Tea. Smarika. National Tea and Coffee Development Board, 2060. pp
69.
Willer, Helga and Yssefi, Minou. 2005. The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics and
Emerging Trends 2005. International Federation for Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM),
Bonn Germany.
( 65 )
PROSPECT, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITY OF
ORGANIC HONEY PRODUCTION IN NEPAL
- Dr. Suroj Pokhrel
1. Introduction
Bees may be designated as organic livestock and products obtained from them can be sold,
labeled or represented as organically produced, if managed in accordance with organic
standards for at least 60 days prior to the collection of organic apiculture products.
Organic honey is regulated by strict set of guidelines, which covers not only the origin of honey,
but also the siting of the apiaries and the management practices adopted. The standards
indicate that the apiaries must be on land that is certified as organic and be such that within a
radius of 4 miles from the apiary site, nectar and pollen sources consist essentially of organic
crops sustainably grown with out chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones and so
on) or from uncultivated areas. Also enough distance must be maintained from non agricultural
production sources that may lead to contamination, for example from urban centers,
motorways, industrial areas, waste dumps, waste incinerators. Husbandry management should
be as per the guideline developed. Production of organic honey is difficult because bee move
everywhere, it is time consuming and costlier however, organic honey is highly demanded
across the world and get 30% higher premium price then the other. It is not only safe to eat,
but also helps keep our planet healthy. Organic beekeepers sustain the natural life cycle of bees
by safeguarding their natural habitat, and nourishing them as nature intended. And because
certifying a hive as organic is costly, they don't exterminate the bees at the end of the season-a
common practice in conventional beekeeping.
( 66 )
Plastic foundation and combs may be used if dipped in organic beeswax but it is
restricted in UK
Use of queen excluder is necessary
2.4 Colonies health and hygiene standards
The use of hardy breeds that adapt well to the local conditions (A. mellifera in
Europe) permitted
Regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment needed
Avoiding the presence of pests, parasites or diseases needed
Isolation and treatment of the infested colonies needed
Use of wet comb (extracted, but wet with honey) from conventional hives is prohibited.
Exchange of equipments from conventional apiary/colony prohibited
Bottom boards may be scraped routinely to control wax moths
Colonies infected with American Foulbrood must be destroyed
( 67 )
2.7 Feeding standards
Hives must be left with reserves of honey and pollen sufficient to survive for the dearth
Feeding permitted only between the last honey harvest and before 30 days before
supering
Feeding must be with written justification and approved from certification agent
Feed should be derived from organic honey or organic sugar syrup, but non-organic
honey or sugar syrup is prohibited
2.8 Queen management and colony division
Regular renewal of queen bees needed (yearly)
Colony division permitted only from the colony adopted organically
Nucleus colony from package bees, swarmed capture with out comb recommended
Wing clipping of queen is not permitted.
The replacement of the queen bees involving the killing of the old queen is permitted.
( 68 )
2.12 Conversion period
The period from provisions laid down to product sale should be at least one year.
During the conversion period the wax has to be replaced with the organic one.
Figures in parentheses are the respondent numbers; Percentage and number exceeded due to multiple
methods used
Not permitted in USA, ** permitted in USA, *** prohibited across the world
( 69 )
Honey extractors and the utensils are not stainless steel.
Only few beekeepers used queen excluders
100% farmers reused the built combs (NRs 50/piece)
Siting is not ensured however majority are in rural areas
Colony divisions with brood frames from the mother colony is common
Foundation combs/sugar used not known organic
Room storage of hive for longer period and over heating increased Hydroxymethyl
flural (>60 mg/kg) and Diastase activities (>8)
Male brood controlling method not adopted
100 % of the farmers routinely cleaned the bottom board
Bee poisoning
Table 6: Common pesticides and their uses on bee crops in Chitwan, 2004
Respondents (%)
Pesticide Treated crops Dose Freq
Hills Terai
Bavistin 2.8 (1) - Vegetables 2 g/lit 1
Carbofuran - 17.2 (5) Mustard, Maize, Rice 30 kg/ha 1
Mustard, Mandarin orange,
Cypermethrin 19.4 (7) - 2 ml/lit 2
Vegetable
Mustard, Mandarin orange,
Deltamethrin 25.0 (9) 13.8 (4) 1 ml/lit 1-4
Vegetable, Rice
Dichlorvos 5.6 (2) 6.9 (2) Vegetable, Mustard 2 ml/lit 2
Dimethoate 25.0 (9) 3.4 (1) Mustard, Mandarin orange, Rice 2 ml/lit 2-3
D-M,45 13.9 (5) - Mustard, Mandarin orange, Bean 3 g/lit 2-3
Endosulfan 5.6 (2)
65.5 (19) Mustard, Vegetable, Rice 2 ml/lit 2-4
Mustard, Mandarin orange,
Methyl parathion 25.0 (9) 27.6 (8) 2 ml/lit 2-3
Vegetable, Rice
Not known 5.6 (2) 31.0 (9) Mustard, Citrus, Vegetables 2 ml/lit 2-4
Phorate - 3.4 (1) Rice 30 kg/ha 1
Stampade - 10.3 (3) Mustard, Maize, Rice 2 ml/lit 2-3
Figures in parentheses are the respondent numbers.
( 70 )
3.10 Bee flora found Pasture survey and mapping absence
Table 8: Beekeepers' average area under bee crops in Chitwan, 2004
Average land size (ha/household and
Crop duration
plant/household)
Bee crops Terai
Plant Flower Harves
Hills
ing ing ting West East Bht Total
Mustard, Brassica Oct- Jan- Mar- 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
spp.*** Nov Feb Apr (33) (6) (8) (4) (18)
Buckwheat,
0.2 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.4
Fagopyrum Oct Dec Feb
(12) (6) (4) (3) (13)
esculentum Moench.
Citrus, Citrus
6.3
reticulata Balanco June Mar Nov - - - -
(7)
*(Tree No.)
Mar- May- Jul- 0.7 0.3 0.5 0.2 0.4
Maize, Zea mays L.
Apr une Aug (36) (6) (9) (4) (19)
Litchi, Litchi
chinensis Sonner June Apr June 2 (1) 2 (3) 1 (2) 3 (3) 2 (8)
(Tree No)*
Spongegourd, Luffa
Apr- Apr-
cylindrica (L.) Roem. Mar 3 (12) 4 (8) 3 (10) 5 (5) 4 (23)
Sep Sep
(Plant No.)*
Sesame, Sesamum 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3
Mar May June
orientale L. (3) (3) (3) (4) (10)
0.1
Nizer, Guizotia 0.1 0.1 0.1
Aug Sept Oct (2) -
abyssinica (L.) Cass. (2) (3) (5)
Sunflowers, 0.2 0.2
Sep Feb Apr - - -
Helianthus annuus L. (3) (3)
Figures in parenthesis are the respondent numbers
* Crops usually spread with pesticides,
( 71 )
3.11 Potentiality of uni-floral honey production
Table10. Source of uni-floral honey production in Terai, Chitwan, 2004
Flora Percentage
Mustard, Brassica spp.*** 39
Buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. 18
Rudilo, Pogostemon glaber Benth. 15
Gumpate, Leucas lanata Benth. 9
Sishoo, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. 5
Chiuri, Bassia butyracea Roxb. 3
Padke, Albizia julibrissin Durazz. 2
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. 2
Litchi, Litchi chinensis Sonner * 2
Others 5
Total 100
( 72 )
Table 1: Pesticide permitted against bee pest (UK)
Traceability certificate
Table 2: Traceability standards (UK and USA)
SN Chemicals Tolerable limits
1 Perizin Upto 100µg/Kg permitted in USA and UK
2 Apivarol 100 µg/Kg in USA and 200µg/Kg in UK
3 Acid < 50 mg/Kg in USA and < 40 mg/Kg in UK
4 Hydroxymethylflural < 60 mg/Kg in USA and < 40 mg/Kg in UK
5 Diastase activity <8
6 Insecticides Not permitted
7 Antibiotics Normally not permitted
8 Fungicides Not permitted
9 Metals Not permitted
10 Fertilizers and hormones Not permitted
11 Foreign materials < 0.1%
( 73 )
Meliso-palonology analysis procedure (typical composition)
Table 3: Meliso-palonology standards (UK and USA)
SN Constituents Average Range
1 Fructose/Glucose Ratio 1.23 0.76 - 1.86
2 Fructose, % 38.38 30.91 - 44.26
3 Glucose, % 30.31 22.89 - 40.75
4 Minerals (Ash), % 0.169 0.020 - 1.028
5 Moisture, % 17.2 13.4 - 22.9
6 Reducing Sugars, % 76.75 61.39 - 83.72
7 Sucrose, % 1.31 0.25 - 7.57
8 PH 3.91 3.42 - 6.10
9 Total Acidity, meq/kg. 29.12 8.68 - 59.49
10 True Protein, mg/100g. 168.6 57.7 - 567
( 74 )
Pasture survey mapping and migration according to the carrying capacity needed
Advance training, awareness and campaigning needed from extension site to carry
out the organic husbandry practices
Use of chemical pesticides on crop protection should replaced with non chemical one
6. References
Farrar, C. L. 2006. Caution In The Use of Chemicals, Drugs, and Antibiotics. On line
communication (http://www.beesource.com/pov/usda/abjmay1960.htm)
James A. Riddle. 1999-2001. Organic Apiculture Standards On line communication (Bee
Source.Com)
Organic Trade Association. 2006. Privacy Policy. On line communication
(http://www.synergy-co.com)
Postmes T, Van Den Bogaard AE, Hazen M. 1993. Honey for wounds, ulcers and skin graft
preservation. Lancet. 341(8847):756-57.
White, J. W. Jr. 1980. Detection of Honey Adulteration by Carbohydrate Analysis, Jour.
Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem. 63 (1) 11-18.
White, J. W. Jr. and Rudyj, O. N. 1978. The Protein Content of Honey. Jour. Apicul. Res.,
17 (4) 234-38.
White, J. W., Jr. et al. 1962. Composition of American Honeys. On line communication
(www.thesynergycompany.com/pages/healing-honey.html Web: http://www.qai-inc.com)
White, J. W., Jr. et al. 1962. Composition of American Honeys. Tech. Bull. 1261,
Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington D.C.
( 75 )
ORGANIC BASED FARMING FOR ORGANIC AQUACULTURE
- Rama Nanda Mishra
- Gagan BN Pradhan*
Introduction
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector. According to FAO statistics, Aquaculture‟s
contribution to global supplies of fish, crustacean and mollusks and continues to grow,
increasing from 3.9 % of total production by weight in 1970 to 27.3% in 2000. World wide,
the sector has increased at an average compounded rate of 9.2% per year since 1970,
compared to 1.4% for capture fisheries and 2.5% for terrestrial farmed meat production
systems.
To meet the demand of rapidly growing population fishing pressure increased resulting in
stock depletion in many water bodies and caused diminishing fishing harvests which paved
the way for the development of commercial Aquaculture. Intensification in aquaculture has
promoted the use of inorganic chemical and drugs. The increased use of these substances
has adverse effect on human health as well as on environment. There is a growing concern
to produce fish in way which is safer for human and environment. In this regard the
concept of “Organic aqua culture is most recent one”. Organic aquaculture has attracted
the attention of researchers, planners, environmentalists as well as consumers but it is very
much a challenging job.
( 76 )
protein. Where will in come from? Can wild caught fish and fish by-products be utilized as
organic feed source for farmed species? Should emphasis be placed on farming low trophic
species?
International Market:
There is increasing demand for organic products particularly in Europe and America.
Consumer and market studies have confirmed & growing demand for organic fish and
related food products in America. Organic fish are sold at natural product supermarkets,
conventional super markets, club stores and even in farmers market.
In a FAO report from 2002, Brister and Tacon attempted to approximate the current
international production for organic aquaculture. It was estimated that total production in
2000 was only 5000 mtonnes primarily from European Countries. Based on current
estimates of certified organic aquaculture production and an anticipated compound annual
growth rate of 30% from 2001 to 2010, 20% from 2011 to 2020 and 10% from 2021 to 2030,
it is estimated that production will increase 240 fold from 5,000 mtonnes in 2000 to 1.2
million tones by 2030. Such a production of certified aquatic products would be equivalent
to 0.6% of total estimated aquaculture production in 2030. In Nepal there is no record of
organic fish production & marketing till now.
( 77 )
Production & Productivity from Aquaculture:
Water Bodies Area (ha.) Fish Production(mt.) Productivity(mt./ha.)
Culture
Ponds 6220 20213 3.25
Paddy Fields 277 111 0.400
Cage fish culture 1206 (36000m3) 216 0.18 (6 kg./m3)
Enclosure 100 130 1.3
Ghols 1400 1778 1.27
Total: 9203 22480 Contributes 53%
* Fingerlings
( 78 )
Basis of fish production:
Every water body has its capacity to produce fish which can be increased through
management. In a stagnant and controlled water body, 50 – 200 kg. fish/ha. can be
produced without management which can be increased to 800 – 1500 kg./ha. by stock
management. It can be further increased to 3000 – 9000 kg. by proper fertilization regime
along with stock management and with the addition of feed it can reach up to 15,000
kg/ha.. It can be even further increased through the use of aeration & balanced feed.
( 79 )
Pig 3000 – 3750 kg./ha.
Cow 4500-6000 kg./ha.
additional amount of manure required can be calculated using following formula
M = WR/r
Where,
M = Amount of manure applied per day (dry wt. kg./ ha.)
W = existing wt. of fish
R = Ratio of manure applied (Chicken 3.5, Duck 4, Pig 5, Cow 6-7)
r = ratio of dry matter in manure (Chicken 55%, Duck 35-45%,
Pig 15-20%, Cow 12-15%)
Pond silt can be used to produce grains, fodder, fruits & vegetable without using chemical
fertilizer.
Opportunities in Nepal:
Nepal has vast water resource of which only 1%is exploited for aquaculture so far
therefore there is scope for expansion. Present culture technique adopted in Nepal is
more suited for organic farming. For example poly culture of carps, Integrated fish
farming, cage fish culture and rice fish farming.
The major aquaculture production sites are ponds & Ghols (marginal swamps) where
organic farming can be easily carried.
There are 3 species of native carps which completely utilizes all the niches in ponds and
Ghols when in poly culture.
Extensive method of cage fish culture with carps can reduce pollution in lakes and
reservoirs.
Organic fish fetches very good price due to consumer awareness and export potential.
The technique of IPM and ICM is gaining popularity amongst farmers therefore organic
farming can get popular with little effort.
The existing productivity level can easily be reached by using inputs of only organic origin.
Challenges:
There are quite a few challenges in organic aquaculture. Few among them are;
Not all aquaculture sites have independent water source. Instead they are dependent on
run-offs or common resources which are contaminated with drugs and chemicals used
to protect the crops or effluents released by factories or domestic sewages.
The integration of fish with Pig, Duck & banana were quite common a decade age but
has decreased drastically due to unsustainable technique.
Lack of study on drugs and chemicals of organic origin in treating diseases and
parasites in case of its out break.
There are no seed certification processes resulting in uncontrolled & unregulated seed
sources. Thereby contaminating the natural habitats as well as cultured environment
with fishes of unknown origin.
Lack of organic source of feed to formulate balanced diet for fish which are primarily
cultured on artificial feed.
The greatest challenge is the level of farmers to understand the organic production &
follow the production process so as their product can complete in world market.
( 80 )
Suggestion:
In order to be successful in organic fish production in Nepal decide the culture sites
suitable for it and discourage discharge of sewage or affluent in any water body
without proper treatment & at the same time aware the farmers about negative
consequences of using chemicals, drugs, antibiotics and hormones in their
production.
Reestablish the technique of integration by developing sustainable package and
encourage farmers to adopt it through incentives.
Carryout study programmes to control various diseases and parasites by using
materials of organic origin. Learn from China and test it here.
Seed certification through seed act must come to effect and strict trans-boundary
movement measures be adopted.
Organic source of raw material must be searched in order to prepare balanced diet
which will increase species diversity in marketing product.
Carryout effective mass campaign about benefits of organic farming.
Set national standards in line with International standards.
Formulate guide lines for site, culture condition, origin of stock, use of chemicals for
disease and parasite control, water testing parameters, Inspection, record keeping
and certification.
Conclusion:
Even though Nepal has a vast potential for organic fish production but has very little scope
to export into good international market due to species produced. Therefore, the organic
fish produced will have to rely mainly on domestic and Indian market. Therefore the scale of
production should be determined only after proper market survey.
References:
Integrated fish farming in China. NACA Technical manual 7. NACA, Bangkok, Thailand,
1989.
A Guide to warm Water Aquaculture by David little and James Muir. Institute of
Aquaculture, Scotland, 1987.
Organic Aquaculture, AFSIC Notes #5, Compiled by Stephanie Boehmer, Mary Gold,
Stephanie Hanser, Bill Thomas and Ann Yoeng, Alternative farming System Information
Centre, National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture, January 2005.
The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2002, by U. Wijkstram, A. Gumy and R.
Grainger, Rome, Italy, FAO, 2002
Organic Aquaculture: Current Standards and Future prospects, Chapter 6 by Abbort G.J.
Tacon and Deborah J. Brister. Organic Aquaculture, Environment and food security. FAO,
Rome, Italy 2002.
DOFD annual report 2005. Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Nepal.2005.
Proceeding of the national symposium on the role of fisheries and Aquaculture in the
Economic development of Rural Nepal. NEFIS, 1996, Kathmandu.
( 81 )
COMMUNITY LEVEL ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION PROGRAM:
AN EXPERIENCE OF KATHMANDU DISTRICT
- Dila Ram Bhandari*
Abstract
The conventional system made farmers dependent on production inputs of multinational
companies such as hybrid seed, fertilizer, fuel, machines and plant protection chemicals. As
a result it replaced locally available indigenous technologies and skills. The environmental
structures became imbalanced and many of the agriculture biodiversities were lost due to
intensive use of these modern inputs. To over come this, organic farming is an excellent
alternative. Therefore, District Agriculture Development Office (DADO), Kathmandu focusing
on organic farming in its program. This report has 4 parts. Part I is general overview of
commercialization vegetable productions in Kathmandu district describing vegetable species,
plant nutrient management, pest management and problems in existing production. Part Π
deals with present emerging issues and concern on organic products, Initiation of organic
farming, objectives, activities and co-ordination among stakeholders. Part III of the report
consists of comparative analysis of yield and price of organic green pea with that of
conventional green pea from farmer's perspective as well as DADO perspective along with
quality issue. Lastly, part IV deals with achievements of organic farming activities, impacts
at different levels. It also includes suggestions on technical issues, marketing, institutional
management of organic farming. Future strategies of Kathmandu district are also briefly
presented in this part.
Background
Present day agriculture is the result of two centuries of scientific and technological
discoveries. During this time chemistry has created fertilizers for plant nutrition and
pesticides for plant protection against pests. Biology (genetics, physiology) has enabled an
improvement in the productive capacity of plants and animals. Similarly mechanization has
reduced human efforts and increased human working capacity.
The green revolution of agriculture in sixties was based on introduction of high yielding
varieties of improved and hybrid crops, crop intensification, promotion of single crop
species in large area, off-season vegetable and fruits production. The productivity of land
has increased with crop management practices which include maximum use of irrigation
water, application of synthetic chemical fertilizer and pesticides, modern agriculture
implements. Thus the maximum production has been achieved to meet the food demand of
increasing world population. However, majority of the farmers in the developing countries
couldn‟t use expensive inputs (seed, fertilizer, fuel, machines and plant protection
chemicals) due to high cost and high management practices. Thus their production
remained stagnate even declined. The conventional system also made farmers dependent on
production inputs of multinational companies.
Nepal has about 40 years experience towards commercialization of agriculture. In the
process of commercialization farmers used pesticides for soil treatment, seed treatment,
crop production, and in storage against pests. Similarly, consumption of chemical fertilizer
is increasing in commercial production pocket particularly in the vicinity of cities and town.
( 82 )
Consequently the environmental structures became imbalanced and many of the
agricultural biodiversities were lost. It is also proved that synthetic agro- chemicals have
adversely affected human health, animal health and soil environment.
The tenth plan document has endorsed the promotion of organic farming in Nepal. Emphasis
was given with the recently formulated National Agriculture Strategy, 2061 for preserving soil
health, human health and environmental quality along with the increasing demand of organic
products in national and international market. Based on these policies, District Agriculture
Development Office (DADO), Kathmandu is among the first government organization to take
the lead towards mainstreaming organic farming in its programs from 2002.
This paper aims at sharing the three years experience of DADO, Kathmandu which covers
formulation and implementation of the program, partnership development, challenges and
various other issues associated with organic farming that might be relevant for the success
of the program in the long run.
( 83 )
compost is questionable i.e. composts are not properly decomposed. Thus the most of the
farmers in Kathmandu depends on chemical fertilizer for potato and vegetable production.
Farmers give highest priority for Urea followed by DAP and Potash. They apply urea, DAP and
Murate of potash in potato at the rate of 12-15 kg, 6-8 kg, and 2- 4 kg / ropani, respectively
(DADO, Kathmandu, 2059/60). The crops like cauliflower, cabbage and tomato shows similar
fertilizer consumption trend or above rates. Spraying of urea as top dressing is very common
in leafy vegetables. Commercial growers say that the recommended rate of chemical fertilizer
in potato and vegetables can not produce satisfactory yield. Therefore farmer increased the
amount of inorganic fertilizer. However, the unbalance use of chemical fertilizer over a long
period have started showing the declining crop response and impaired soil fertility,
particularly in commercial pocket. Farmers massively used multiplex as micronutrient spray
of 5-6 times in summer potato. The other micro nutrients and hormone such as Vegimax,
Atonic, Miraculon are used in winter potato. The application rate depends on technical advice
of private Agrovet dealer. The increasing number of fertilizer dealers as shown in table 1
reaveled that the use of chemical fertilizers is increasing in Kathmandu district
( 84 )
Major problems in commercialization of vegetables production
1. Soil fertility degradation
Limiting the organic manure in the soil, the organic carbon content of the Kathmandu soils
is depleted. Decline in soil organic matter, reduced the soil biodiversity. Due to increased
and unbalanced use of chemical fertilizer, farmers have experienced degrading soil health.
Farmers belief that chemical fertilizer makes the soil rukho or hard. The soil PH ranges
from 3.0 -5.0. Soil organic matter percentage is 1.5 to 3. Nitrogen in soil is low, Phosphorus
is high and Potash is medium. Therefore the overall effect on soil fertility has been the
imbalance in their physical, chemical and biological properties.
( 85 )
emerging issues. Therefore farmers' pressure in District Agriculture Development Office
(DADO) is increasing for technical advice to protect their crop against pests. Hazardous
effects of synthetic pesticides on human, animal health, environment, soil degradation,
yield reduction, and financial expenses have been reportedly noticed.
These days vegetables consumption pattern is in increasing trend for better health.
Increasing change in dietary habits, major food safety concerns and greater personal health
awareness have led to greater consumer interest in consumption of organic vegetables.
Diplomatic institutions are here in Kathmandu and their priority is to consume organic
vegetables. Demand for organically grown foods is growing rapidly in global market with
increase in health consciousness. Nepal has obtained the membership of World Trade
Organization (WTO), which creates opportunity to export organic vegetables in the
International market. So from producers, consumers and environmental point of view,
DADO, Kathmandu felt the need to initiate the organic movement and formulated the
pesticide free/organic vegetable production project.
DADO, Kathmandu started pesticide free/organic vegetable production project with the
following objectives:
Major objective
The long- term objective is to export organic vegetables in international (United Arab
Emirate and Gulf countries) market.
Specific objectives
To produce pesticide free (Organic) vegetables in Kathmandu district so as to
generate income of the farmers.
To improve capabilities, practices or technologies on organic farming.
To create awareness among consumers through different communication media.
To make available fresh organic vegetable in different departmental stores and hotels.
To establish organic vegetable shop in the marketing network.
( 86 )
Many documentary films were produced in co-ordination with Agriculture Information
and Communication Center, MoAC and broadcasted on Nepal Television, Metro TV.
Advocating organic farming in the workshops, seminars and talk programs.
( 87 )
Kathmandu Metropolitan city has also provided training on vermin-compost to the
technicians and also to the farmers.
District Agriculture Development Office (DADO) has also linkages with private
entrepreneurs dealing with bio- fertilizer and bio- pesticides.
DADO has constant linkages with Horticulture Research Division, NARC for technical
backstopping
7
6 6
5
Yield mt/ha
4.5 3.5
4 3.5 4
3
2
1
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Fiscal year
Source: DADO, Kathmandu, 2005
Fig. 1. Yield trend of organic green pea in different years
( 88 )
Price trend of organic green pea
Farmers found marketing as the major constraint since consumers are not aware of the
importance of organic production. They were not been able to sell their whole production as
organic products. The price of organic green pea was comparatively lower due to less
attractive appearance which made of less preferred among consumers. Thus the average
price of organic green pea was Rs.8.0/kg as compared to Rs. 14.0/kg of the conventional
production in the first year. Organic products were paid near to conventional products in
the second year due to increasing awareness on the importance of organic product. It was
average of Rs. 15.0/kg for organic compared to Rs.16.0 for inorganic products. But in the
third year some volume sold to Bhatbhateni supermarket and in front of Department of
Agriculture and other important selective areas of the city, they got premium price upto Rs.
30.0/kg. Thus the average price of total organic green pea was Rs.23.0 as compared to
Rs.20.0/kg of conventional (fig.2). From the third year some consumers were contacted
Panchakanya Agriculture Cooperative Limited in their field for organic green pea and also
other organic vegetables at premium price. This encouraged them to continue organic
production despite of its many problems. Therefore the price problems encountered during
the early stage has improved.
25
23
20 16 20
15 15
Rs/kg
14
10
8
5
0
2003 2004 2005
Fiscal years
Fig. 2. Comparative price trend of organic green pea and conventional green pea
( 89 )
yield is normal unless soil builds up optimum level of organic matter in it. If application of
fertilizer is abruptly stopped yield is found to decrease drastically. So use of chemical
fertilizers should be gradually decreased.
There lacks an organized networking among organic growers, traders and the relevant
stakeholders for organic marketing. The reliability of the organic produce was always
questionable among consumers due to lack of labeling from quality assurance organization.
The professionals working at DADO are not much specialized about overall development of
organic farming. It may take some time to build up capabilities in this area. However, the
participant farmers have demonstrated their confidence in the success of program despite
of its early reduction in the yield.
( 90 )
Consumers have started to ask with vegetable sellers whether chemical fertilizer and
pesticides have been used or not.
DADAO uplifted farmers' consciousness of gaining organic vegetable technology generated
through Horticulture Research Division, NARC.
The tenth plan document and National Agriculture Strategy, 2061 has been translated in to
practice
( 91 )
Farmers need to be trained in the area of record keeping so that they are able to determine
the profitability of the enterprise. This will be further helpful in the organic certification
program.
Farmers need to commercialize their organic nursery for healthy seedlings production.
Organize organic farmer's field school
Soft loans and subsidy should be provided to the growers at least during the
conversion/gestation period.
2. Marketing Management
Information relating to consumers‟ willingness to buy and pay premium price for organic
product at the household and institutional level will be an important first step.
Subsequently, understanding of the food supply chain, particularly fresh vegetable, within
the valley as well as urban centers outside the valley is needed to develop marketing
infrastructure for the organic program.
Encourage private entrepreneurs to initiate organic restaurant and hotels especially
in Kathmandu market for tourist attraction.
Price information system of organic product should be channelized.
Create public awareness especially among women consumers.
Create favourable environment for private entrepreneurs to enter organic product
processing.
DADO should design organic fair trade demonstration -k|+fufl/s d]nf k|bz{gL_ .
Farmers need to certify their organic vegetable products in order to tap the
international market.
3. Institutional management
Organic agriculture requires time and well trained extension workers. Since organic
farming is a new practice it needs competent and reliable management.
Organize organic farmers association from local to national level.
Establish organic collection markets in Kathmandu capital.
NARC should give due consideration to develop organic package of practices on crop
basis.
DoA should prepare technical and financial norms for organic technology
demonstration.
MoA & C need to develop a national policy on organic farming and certification
program.
MoA& C should establish the laboratory for pesticide residue analysis
Establish linkages between domestic and international market (Eg. Salt Tradinig
Corporation)
4. Quality Management
Support in transferring knowledge and techniques for quality control of organic vegetable
products for the domestic and export markets.
Vegetable packaging and marketing principles.
Help to prepare a system for monitoring impact of support and progress of the organic
growers.
( 92 )
Conclusions
Organic agriculture is not just another alternative but the only alternative to mitigate the
hazardous effect of synthetic agrochemicals on human health, animal health and on
environment. In organic farming system, pests control strategies are largely preventive
rather than reactive. Organic materials such as FYM, compost, poultry manure,
vermicompost, green manure and crop residue can substitute for inorganic fertilizer to
maintain the environmental quality. The organic agriculture provides new market
opportunities. Developed countries have already taken initiations in this field and different
standards have been set by different countries for organic production. Nepal too needs to
develop national policies and programs and set its own standards for organic products to
promote organic farming. Therefore organic agriculture should be an integral part of
national agricultural system.
Organic
production
district,
Kathmandu 2071/72
Pesticide
free
Lapsiphedi district
2067/68
VDC Kathmand
u
Other
VDCs
2062/63
Kavresth
ali VDC
Kavresthali Talku
8, VDC
Thaligaun 2061/62
2060/61
initiation
( 93 )
2. Chemical fertilizer replacement strategy
Fertilizers and nutrients consumption in Kathmandu district, 2060/61
3. Resource management
The three institutions DADO, DDC and Metropolitan city KTM should work together to
transfer city waste into the form of vermicompost/compost for agricultural production of
Kathmandu district The responsibilities area shared as below.
Metropolitan city KTM will prepare vermicompost/compost from biodegradable city
wastage as per farmers need.
DDC should allocate budget for 25% subsidy on the price of compost produced by
Metropolitan city.
DADO would manage compost distribution mechanism in the farmer's field.
In the long run when organic farming becomes well established, this subsidy can be
removed.
Acknowledgements
This report was a collaborative effort of DADO, KTM staff. It would have been impossible to
produce this paper without the encouragement and support of Director General, DoA,
Regional Agriculture Director, RAD (central region) and other senior level management staff
of DoA. I would like to thank subject matter specialists Mr. Sarad Chandra Shrestha,
Extension Officer, Mrs. Sabnam Shivakoti, Planning Officer, Mr. Keshab Adhikary,
Horticulture Development Officer, Mr. Deepak Adhikary, Plant Protection Officer for their
integrated hard working in organic farming project. Iam grateful to field staff working at
different Service Center level for their support to disseminate organic farming activities in
rural areas. Iam thankful to administrative staff for creating favorable environment in this
matter. Thanks are also due to other involved members who directly or indirectly supported
to make this program successful.
( 94 )
Refrences
aflif{s s[lif ljsf; sfo{qmd tyf pknlAw Ps emns, @)^!÷^@, lh=s[=lj=sf= sf7df8f}+ .
s[lif ljsf; sfo{qmd tyf tYofÍ k'l:tsf, @)%(÷^) . lh= s[= lj= sf= sf7df8f}+ .
e08f/L, l8nf/fd, k|f+ufl/s t/sf/L v]tL cfjZoStf / lgof{t k|j4{g, sflGtk'/ b}lgs, @)^!.%.!# .
e08f/L, l8nf/fd, @)^! . 3fts /f;folgs ljiffbL k|of]u gug{ sfe|]:ynLsf dlxnf s[ifsx?sf]
clek|]/0ff, sf7df8f}+ ljsf; ;Gb]z, lhNnf ljsf; ;ldlt, sf7df8f}+ .
e08f/L, l8nf/fd, /f]huf/Ld"ns Joj;fo k|f+ufl/s v]tL, sf7df8f}+ pkTosfnfO{ k|f+ufl/s s[lif If]q
agfcf}+ . uf]vf{kq b}lgs, @)^@ . @ . !$
e08f/L, l8nf/fd @)^@, cfiff9 . k|f+ufl/s v]tL k|ljlw, k'l:tsf lhNnf s[lif ljsf; sfof{no,
rfjlxn sf7df8f}+ .
e08f/L, l8nf/fd @)^#, h]7 . k|f+ufl/s s[lif, k'l:tsf . s[lif ;"rgf tyf ;+rf/ s]Gb|, xl/x/ ejg,
nlntk'/ . k|sfzg qm=;+= # )^@÷)^# .
MoAC, 2005. Statistical Injformation on Nepalese Agriculture. Agri- Business
Promotion and Stations Division, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Shivakoti, S. and S. C. Shrestha. Towards organic agriculture. An experience from
Kathmandu district. Paper presented on organic farming workshop organized by
Nepal Permaculture Group from 13-15 Dec. 2005.
( 95 )
ORGANIC LIVESTOCK FARMING: AN OPPORTUNITY OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
- Dr. Dinesh Prasad Parajuli
Introduction
Livestock faming in general involves the keeping of animals to produce milk, meat, egg, and
wool for human consumption; to obtained manure for plants and draught power for
agricultural practices, which inevitably differs from natural environment in which they have
evolved. However, the objective of organic farming is development of sustainable agriculture
to produce high quality food from the animal in an environmentally friendly manner within
a complete inner farm nutrient cycle. Organic farming also aimed at enhancing animal
welfare. There is a popular consumer belief that the description "organic means healthy,
nutritious, natural and welfare friendly". A majority of consumer's expectation is organic
food tastes better and is more nutritious. Therefore, organic livestock production is growing
rapidly throughout the world especially in western countries, and sales are anticipated to
increase dramatically in the coming years. In order to obtain organic production, one of the
important practices is the integration of livestock with crop production to take different
advantages like nutrient recycling etc.
Senior Livestock Development Officer, Department of Livestock Services, Hariharbhawan
( 96 )
The use of dung and urine excreted by cattle, pigs, chickens and other animals for crops is
an established tradition in our farming system. Dung and urine contain several nutrients
such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and the solid fraction contains organic matter
that is important to maintain soil structure and fertility.
The amount and quality of urine and dung produced depends on the type of animal, its size
and the type of feed as well as on the management of the farmers. One large animal of 300
kg live weight has a feed intake that averages 2.5 per cent dry matter of its live weight
within an average digestibility of 55 percent, the animal will produce 1232 kg of dung every
years. Similarly, a small ruminants weighing about 35 kg has a feed requirements of 3.5
percent dry matter daily of its live weight, consume 320 kg dry matter. The average
digestibility of the feed estimated at 60 percent. Hence, one small ruminant produces
around 128 kg of dry matter faces per year. Based on this observation converting all age
groups of large ruminants into livestock unit, cattle and buffalo produce around 8894
thousand-mt dung per year. Similarly, total small ruminants (sheep and goat) produce
around 564 thousand mt dung. Thus the total production of dung by the ruminants in
Nepal is around 9458 thousand mt. the nitrogen that can be obtained from the total decal
material of the ruminants is estimated to be around 216 thousand mt. However pool
livestock management systems do not hemp to increase the quantity of fecal material.
Hunch (1986) in his report mentioned that 46% of manure is lost in grazing away from the
farm, it has been estimated that even if the animal numbers in the hills of Nepal were
halved, manure production would remain almost what it is at present, provided that it was
collected and utilized properly. Therefore stall-feeding could result in full collection of dung.
The nutrient content and dry matter percentage of manure varies according to the quality of
feed and method of handling and storage. Dry matter content of cow dung on lush pasture can
be less than 15 percent but in sheep and goat on dry forage it can be higher than 50 percent.
The amount and proportion of nitrogen excreted depend on animal diet. The urine and solid
dung of animals fed highly digestible diets with a lot of protein contain much more nitrogen
and, therefore, are more susceptible to nitrogen losses than excreta from diets containing
greater amounts of roughage.
( 97 )
longer to have an effect on crop yields than cow dung, but once it has started the effect
lasts for several years. Mixing with low quality biomass, i.e. with straws, leftover grasses,
livestock bedding materials and dry leaves, can reduce the nitrogen losses from the dung.
The greener leaves still contain much nitrogen themselves and they are less capable of
capturing surplus nitrogen from urine and dung.
( 98 )
2. Use of agro forestry system
In this system food crops are grown in alleys formed by hedgerows of trees and shrubs,
preferably legumes. For this purpose, fast-growing species Leucaena leucocephala and
Gliricidia sepium can be used. The hedgerows are pruned regularly to obtain fodder for
livestock and some fuel wood mulch. Since the root of the plant penetrates deeper into the
soil, it recycles nutrients leached to deeper soil levels. The alley cropping system can sustain
or even improve soil fertility and crop production. Alley cropping is being developed with
different tree species and crops focusing of several uses of the by-products from the trees.
( 99 )
of the time weeds are collected from the cultivated field and carried home to feed livestock
some aquatic animals like grass carp and silver carp fish are very efficient for weed control
in drains, canals and rice field.
5. Pest control:
Research has shown that pest control cal be achieved without pesticides, reversing crop loses.
For example in east Africa, maize and sorghum face two major pests- stem borer and Striga, a
parasitic plant. Field margins were planted with "trap crops" that attract stem borer such as
Napier grass. Pests are lured away from the crop into a trap- the grass produces a sticky
substance that kills stem borer larvae. The crops are inter-planted with molasses grass
(Desmodium uncinatum) and two legumes: silver leaf and green leaf, which is a good fodder for
livestock. The legume binds nitrogen enriching the soil and Desmodium also repeals striga.
Conclusion:
Organic livestock production has made significant advances over the last several years in
Europe and America. Organic livestock production practices needs to deal with complex
regulatory frameworks and secure high levels of health and welfare. Organic livestock
farming meets the demand of increasing number of consumer's who are really searching for
organic livestock products. In the same time organic farming reduces the environmental
pollution and natural losses on the farm level markedly. However, to meet the set objectives
( 101 )
organic livestock production system needs to deal with set standard and should address
high level of animal health and quality aspects. In addition organic livestock management
practices that has been accumulated in both ways i.e. indigenous knowledge as well as
scientifically proven technology. This system cannot be adopted in the whole country,
therefore zoning of the country for organic farming for specific may be helpful.
Reference:
Durno, J. Moeliono, I. and Prasertcharoensuk, R (1992). Sustainable agriculture for
Low lands. Resource book. Bangkok: South-East Asian Sustainable Agriculture Network.
E.O.Heady (1953). What is grassland farming? Forages. The source of grassland agriculture.
The lowa State College Press, Lowa, USA.
Heuch, J.H.T. ( 1986). The quality of compost applied to farmers field and its relevance to
forest management in the mid-hills of Nepal. LAC Technical Paper 11/86. Lumle agriculture
Centre, Kaski, Nepal.
http://www.fao.org//doctep//004/y0501 e 80.htm: Mixed crop livestock farming.
Parajuli, D.P. (2005). Integration of livestock production and environment protection.
Agriculture and environment. MOAC, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu.
Subedi, K.D., Hoshi, K.D. and Dhital, B.K. (1990). In-situ manuring by sheep proved better
than the application of sheep manure. Prabidhi Sangalo. LAC, Kaski, Nepal
( 102 )
ORGANIC FERTILIZATION :
METHOD OF SOIL MANAGEMENT FOR ORGANIC FARMING
- S.L. Chaudhary2, S.N. Mandal3 and C.P. Risal4
Abstract:
The plant nutrient contents of most organic materials are generally much lower than those
supplied by commercially available chemical fertilizers. But its role for soil life and soil
environment improvement is indispensable. Fertilizer use efficiency can be very low in
strictly monoculture systems or where organic recycling is not practiced. This inefficiency
allows for the movement of nutrients through the soil profile and into the ground water.
Due to heavy use of pesticides and nitrogenous fertilizer, contamination of ground water is
evident in our major agricultural areas.
Organic farming is a whole-system approach for optimizing the natural fertility resources of
a farm. It works through traditional practices of recycling farm-produced livestock manures,
composting, crop rotation, green manuring, and crop residue management. One of the
greater difficulties that organic producers face on a regular basis is determining whether or
not a particular product or material can be used in organic production. All natural or non
synthetic materials can be assumed to be acceptable in organic production. Organic
farming is not simply 'doing away with chemicals' but replacing them by organic manure
and mixed farming principles, which promotes self sufficiency in natural fertilizer for
sustainable agricultural production. The basic principle behind organic farming is
application of right conditioned humus ( manures ) food for micro-organisms in the soil
and soil micro-organisms release minerals from soil particles as needed by the plant, Thus,
the plant is fed indirectly, not directly as with soluble chemical fertilizers. So, it is very
much clear that organic farming stand for feed the soil, not the crops, and this is the
important difference between organic and conventional farming.
Introduction:
Agriculture is the main occupation of Nepal and can play an important role in attaining a
sound food security system if its management is properly maintained. Out of total coverage
area, 77% is occupied by the mountains and hills in the north, and 23% by the terai plains
in the south. Most of the farmers from food deficit areas of mountains and mid-hills have
been practicing subsistence farming. Increasing population pressure subjected to
fragmentation of land holding and subsistence farming has contributed lower yields. Such
farming system silently needs „demand driven‟ agricultural production. Terai has surplus
food production and exercise commercial farming. Such farming system solely demand
market oriented approach and more commercialization process for qualitative and
quantitative production. In both the cases improvement of agricultural productivity with
updated information, management, support and accesses to technologies required for better
production. Package of technologies include increased irrigation, seed and soil management,
fertilizer use efficiency, market and information services.
Especially in the developing world like Nepal where there are no petroleum resources and
also not well defined safety standard of food, there is urgent need of judicious use of non
( 103 )
renewable sources of energy, especially petroleum based product as chemical fertilizers,
health hazardous inorganic pesticides and heavy metal containing micro-nutrients and
plant growth stimulants formulations.
Organic Fertilization:
In recent years the energy crisis has caused a shortage of inorganic fertilizers and also due
to adverse effect of the chemicals on soil and agricultural products, the agricultural
scientists particularly those who are involved in plant nutrition management rely on organic
nutrient supply to plant especially in the form of locally available organic resources.
Importance of organic fertilization has well recognized globally by planners, environmental
scientists and agriculturists. It should be, by now, obvious that many technologies use for
organic soil management are presently receiving considerable international attention for
healthy food production.
The above table reveled that soils of Nepal in hills contained medium to low organic matter
content. About 35% Soils showed low in organic matter where as most of the Terai Soils
(about 83%) are low in organic matter. It is clear that the soils of Terai "The grainary belt of
Nepal" content less organic matter compared to hills and needs special care for sustainable
agricultural production.
( 105 )
composting. Still kitchen waste composting is limited in few households. Kitchen waste can
be recycled at source with separate collection of waste and proper management of
composting. Black polyethylene container fitted with aeration mechanism is most common
for kitchen waste composting. The recommended size of the container is 35-140 liter
depending on family size. The collection method at small scale is started recently under the
support of some institutions. This method is easier for the users, but more expensive and
difficult to provide containers for each household. So, container park concept can be
suggested. These parks should be located on enclosed areas with surveillance for clean and
separate kitchen waste collection. With the separate collection of Kitchen waste and
composting of it, new products are introduced on an existing market of soil improving
products.
Vermi-Compost :
Lumbri-composting (vermi-composting) of bio-waste is a result of combined action of the
earthworms and the micro-biota living in their intestine and in the growth medium.
Earthworms stimulate the composting process by mechanical and biochemical actions. The
mixing and aerating of the substrate, the breaking up of waste as it passes through the
intestine, are mechanical processes. As a consequence of such digestion, organic matter is
stabilized and converted to smaller particles of relatively uniform shape and size. The
casting of the earthworms have a crumby look and an attractive earth like smell. The vermi-
compost is a good soil amendment rich in nutrients readily available to plants.
( 106 )
Epigeic (surface living) or manure worms are found on the surface and are redish brown in
color. They do not process soil but efficient in composting in organic wastes. Vermi-compost
can not be described as being nutritionally superior to other organic manures but the
unique way in which it is produced. The nutrient status of vermi-compost and FYM is given
below. There are differences in the nutrient content of vermi-compost produced by different
species of earthworms. Vermi- compost is thus not a single standard product. On an
average vermi- compost contained more carbon and phosphorus, less potash and
micronutrient then Farm Yard Manure (FYM). Both have comparable contents of nitrogen.
Vermi-compost generally had wide Carbon Nitrogen (C:N) ratio as compared to FYM.
Pheretima Eisenia Perionyx
Parameter Mean FYM
elongata foetida excavatus
pH 7.2 7.4 7 7.2 7.2
Organic Carbon % 5.25 27.43 30.31 20.9 12.2
Free CaCO3 % 6 10.5 7 7.8
C:N Ratio 125 45.7 45.9 34.7 24.4
Total Nitrogen % 0.42 0.6 0.66 0.56 0.5
Available Nitrogen (ppm) 215 450 496 387 375
Total P2O5 % 1.16 1.34 1.93 1.48 0.75
Total K2O % 0.26 0.4 0.42 0.36 2.3
Average K2O (ppm) 3000 1500 4700 4060 26030
Fe (ppm) 27.3 17.8 19.8 21.6 24.7
Zn (ppm) 18 19.2 0.9 12.7 40
Mn (ppm) 16.4 24.6 16.5 19.2 120
Cu (ppm) 7.6 7.6 2.3 5.8 2.8
Sourec : Shinde et al.(1992)
( 107 )
Chemical Composition of Press Mud Cake.
Particular Unit Value
pH 6.9
Calcium Carbonate % 5.6
Organic Carbon % 20.62
Organic Matter % 35.55
Total Nitrogen % 1.28
Total Phosphorus % 2.04
Total Potassium % 1.2
Total Sulphur % 3.85
C/N ratio 16.1
Iron ppm 560
Manganese ppm 288
Zinc ppm 260
Copper ppm 120
Source: S.D.More et al (Indian farmer's digest,vol.28.No12)
Bokasi mal:
Bokasi mal is a kind of organic manure prepared in short period compared to compost.
Within 10-15 days, bokasi mal become ready to use. It is prepared by fermentation and
composting. So, bokasi is fermented and composted product of various organic ingredients.
Organic ingredients used for bokasi are: paddy husk, wheat husk, chicken drops, FYM,
forest soil, coal, oil cake, fish waste, ash, bone meal, agriculture lime and molasses etc. In
addition to the organic ingredients yeast is also added to increase yeast population and
enhance fermentation process. Ingredients and the preparation technique of bokasi mal is
presented in Annex 2.
Source : Dr. Keshav Raj Pandey, Krishi Bi Monthly Vol. 42 No. 4(2062 Kartik-Mangsir)
( 108 )
Azolla "water fern for agriculture use":
Azolla is free floating water ferns commonly found in stagnant water in ponds, ditches,
irrigation canal, and paddy field. Seven species of azolla have been identified. Among those
Azolla pinnata is most common in Nepal. The most remarkable feature of azolla is its
symbiotic relation with a photosynthetic nitrogen fixing bacteria ( Anabaena azollae ). The
association is capable of harvesting efficiently both solar energy and atmospheric nitrogen.
The association is reported to fix 1.4-10.5 kg Nitrogen/ha/day depending upon the duration
of the favorable growing condition, 60-840 kg Nitrogen/ha/year depending upon the
duration of the favorable growing period. Thus it is also known as 'bio-fertilizer'.
Azolla has been recognized as a potential source of nitrogen for low land rice. In country
like China and Vietnam it has been in use as a green manure for rice for a long time and
found efficient in making available large quantities of bio-mass and nutrient to the soil.
Since decade back azolla has been used as green manure to rice and compost for other
crops. Compost prepared from azolla contains quite a good amount of plant nutrients i.e.
3.8% N, 2.5%P and1.9%K, ( Bhattari & Maskey,1987).
Bio-fertilizers:
Bio-fertilizers are the formulations of living micro-organisms which are able to fix or
synthesize plant nutrients in the available form for plants either by living freely in the soil
or associated symbiotically with plants. Biofertilizers play vital role to meet the nutritional
( 109 )
demand of crops and are extremely important in organic farming. Though Rhizobium
biofertilizer are being popular, there are different kinds of biofertilizers that can be used to
meet a growing expectation of soil users to protect soil fertility through an enhancement of
biological processes.
Anabaena azollae, a cyanobacterium lives in symbiotic association with the free floating
water fern Azolla and fixes atmospheric nitrogen. The inoculation of cyanobacteria in rice
crop significantly influence the growth of rice crop by secretion of ammonia in flood water.
In addition to contributing N, the cyanobacteria add organic matter, secrete growth
promoting substance like auxins and vitamins, mobilize insoluble phosphate and improve
physical and chemical properties of the soil.
Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal ( VAM) fungi colonize roots of several crop plants and can
solubilize unavailable form of phosphorus in the soil to available form. The VAM fungi are
zygomycetous belonging to the genera Glomus, Gigaspora, Acaulospora, Sclercystis, etc.
They help plant growth through improved phosphorus nutrition and protect the root
against pathogens. Nearly 25-30% of phosphate fertilixer can be saved through inoculation
with efficient VAM fungi, Bagyaraj (1992).
( 110 )
Green manuring:
Besides FYM/composts, green manuring has an effective way of meeting the organic
demand of the Nepalese soil. It requires very little involvement in terms of money and easily
carried out by the farmers utilizing their own labor. Some of the plant materials which can
be used as green manures are leguminous and various non-leguminous weeds.
Farmers in hilly regions of the country used different wild plant materials like Titepati
(Artemisia vulgaris), Taramandal (Helianthus annus), Banmara (Eupatorium gladiosa),
Asuro (Adhatoda vasica), Khirro (Holarrhwa antidysentrica), Siris( Albizzia lebbek) etc.
These plant species are rich in Nitrogen and farmers have recognized the benefit of green
manuring with these species on the performance of the succeeding crops. The nutrient
content of these species are given in table below.
The plowing under of Dhaincha (Sesbania spp.) as a green manure crop before
transplanting wet rice is common practice in some of the Eastern Terai. Farmers of some
Terai districts (Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottary, Sarlahi, Rautahat etc.) used to grow mung
bean (Phaseolus mungo) as green manure crops.
The occurrence of azolla as water fern at many tropical and sub-tropical parts of the
country is a good green manuring substance, but number of farmers are not aware of its
benefit yet. Thus, acquainting farmers with the use of azolla as green manure and its
application methods, will be a step further in organic farming. Land holding are small and
inputs are limited in subsistence farming. Pressure on agricultural land from increased
population has resulted in much shorter fallowing periods and hence less fertile soils.
( 111 )
Bioavailability:
The concept of producing better quality crops, however, is a complex issue because
bioavailability of crop nutrients depends on many factors. Bioavailability refers to the
amount of a particular nutrient that is absorbed from a food after consumption that is
utilized. It is not the total amount of nutrient in the food that is consumed. Measurements
of nutrient bioavailability are difficult because of the many interactions that occur between
food components. These types of interactions, very little is known about the bioavailability
of nutrients in crops grown under different management conditions. So research on cultural
practices and bioavailability of nutrients in plant foods should be conducted by
multidisciplinary teams including soil scientists, agronomists, horticulturalists, crop
breeders, physiologists, and nutritionists.
Conclusion:
It is well known fact that soil management is a key factors for crop production without
which it will not able to maintain the crop productivity. One hand energy crisis caused a
shortage of inorganic fertilizers and other hand uneven geography of Nepal created obstacle
for transportation of imported chemical fertilizers. So, organic fertilization could be the real
solution for degradable lands of the country. Importance of organic fertilization has well
recognized globally by planners, environmental scientist and agriculturist. It should be, by
now, obvious that organic fertilization at present receiving considerable international
attention for healthy food production, should be encouraged to the highest potential level.
Recommendations as well as feeding the soil, organic farming implies a number of cultural
methods already known to traditional Nepalese farmers but it has been neglected in recent
years. These are;
Compost making to provide soil fertility.
Crop rotation to relieve the mineral drain on cultivated plots.
Mixed cropping to discourage pest build up and to improve soil cover.
Crop protection by use of 'Surti ko jhol' and 'Tite pati' extract.
Planting legume with cereal to add nitrogen to the soil.
Green manuring to ensure add bio mass to the soil.
All these traditional agricultural Practices have great merit, only the thing is to encourage
the practices organize them in better way and large scale basis according to suitable
location. For example, in mid-hills farming communities where there is plenty of materials
for composting and sufficient number of livestock for FYM production, why not a campaign
of FYM/Composting should launched as a 'compost bank' in hills similarly in Terai where
there is scarce of composting materials and fewer number of livestock, even available little
amount of animal excreta is used for cooking fuel. There is very little possibility of
FYM/composting. So, for those area why not green manuring campaign should be
encouraged on massive scale in concentrated way as 'Mung Maidan (Chaur) and 'Dhaincha
Gaun'. Likewise rainfed agriculture on upland and lowland needs a suitable cropping
pattern for efficient moisture use and land improver. As land improver legume
plantation/cultivation once in a year or at least once in a two years should be encouraged.
Beside, these our traditional practices, some following alternative methods can be tried and
encouraged as organic source for plant food. Local resources of compost should be
harnessed in bulk and should be used massively.
( 112 )
References:
Gaur A C and Geeta Singh. Recycling of Rural and Urban Waste through Conventional and
Vermi Composting, IARI, New Delhi, India.
HMG/Nepal, 2003. Nepal Fertilizer Use Study. Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives,
Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Fertilizer Unit, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Mandal S. N, 2004. Brushwood Compost; Food for the Soil, The Rising Nepal Daily, 25th
August,1994. Gorkhapatra Sansthan, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Manandhar R., M.P.Khanal, S.N.Mandal and S.N.Jaishy,2004. Current Status of Marketing
and Use of Organic, Bio and Multinutrient Fertilizer; Policy Programs and Prospects, 12th
March 2004. Kathmandu, Nepal.
Maskey S.L. 2003. Promotion and use of Bio-Fertilizers in Nepal, Handout, Nepal
Agriculture Research Council, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal.
SMD (Soil Management Directorate) 2005. Annual Progress Report, Hariharbhawan,
Lalitpur, Nepal.
Weber G. 1998. Sustainable Soil Management Training Manual, Sustainable Soil
Management Programme, Lalitpur, Nepal.
( 113 )
Annex-1:Waste Utilization for Plant Food
Wastes
Animal waste Vegetable waste Green wastes House waste Sewage Organic waste
Brushwood
Compost
Azolla Urban Sugarcane
Compost Compost pressmud
114
Annex 2:
How to prepare bokasi mal ?
Starter is prepared by adding 100 gms yeast in a 4:1 water to molasses solution.
Chopped organic ingredients put layer by layer, with the sprinkle of starter between
each layer and make heap.
Maintain 20-30% moisture of the ingredient in the heap.
Make 50cm heap height and covered with jute bags or erect shed over heap to save
the heap from direct sunlight & rain.
Turn over the heap 2-3 times in first week and 1-2 times in second week.
Use freshly prepared Bokasi Mal if planned to use later then keep it in air-tight
condition in plastic bags.
Ingredients for 'Bokasi Mal'
Materials Weight
Chicken drops, FYM, oil Cake fruits bark, fish waste 100 Kg
Tiny paddy husk 5 kg
Water 100 litres
Forest Soil 100 kg
Molasses 1 kg
Burnt Paddy husk, sugarcane trash, Legume husk 100 kg
Bone meal, Ash, Agriculture lime, coal 5 kg
Yeast 0.1 Kg
115
WASTE – A SOURCE OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER
- Shriju Pradhan Tuladhar*
1. Background
Solid waste is an inevitable byproduct of human activities. With rapid urbanization,
improved living standards and changing consumption patterns, solid waste management
(SWM) has become a major challenge in many countries. Even in Nepal SWM is often
regarded as a major problem in most cities, particularly the larger ones. According to a
survey done by Central Bureau of Statistics in 1996, most urban residents feel that solid
waste management is the number one environment problem in their cities (CBS, 1997).
Other
Water Pollution 4%
5%
Air Pollution
7%
*
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
116
or Naugaa, that as located in the house or courtyard or sold their waste, including human
excreta, for Rs. 0.50 per tin. This shows that in the traditional Newar culture, waste was
considered to be a valuable commodity that had to recycled and not thrown. Furthermore,
the waste generators were themselves responsible for managing their waste. Although the
traditional sagas and nauga were often not very hygienic and they can be improved, the
traditional culture of waste management was impressive. Today, most people and
municipalities see waste as a problem and simply dump it somewhere where no one will
complain. The challenge today is therefore to revive the traditional value system while
modifying the traditional systems to suit today‟s needs.
2. Composting Systems
Composting is a simple and effective way of recycling waste that is already being practiced
by many people. As compost is a valuable product that is very useful for farmers and
composting waste will significantly reduce waste management costs, there is a need to
encourage and support more people to do household composting and establish larger
composting facilities in partnership with the private sector.
Several methods or technologies are available for converting organic waste to compost or
organic fertilizer. These include:
Aerobic composting
Vermi composting
Anaerobic digestion
Ecological sanitation
117
Composting in piles
This is a simple system where waste is put in a pile and allowed to degrade. Occasionally
the waste is turned and the compost is prepared in two to six months depending on
aeration and temperature. The following modifications can be made for improving the pile
system:
For composting large amounts of waste long windrows can be used. For large
systems equipped with mechanical turning windrows that are up to 3 meter high
and 3 meter wide at the base can be used. For manual turning, however the height
of the windrow should not be more than 1.5 meters. Such a system is being used at
the Bhaktapur Compost Plant.
Piles should be covered with plastics or straw to reduce the loss of moisture and
nutrients.
Piles should be turned regularly, first after about 10 days and then after about a
month, to allow aeration.
Perforated pipes can be put in the piles to facilitate aeration.
Effective microorganisms can be added to speed up the process.
Composting in Vessels
Various types of vessels that allow aeration can be used for composting at the household or
community level. Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is currently promoting the “Sagaa”
Compost Bin, which is made from a 100 litre plastic bin that is separated into two
compartments with a metal grid. The waste is placed in the upper compartment and compost
is removed from the lower compartment. Various other versions of this type of bin are also
available. These bins take up very little space and they are mobile. The cost of a 100 litre
capacity compost bin, including accessories, is approximately Rs. 1000, and KMC is currently
selling these bins for Rs. 750. So far, KMC has sold more than 2000 of these bins.
Composting in Chambers
This system uses a concept similar to the compost bins but is larger and stationary. A
compost chamber built by (KMC) at Teku has two sets of three compartments. Waste is
placed in the top compartment for about 10 days and then it is lowered to the second
compartment and then after about 20 more days it is lowered to the third compartment. The
process of dropping the waste from one chamber to next allows aeration to take place. The
compartments can take up to 2 tons of waste at a time. The capacity of chambers can be
variable, but it is important to have good aeration systems and convenient handling system.
118
kits can be setup in a small space inside the kitchen and it does not cause odour problems.
KMC has recently set up a facility to use this technology to treat about 500 kg per day of
vegetable market waste.
Experiments done in Kathmandu indicate that the vermi compost has higher amounts of
nutrients than ordinary compost. Now some rural households in places like Gagalphedi and
Methinkot are also starting to use this technology because of the high quality fertilizer it
produces. This technology therefore has great potential in Nepal. It is simple and effective.
But the main drawback is that it is not very effective for treating mixed waste.
3. Conclusions
Solid waste is often seen as a major problem in most municipalities and most people are
eager to get rid of it. However, waste can be a valuable resource instead of a pollutant if it is
properly managed. Particularly, organic waste, which makes up about two thirds of the
total waste, can be used to produce organice fertilizer, which can be very useful for a
agriculture-based country like Nepal. There is a wide range of simple technologies available
for converting organic waste into organic fertilizer and some efforts are being made to
promote these technologies. However, the challenges are as follows;
Change the attitude of people so that they view waste as a resource not as a problem.
119
Scale up the application of various appropriate waste recycling technologies such as
aerobic composting, vermi composting, biogas and ecosan.
Develop a market for organic fertilizer so as to sustain recycling efforts.
As solid waste is a major problem in urban areas while loss of soil fertility is a major
problem in rural areas, organic waste recycling has to become a priority issue that
needs to be addressed urgently with joint collaboration between government
agencies, municipalities, private sector and local communities.
References
CBS, 1997: Urban Population Survey 1996, Central Bureau of Statistics, His Majesty‟s
Government of Nepal, Kathmandu.
Nepali, G.S. 1964: The Newars, Mandala Book Point, Kathmandu.
Tuladhar, B. 1996: “Kathmandu‟s Garbage Simple Solutions Going to Waste,” Studies in
Nepali History and Society, Vol.1 No. 2: 365-393, Mandala Book Point, Kathmandu.
Upreti, H.K. and Paudel, P. 2005: “Effective of Human Urine on Crop Yield,” ENPHO
Magazine, Environment and Public Health Organization, Kathmandu
120
ROLE OF VERMICOMPOSTING IN ORGANIC FARMING
- Prof. Dr. Ananda Shova Tamrakar*
- Kishor Maharjan**
Introduction
More and more emphasis is now laid on the organic farming and use of earthworms for the
conversion of organic waste into organic manures. In 20th century modern impacts such as
chemical revolutionized the agriculture. These inputs being mass produced were
aggressively promoted and subsidized. With the result, world over agriculture without
chemical cannot be even considered as possible. However in less than 50 years of their use
in agriculture, it has started showing negative effects. Organic agriculture in a way is an
outcome of these negative effects of chemicals.
In the first instance fertility management require a completely new approach under organic
management. In most of the discussion, held for exploring organic agriculture development
possibilities, nutrient required for cultivation gets the centre stage.
It is said that Mother Nature has provided for organic matter recycling to provide nutrients
for plants from the soil. Under organic management for providing nutrients to soil, organic
matter recycling i.e preparation of compost is expected to play an important role. Important
source of plant nutrients available for composting are urban solid waste, Farm waste,
Animal dung, Agro processing waste etc.
The source waste materials and its conversion into compost play an important role in
deciding compost method.
Use of vermiculture technology as one of the tools of organic farming in recent and found to
be quite promising. The technique in this direction has been a pioneering break-through in
recent times. In most of the centuries, only small scale production i.e handling with few
kilograms waste material was possible through vermiculture process developed by many
scientists in the world. In this regard, Cuba and India have been fortunate to successfully
develop large scale production processes utilizing vermiculture technology. The technology of
using earthworms to turn the organic waste into valuable organic one of manure is known as
Vermiculture technology. In this technology earthworms acts as one of the tools for the
production of Vermicompost. Any level of farmers can easily adopt this method. This
technology can be practice for both on-farm as well as off-farm production. The high levels of
nutrient content in Vermicasting and its beneficial effects on crop such as improvement in
soil condition, quality of crops, less irrigation requirement, less problems of weeds in the
fields have made Nepal is basically an agriculture country. Eighty five percent of our
population depends on agriculture and agriculture contributes 30% to our national income.
Agriculture in Nepal was sustainable in past days. Because people were not using chemical
fertilizer. But recent years due to use of chemical fertilizer and improper irrigation, some land
portions have become saline and destroyed agroecosystems. Now farmers all over the world
have started realizing the necessity of using organic practices for sustainable development.
What is Vermicomposting?
Breeding of earthworm (Vermiculture) and their subsequent use for the preparation compost
(Vermicompost) is called Vericomposting. The compost prepared by using earthworm is called
121
Vermicompost. Organic manures like Vermicompost are all the more relevant because of the
harmful effect of continued use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Vermicompost is today a
very important aspect of an organic farming package. It is one of the biofertilizer which not
only increase the growth of plant but also help to increase the water holding capacity and
porosity of soil. It is soil activator, soil conditioner, and soil fertility booster with all required
plant nutrient, Vitamins, enzymes, growth hormones and beneficial microbes.
122
S.N. Waste generation Utilizable waste for vermicomposting
III Agro-industry Waste
1. Food processing units Peels, rinds and unused pulp of fruits and vegetable
2. Vegetable oil refineries Pressmud, and seed husk
3. Sugar Factories Pressmud, fine bagass, boiler ash, sugarcane trash
4. Breweries & Distilleries Spent wash, barley waste, and Yeast Sludge
5. Seed processing unit Core of fruits, paper & seeds after expiry date
Aromatic oil Extraction
6. Stems, leaves, flowers after extraction
(Herb Industry)
7. Paper industry Pulp & Sludge
8. Coffee & Tea processing Husk & waste leaves
9. Tissue culture units Paper, agar, wasted plantlets
10. Carpet industry Sludge
Source : Kale, 1994
The organic matters like above wastes are the good sources of locked up nutrient materials
for the plant. They have all the complex chemicals that form the building blocks of the
protoplasm. When these complex substances are unlocked by suitable means, they form
the wholesome nourishment for the plant. Above waste can be used as raw materials for
producing Vermicompost on the commercial scale.
123
Sex life of worm
A worm‟s reproductivity system is quite complex. Worms are hermaphrodic. ie each worm
has both male and female sex organs and each can produce eggs and fertilize the eggs
produced by another worms, under suitable environment, a mature breeder will produce a
cocoon every week. During mating, any two adult worms can join together to fertilize each
other‟s eggs. Then a mucus tube secreted by the clitellum (the band ¼ of the way down the
worm‟s body) slips over its head into the sol as an egg case or cocoon. These cocoons are
about the size of a match head and change colour as the baby worms develop, starting out
as pale yellow and when the hatchlings are ready to emerge, cocoons are a reddish brown.
It takes about three weeks development in the cocoon for one to ten baby worms to hatch
but generally two baby worms to hatch.
Methods of Vermicomposting
Five things are necessary for Vermicomposting
(1) Shed (2) Land (3) Worm (4) Organic waste (5) Water
Method 1 : Surface bedding method:
Vermicomposting can be done on ground for large scale Vermicompost production. For this,
ground is leveled and plastered and a manageable sized platform is made. Depending upon
the availability of space and a compostable organic waste, the shed and platforms is made.
It could be 3 feet wide, 20-25 feet long and 1.5 feet height of the waste heaps in a
semicircular manner. In the base of the bed, 3-4 inches thick layer of saw dust/dry
leaves/husk/straw/paper/ ie. any biodegradable dry matter, are spread uniformly. This is
called bedding material and it should be thoroughly moistened. Over the bedding a layer of
12”-15” partly digested feed (crop waste/dung/Organic waste) heaped in semicircular way.
Then lives worms are introduced at the rate of 3000-4000 numbers per bed size of one sq.m.
This is ultimately covered by dried leaves/litter or jute bags. The watering is done over the
covered straw/dry leaves/jute bags regularly twice or thrice a week. Watering helps to low
down the temperature of the wastes in beds during summer.
After 2-3 months the upper portion of the prepared Vermicompost should be harvested and
the worms move to down.
Vermiwash outlet
Dimension of cemented of vermi tank
124
Bedding Materials :
Bedding for worms can be made from coconut husk, sawdust, hay, straw, shredded leaves
or compost. Coconut husk & saw dust are excellent materials for bedding. The bedding
materials should be spread for about 4-5 inches in a tank & thoroughly moistened and it is
spread with cow dung. The bedding should be loosely packed in order to create air space for
the worms to breathe and to control odors.
Feeding materials :
The food of earthworms include admixture of cow-dung, green foliage, vegetable wastes,
discarded parts of fruit, paper or scarp of cardboards.
The organic wastes i.e. biodegradable waste can be used either in fresh or partially
decomposed form for the feeding.
Aerobic digestion :
The earthworm prefers partially degraded organic waste rather than fresh waste. Aerobic
degradation in medium scale vermicomposting has higher significance. Too much fresh
vegetable wastes can generate maximum temperature that can kill the worms, so it is better
to digest aerobically. The aerobic digestion can be done in different composting units such
as; i) Honey comb box ii) Barrel iii) Chamber house
Food to be avoided :
Bones, dairy products, meats that may attract pests and garlic, onions and spicy foods
should be avoided. Limited amounts of citrus can be added but too much can make
compost too acidic and earthworms do not prefer acidic foods.
Earthworm inoculation :
The most suitable types of earthworms used for vermicomposting is tiger worm (Eisenia
foetida). It can consume organic material equal to their body weight per day.
About 5 kg of earthworms per 1.8 cubic meter of tank should be released on the top of the
partially decomposed or fresh waste. These earthworms will start penetrating to the bottom.
Once all these earthworms disappear, cover the surface with jute bags and keep them moist
by sprinkling water in a judicious way.
125
Vermicompost
Food
Sun Light
Vermicompost
Worms gathering
Screening
The vermicompost might need screening if rough stuff (sticks) is used in the bedding that
takes time to break down. The compost can be screened manually using inclined screens
with mesh size of 8mm and 4mm.
Some precautions
Compost making worm tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Survival of earthworm is
even upto 380C. However, the requirement for optimal temperature is 10-250C. Greater
than 270C is however unfavorable for them.
- Keep the vermibox/container/vermicoposting unit from direct heat and strong sunlight.
126
- Protect from freezing temperatures.
(A straw or dried leaves covering is good method to keep the vermibox/container from
drying out during hot summer weather. Moreover, this straw in the winter work as an
insulating material to keep the worms from freezing).
Earthworms need a moist environment. They breathe through their skin. Skin must be
moist in order to breathe. They suffocate if the water moisture is very high.
- Moisture content should be 50-60%
- Protect from heavy rain
If moisture content is high, mix dry cow dung/leaf litter/paper with substrate.
Worms need Oxygen to survive and produce Carbon dioxide like human.
- Air circulation is a must in and around Vermicomposting unit.
- Do not cover container by plastic material tightly.
- Jute bag is a good covering material that can pass oxygen and hold moisture content.
Worms need food to survive i.e bio- degradable wastes. Heavy load of food can kill them
and give foul odour as well as generate high temperature.
- Add decomposed waste after loosing its heat as possible while doing in medium and
large scale Vermicomposting.
Although they have no ears, but they are very sensitive to vibrations. They do not like
disturbance by anybody.
Enemies of Worms
Rat/Moles, Frog, Birds, Flatworms, Red ant, Centipedes, Fervicula, Red mites
Advantages of Vermicompost
1) It enhances the growth of plant
2) Maintain the pH of soil
3) Increase the porosity of soil
4) Enhances plant‟s ability to resist against diseases and insect pests, cold, drought, and
adverse condition.
5) Increases the water holding capacity of soil.
6) Increases the availability of macro and micro nutrients viz. N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Zn, etc.
7) Improve quality of farm products (colour, texture, taste and size)
8) Most economical input that increases production, reduces the cost of cultivation and
offers scope for value addition in the form of organic agriculture
9) Made from eco-friendly technology using organic waste and biotechnology process.
127
Chemical :
SN Parameters Value
1 pH 7.6
2 Moisture content (%) 69.2
3 Organic Matter (%) 35.16
4 Total Nitrogen (%) 1.81
5 Phosphorus (%) 2.49
6 Potassium (%) 4.59
7 CN ratio 11.29
8 Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu 200-700 ppm
Maharjan, 2004
Biological properties
Total bacterial count : More than 1010 Per gm
Actinomycetes, Fungi, Rhizobium : 102-106
(Gupta, 2002)
Dosage
SN Agricultural Crops Amount
1 Field crops -Wheat, Barley, Maize, Gram, Mustard 200-300 kg/ropani
2 Vegetables 300-350 kg/ropani
3 Fruit plants 5-10 kg/plant
4 Flower plots, domestic lawn 10-200 per sq.feet
128
- Operation of vermi composting plant
- Quality analysis of vermi compost
- Preparation of marketing strategy for vermicompost
- Preparation of vermi composting manual
Input : 500 kg Waste from Kalimati Vegetable Market
Outputs : 1. Infrastructure and system set up for production of 200 kg of
vermi compost per day
2. Increased knowledge and understanding on the feasibility of
medium scale vermi composting in Nepal
3. Enhanced capacity of municipal staff and other key
stakeholders on vermi composting
4. Increased awareness on waste minimization and vermi
composting
5. Strategy for marketing vermi compost
6. Manual on vermi composting
Location : North-east corner Teku Transfer Station, Kathmandu
Project Duration : Phase 1: Feb-March 2005 – Construct Vermi Compost Plant
Phase 2: April-June 2005 – Operate of Vermi compost Plant
Implementing Agency : KMC, PEMON & CEN
129
After 60 days in the vermi tanks, the vermi compost removed and harvested, then the
compost is put aside for about 3 weeks to allow hatching of worms from cocoons.
After the composting process is complete, it needs to be screened and then packed and
stored. Recently, the vermicompost is sold from project site as a brand name, “Healthy Gro”
Case study 2 :
Project title : Effectiveness of Vermicompost analyzed for Sustainable management of Soil in
Dhading District (Kumpur VDC)
This study was done in Kumpur VDC of Dhading district during the month of December,
2005. Following results were obtained from the different treatment of Vermicompost, FYM
and Control (FYM and Chemical fertilizer).
Productivity testing:
Productivity,
SN Treatment
Kg/ropani
1 Control(FYM & Chemical Fertilizer) 684.2
2 Vermicompost
100 gm dose 769.2
200 gm dose 430.8
300 gm dose 423.1
3 FYM (1kg per plant) 760.5
The production of potatoes from different plot was obtained. The study found that the
productivity of potatoes in vermicompost application with 100 gm had the maximum
production (769.2 Kg/ropani) as compared to other types of treatment. Similar result was
observed for the application of FYM with the productivity of 760.5 Kg/ropani. The
production was reduced (430.8 and 423.1 Kg/ropani) with the application of dose increased
to twice and thrice i.e., 200 gm and 300 gm (PEMON, 2006)
References :
Chaudhary, D.R. 2002. Organic farming. An overwiew. Farmer „s Forum 2(4):7-9
Gupta, M. 2002. Vermiculture manual, Morarka Research Foundation, Jaipur.
Kale, 1994. Earthworm Cinderella of Organic Farming
Maharjan, K. 2004. Management of Solid waste of Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Wholesale
Market through different methods of Composting. M.Sc. dissertation, T.U. Kirtipur,
Kathmandu
Maharjan, K. 2006. Medium scale Vermicomposting Plant, Teku. A report submitted to
Envoronment Department, Kathmandu, Metropolitan City.
Nagarajan, S.S. 2003. A farmer's trust with organic farming. Kishan World 30(9):44-45
PEMON, CEN, KMC, 2005. Pilot project: Medium Scale Vermicomposting of Vegetable
Market waste in KMC.
PEMON, 2006. Effectiveness of Vermicompost analysed for sustainable management of soil
in Dhading district. A report submitted to Sustainable Soil Management Programme (SSMP).
Tamrakar, A.S. 2001. Vermiculture and Biowaste Management. An Alternative Technolgy,
Biodiversity 1(2):2-3
130
ORGANIC FARMING, ITS ROLE IN SOIL FERTILITY, EFFECT ON CROP
PRODUCTION, CONSTRAINTS AND FUTURE STRATEGY
- Shanti Bhattarai*, Kedar Bhudhathoki* and Dil P. Sherchan*
1. Introduction
Organic farming is the culture and tradition of Nepalese farmers. When animal manures and
crop residues are used as the primary sources of nutrients the management system is often
referred to as “Organic Farming” and it is claimed to be a sustainable system. So 6o percent
of our land are still under this system. In this system especially in the hills the animal waste
received from cows, goats and buffalo along with plant residues are used for compost or Farm
Yard Manure production. So the number of animal heads is more in the hills (Fig.1.) CBS
2004. Use of organic manures gives life to soil by making active the micro and macro
organism of the soil. It supplies all the required nutrients to crops. It also improves the
physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. By using the organic manure negligible
amount of Nitrate which is harmful to human being are deposited in the plant tissue. The
technology is environmentally friendly and produces healthy food for human consumption.
131
demand promotion of fertilizer use has been the spearhead to sustain the increased
agriculture productivity and to maintain the soil fertility. This is highlighted in the Twenty
Years Agriculture Perspective plan
(APP, 1995) However, the forty years experiences indicate that increased use of mineral
fertilizer has its own limitation as inaccessibility, timely unavailability, ever increasing price
and low purchasing capacity of most of the farmers. As a result the consumption rate of
mineral fertilizer has not increased more than 35-50 kg/ha.( Basnyat, 1999 ). So the soil
mining is the major cause of low productivity.
For Commercial Agriculture use of mineral fertilizer has very effective role on production.
Where mineral fertilizer is used production of cereals and vegetables increased up to tenfold.
So farmers are using more than recommended dose for higher profit. Use of mineral
fertilizer in a unbalanced way, pesticides and herbicide in alarming high rate causing
adverse effect on human, soil, plant and aquatic life.
This situation has renewed the interest on the used of organic manure in the farming system.
4. Constraints
o Nutrient content especially the nitrogen is very low in organic manure so bulk is
needed to meet the nutrient requirement of the major crops.
o Natural resources to produce organic manure is limited
o Response of organic manure difficult to observed in the first year of application
o Drudgery on women farmers
o Young generation is not interested due to dirty looking and difficult to handle.
o Farmers have lost confident on the use of organic manure in recent years.
o Production of organic manure is limited due to shortage of fodder ,feed and
rangeland of the animal grazing which are the sources of manure
o Though the farmers are aware of the advantage of applying organic manure to the
soil, their knowledge of various techniques of recycling organic waste and improved
method of composting making is limited.
o The knowledge of other sources of plant nutrient like biofertilizer, benefit of
inclusion of legume in the cropping system, green manuring and green leaf
manuring especially for rice, collection and use of human and animal urine, city
waste compost, vermicompost, oil cake and poultry manure and rapid production of
compost as Bokashi is also limited.
Livestock Population and Distribution (A million)
13
34
Terai
Hills
Mountains
53
Fig. 1
5. Research Highlights
5.1. Quality and quality production of compost
Farmers usually collect leaf litter and fodder from forest and used them as bedding
materials and to feed their animal .The animal waste mixed with urine soaked bedding is
132
used for compost making .compost prepared in this way is usually low nutrient content
specially nitrogen due to washing of nutrient with rain. Research was conducted to increase
the nutrient content of the compost and the result showed nutrient can be increase with
proper management (Table 1)
Table 1: Effect on Nitrogen and organic matter content on compost prepared from
different methods
Different Parameters
Method of Composting
N% OM% pH
Pit 1.38 12.46 7.0
Bamboo Bin 2.05 10.90 7.13
Meshwire Bin 1.32 11.42 7.10
Heap 1.86 9.34 7.10
Compost prepared by different method has higher percent of nitrogen (1.38-2.05 %) than
tradition farmers method (0.5 %). and pH of the compost also toward neutral (7.1)
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Table 3 : Winter crop – Nepalgunj, MidWestern Terai
Shoot dry matter (DM), N accumulation, and estimates of N-fixation measured during seed-
filling.
N-fixation
Crop Shoot Shoot 15 N-derived N-diffa Fixation Total
DM N Pfix Amount Amount efficiencyb N-fixedc
(t/ha) (kg N/ha) (%) (kg N/ha) (kg N/ha) (kg N fixed/t DM) (kgN/ha)
Lentil 3.34 104 86 90 80 27 134
Chickpea 2.12 78 67 52 54 30 79
Wheat 0N 2.94 24 -
Wheat +80N 5.03 62 -
This table shows that chickpea and lentil can fix 67 and 86 percent (Pfix %) of their nitrogen
requirement but the fixation capacity directly related to biomass production. Lentil
fixes134kgN /ha and chickpea fixes 79kgN/ha in one cropping season. So incorporation of
such residue after grain harvest helps to enrich the soil with nitrogen (Bhattarai,S.)
5.6.1. Green Manuring in Rice
Green manuring is the effective way of meeting the nutrient requirement of rice .It is easy
and can be managed by family labor if the farm size is small. Experiment conducted at
Tarahara Agriculture Research stat ion showed that all sources of green manuring have
positive effect on rice yield and the yield increment was at par with the recommended dose
of mineral fertilizer.( Table 4) Maximum yield increase was observed in the plots where siris
leaves was applied at the rate of 25 t/ha .This may be due to lignin content is high as a
result decomposes slowly making the nutrient available through out the growing period in
warm tropical climate. Sesbania rostrata showed slightly better effect than sesbania
cannabina. This was also observed that positive effect on wheat yield due to green
manuring with rice (Bhattarais).
Table 4. Effect of green manuring and green leaves manuring on the yield of rice and its
residual effect on wheat atTarahara
Amount of Rice Percent Percent
Amount of fert. In Wheat
Treatments manures/ fert. yield increment over increment over
Wheat N-P-KKg/ha Yield t/ha
N-P-K kg/ ha t/ha Control Control
1.Control 0 3.57 0.00 0-0-0 1.19 0.00
2.Titepati 25000 4.01 12.00 50-30-30 2.47 107.00
3.Behaya 25000 4.41 23.50 50-30-30 2.22 86.00
4.Ipil Ipil 25000 4.47 25.00 50-30-30 2.26 89.90
5.Banmara 25000 4.78 33.90 50-30-30 2.33 95.80
6.Siris 25000 5.22 46.20 50-30-30 2.41 102.50
7.Khirro 25000 4.75 33.10 50-30-30 2.83 137.80
8.S.cannabina 25000 4.19 17.90 50-30-30 2.49 109.00
9.S.rostrata 25000 4.22 18.20 50-30-30 2.72 128.00
10.Mineral fert. 90:30:30 4.38 21.30 50-30-30 2.77 132.00
Latin name : 2. Artemisia vulgaris 3.Ipomeaspp 4.Luecomia spp 5.Eupatorium 6.Albizia
7. Sapium insigne
134
5.6.2 Inclusion of short duration legume Fig.2.Effect of Legumes as Green Manure
crop for grain and for green manuring on Rice Yield in Rice-Wheat System
Short duration mungbean, busy type
8.69
cowpea and bush bean are suitable to grow 9.5
5.7. Vermicomposting
Cow dung can not be used directly to supply nutrient to plant and to fertilize the soil.
Composting of cow dung takes about four month in ordinary condition. The food, cow eats
can digest only 30-40 percent. If such manure is applied in the soil insect acts on them first
causing damage to the crops. Such cow dung if given for the earthworm which act on them
leaving very rich manure and is called vermicompost.
Vemicompost can be prepared from cow dung within 45-
50 days and has positive effect on legume(Yukti, 2006).
The earthworm is a special type and eats fast and
multiply also very fast. The sps.of earthworm used for
composting of organic waste including cow dung is
Eisenia foetida (Fig 4). This sps.most probably the
world‟s most widely used earthworm in vermitechnology
for vermicomposting.
Fig.4 (Yukti ,2006)
5.8 City waste compost
The city waste is the continuous source of organic manure. Handling of such if properly
done by separating organic, recyclable and inorganic parts from the sources itself
continuous production of organic manure is possible. Though the nutrient content may not
be very high but proper management of such waste will help to increase the aesthetic value
of the urban area, reduce the adverse on human health and help to increase the nutrient
content, weight and volume of the agriculture land. Nutrient content of some of the sources
of organic manures along with city waste compost are as follow. ( Table 5)
135
5.9 Preparation and Use of Bokashi on vegetable production.
Production technology of Bokashi is a Japanese technology. It is a quick method of quality
compost production. The main ingredients are rice husk ( 19 % ), rice hull ( 19 %) poultry
manure (19 %),Top Soil ( 19 %), Yeast ( 0.2 %), brown sugar ( 2.0 %), Oil cake (10%), and
green grasses ( 5%) are mixed together by adding moisture and make a heap. The heap is
cover with plastic cover. within ten days temperature rises to the maximum ( 60-65 OC) then
make the heap cool by spreading them. In this technology killing of microorganism in the
compost heap is prevented. High quality compost can be prepared continuously within 15-21
days. The response of such Bokhasi compost thus made on vegetable is tabulated (Table 6)
Table 6: Effects of Organic Manures on Yield of Cauliflower
Treatments Yield Yield
S.N.
Compost(20t/ha) Bokashi(gm/pl.) Kg/ha Kg/Ropani
1. Control - 2.9 455.2
2. Compost - 7.5 1157.4
3. Compost +100:80:50 NPK kg/ha - 10.3 1574.1
4. Compost 50 11.O 1697.5
5. Compost 100 12.2 1882.7
6. Compost 150 12.5 1929.0
7. Compost 200 13.1 2021.6
8. - 200 7.6 1172.8
9. Compost +Oil cake 100gm/Plant - 11.1 1697.5
LSD 0.20 455.2
F-Test ** 1157.4
Bokashi compost if mixed with other compost at the rate of 20 t/ha in different amount has
positive effect on the yield of cauliflower and then are significantly difference with each other
6. Strategy
Need to establish Farms/Stations for Research, Extension and Training on organic
farming.
Development of proper institution is needed to recommend for certification of
organic products before exporting.
Standardization of organic products is essential.
Establish facilities to test organic products which are coming from different counties
before recommendation.
Government policy to encourage the production of organic product locally.
Networking of the organic food growers and linking them with government policy,
rules and regulation
Effective publicity through mass media.
7. Conclusion
Organic farming is a bit expensive and labor intensive.
Health conscious consumer however, will not mind to the high price.
136
This will encourage the producer to stick on the organic farming.
It is not impossible to have organic farming
There is a tremendous scope for organic farming as more and more countries in the
world are turning to organic farming.
Nepal government also should have policy, market and transport system
development to encourage the farmer in organic farming.
Use of mineral fertilizer in limited quantity to supply the nitrogen requirement of the
crop to increase the livelihood of the people of hills may be required for sustainable
agriculture and for poverty alleviation.
Technologies are available for the efficient use of compost, quality compost
production and handling but still the rate of adoption is not so encouraging.
Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrients .So continuous supply of high nitrogen
content manure as poultry manure, oil cake and bokashi compost are necessary to
supplement the compost if organic farming has to be practiced.
8. References
1. Bhattarai, s., Prasad,R.C.,Maskey, S.L. “Green Manuring in Rice: opportunity and
Constraint in Nepal” Proceeding of the 4th National seminar on Science and Technology
organized by Royal Academy of Science and Technology on
2. Bhattarai, S., Maskey, S.L,Gami,S.K., Shrestha, R.K.(2000) “Environmentally friendly
Integrated Plant Nutrient Management for sustainable agriculture in Nepal “Brief Report
on on-Farm demonstration on IPNM” Published by soil Science Division, NARC
Khumaltar and Fertilizer, Advisory, Development and Information Network for Asia and
Pacific ( FADINAP) Bangkok
3. Maskey, S.L., Bhattarai, S.,Gami, S.K., Shrestha, R.K(1999) “Environmentally friendly
Integrated Plant Nutrient Management for sustainable agriculture in Nepal” Brief Report
on On-farm demonstration on quality and quantity improvement of farm Yard
Manure/Compost Division of Soil Science NARC Khumaltar, Lalitpur Nepal September
1999.
4. Central Bureau of Statistics (2004) “Statistical pocket Book.Nepal HMG National
Planning Commission Secretariat, Central Bureau Statistics, Ramshah Path, Thapathali,
Kathmandu
5. Allison, F.E. (1973) “In Soil organic Matter and its Role in Crop Production,
Development in Soil Science 3 Elsevier Press N.Y
6. Ramaswamy, V., Sankaran, S., and Palaniappan,S.P.(1984) IRRI Newsletter
9(4).19Pandey s.P. and Gauchan, D.(1997) Report of the Benchmark Site survey on the
pilot Project for the development of environment Friendly plant Nutrient Program in
Nepal .Published by Soil Science Division NARC,Khumaltar and FADINAP, Bangkok.
7. Yukti Basnet “Vermicomposting, Enrichment of vermicompost by Azotobacter
chroococcum and response on Phaseolus Bean”. A Dissertation Presented to the Central
Department of Microbiology, TU
8. Basnyat, B.B. (1999) “Fertilizer Liberalization in Nepal : Challenges and Issues. Paper
presented on Fertilizer Marketing Systems and Related Government Policies in Nepal.”
Jointly Organized by FADINAP and Ministry of Agriculture Kathmandu, Nepal on
Nov.29-30.1999
137
PEST MANAGEMENT IN ORGANIC FARMING THROUGH CONSERVATION OF
NATURAL ENEMIES
- Raju R Pandey* and Ram B Paneru**
Abstract
Suppression of pest organisms due to the activities of other living organisms such as
predator, parasites, pathogens and antagonists, which is commonly known as biological
control, is the most important component of integrated pest management system. Lack of
insectaries and laboratories involved in manufacturing biological control agents in the
country is the main constraint to the adoption of augmentative biological control. Diverse
agro-ecology and minimal use of pesticides offers greater probability of naturally occurring
biological control agents, which is still under-explored. Exploration and documentation of
indigenous biodiversity within range of agricultural ecosystems is a prerequisite to the
promotion of integrated pest management in general and biological control in particular.
More research is necessary to promote conservation biological control practices through
habitat manipulations. Formation of national biological control working group is suggested
to streamline the biological control research and development activities in Nepal.
Keywords : Biological Control, Conservation, Exploration, Natural Enemy, Habitat
Manipulation.
Background
Biological control in its simplest sense is the mechanism of pest suppression through the
use of living organism. Applied biological control is achieved by the application of naturally
occurring organisms to suppress another „undesired organism‟, usually considered as pest.
To be more specific, biological control has been defined as the action of parasites, predators
and pathogens in maintaining another organism‟s population density at a lower average
than would occur in their absence (Debach 1964). Often, some people try to argue that use
of resistant plant varieties, mix-cropping and/or intercropping, use of pheromones, sterile
insect release techniques and even genetically modified organisms that contain pesticidal
genes as a part of biological control. Though the resistant or susceptible plants are living
(biological) entity, they are usually represented under separate branch of pest management,
management through host plant resistance, and are traditionally not considered biological
control. The transfer of genes through advanced molecular methods to produce resistant
varieties is rather related to plant breeding and not a biological control. The sterile insect
release has a very different mechanism of pest suppression. Similarly, the use of
pheromones and other behaviour modifying chemicals (semiochemicals) is distinctly
different field of study that is promisingly emerging as very important and specialized pest
management techniques. These techniques and the use of botanicals and other natural
materials are rather known as bio-rational pest management techniques. However, there is
some overlap between the cultural methods of pest control including mix and intercropping
with biological control (as discussed in subsequent paragraphs), but depending on the
mechanism of pest control achieved, it may be identified purely as a cultural or an
integration of cultural and biological control methods.
* Research Director and Entomologist, Nepal Horticulture Promotion Centre, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
** Scientist (S-2), Entomology Division, NARC, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
138
Natural and Applied Biological Control
Biological control can be divided into natural and applied biological control. Biological
control achieved without deliberate human interventions, but solely occurring in nature due
to the interactions between the organisms coevolved in the ecosystem is called natural
biological control. On the other hand, when biological control of pest organism is achieved
through deliberate human intervention, it falls under applied biological control. Use of nest
forming red ants, Oecophylla smargdina, for the suppression of caterpillars and wood
boring pests in citrus orchard in china is probably the oldest recorded applied biological
control used in agriculture, but much of the development in the field of modern science of
biological control took place from the 18th century(DeBach 1974). Control of cottony
cushion scale, Icerya purchasii, in California oranges through the use of vedalia beetle,
Rodolia cardinalis imported from Australia is the most cited and most successful example of
biological pest control (DeBach 1974). Then, there was not any readily available, cheap
synthetic insecticide available for pest control.
139
Mass produced biological control agents can be field released to suppress the specifically
targeted pests and such approach is commonly known as augmentative biological control.
Augmentation is deemed necessary either due to the failure of biological control agents to
survive severe weather conditions, or because their population builds rather slowly
compared to the pest population leading to inadequate suppression of the pest population.
Provision of food and/or shelter to the naturally occurring populations to encourage the
activities of biological control agents falls under the premises of conservation biological
control. Modifications of farming practices, which are conventionally considered as cultural
control methods, are being recognized as ecological control methods. In addition to some
direct impacts many of these practices help promote the activity of biological control agents
and can be grouped as conservation biological control.
Fungal pathogen Metarhizium anisopliae attacking white grub have been isolated,
manufactured for field experimentation purposes (GC 2003). Indigenous strains of Fungi
Trichoderma spp. has been isolated (Pers. Comm. N.P. Khanal) and some of the species
have shown promises as a potential biological control agent of several soil borne diseases
Works on the isolation of indigenous strain of Bacillus thuringiensis has been initiated
(Manandhar et al. 2003) (Khadge 2003). Fungal pathogen Paecilomyces funosoroceus were
isolated from aphids and red ants at Lumle.
140
Introductions biological control is usually implemented by the government agencies and is
targeted against invasive pests. Widely distributed weeds such as banmara (Ageritina
adenophorum) and Lantana camara could be the prime targets of classical biological control.
Individual farmer cannot be held responsible for the implementation of such programmes.
Farmers can actively participate and contribute to the other two approaches of biological
control (namely augmentative and conservation biological control) for their own benefit.
Augmentation can be achieved either by inoculative releases (where the released organisms
and their progenies provide the lasting suppression of the pest organism in question) or by
inundative releases (large numbers of natural enemies are released to achieve the goal of
pest management. Inundation can be compared to pesticides application where pest
suppression is achieved by the action of the released organisms. Mass production of the
natural enemies is the pre-requisite of the augmentative biological control. Lack of
insectaries that produce the biological control agents necessary for augmentative field
releases is the major constraint for the promotion of this method.
Avoid disturbance: There have been many occasions of pest upsets following the insecticide
applications in the commercial production system. The outbreaks of BPH in rice, scale
insect in oranges, and fruit borer in tomato have been claimed to be a result of pesticide-
incited ecological disturbance. Reduction in pesticide application (and drift) and use of
selective pesticides are very important for natural enemies conservation. Obviously, the
organic farms benefit the most from natural enemies conservation through the avoidance of
pesticide application.
141
Provision of food: Some natural enemies have similar food requirement when they are
immature and adult but others have distinctly different food habits. Both the beetle and
grub of ladybird beetle (Coccinellidae) are carnivorous feeding on aphids, psyllids, scale
insects and mealybugs. But the adult hoverflies feed on flower pollen and nectar whereas
the immature are aphidophagous. Most parasitic wasps are parasitic only in their
immature stage, but the adults are free-living herbivores feeding on pollen and nectar.
Increasing plant /crop biodiversity, around the main crop may increase provision of food
through (from flowering weeds, crops etc) and attracts these nectar feeders boosting the
probability of biological control. Planting Fapar (Fagopyrum esculentum) as a ground cover
or as border around the main crop provides food and shelter to many nectarivorous insects
(wasps, syrphids etc) as well as ground-inhabiting beetles and spiders.
Provision of shelter: The predators and parasitic insects are prone to the impacts of
weather change, natural hazards and higher trophic level enemies. They need sheltering
sites, especially during the cold winter and dry summer. Provision of hedgerows, mulching
and cover crops help them protect during these difficult times. The perennial orchards
have better shelters than the annual crop fields. Consequently, the success of biological
control is higher in the orchard systems than in the annual crops. Ground covers not only
provide sheltyer but also increase general saprophagous insect activities thereby providing
food for the predators.
Provision of alternate host: The natural enemies population increases with the increase in
the pest population and vice versa. When the prey or host insect population in a given area
declines (usually after the harvest of the crop), the predator and parasitoid population
disperse to surrounding areas in the search of food. They will not re-invade the field until
the pest population has made a come back. Provision of alternate host/prey population
(either naturally in some plants or by adding them artificially in the environment) is
essential to sustain the natural enemy population.
Way Ahead
Achievements made so far in the field of biological control studies are largely sporadic. A
national biological control working group responsible for setting goals, formulating strategy,
identifying priorities and developing programs on biocontrol research and development
should be formed through the representation of GOs, NGOs and private agencies. This
committee will also be responsible for fostering national and international collaboration and
interagency linkage and coordination.
Collection and preservation of indigenous natural enemies and their authentic identification
plays key role in the subsequent success of the pest suppression programs. Once identified,
development of laboratory and mass production techniques for selected key biological
control agents (predators, parasitoids and pathogens) will enable us to evaluate the impact
these agents on pest suppression. Local production of biological agents will not only help
create employment but also can help replace costly pesticides and protect environment.
More works is necessary to identify the methods of natural enemies‟ conservation under
farm conditions.
142
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank DOA and the workshop organising committee for inviting us to
present this paper in this national workshop.
References
Anonymous. 2004. Annual Technical Report, pp. 48. Entomology Division, Nepal
Agricultural Research Council, Khumaltar, Lalitpur.
Debach, P. 1964. Biological Control of Insect Pests and Weeds. Reinhold Publication
Corporation, New York.
DeBach, P. 1974. Biological control by natural enemies. Cambridge University Press,
London.
GC, Y. D. 2003. Association of Fungal Pathogen with White grub, pp. xvi+349. In F. P.
Neupane [ed.], National Seminar on Integrated Pest Management. Himalayan Resources
Institute, Kathmandu.
Joshi, S. L. 1991. Biological control inception in Nepal., pp. 72-77, SAARC symposium
workshop on the biological control of agriculturally important plant pests. Centre for
applied molecular biology, Canal Bank Road, Lahore, Pakistan.
Joshi, S. L., and D. N. Manandhar. 2001. Reference Insects of Nepal. Entomology Division,
Nepal Agricultureal Research Council, Kathmandu.
Khadge, B. R. 2003. Management of Soilborne Fungal Diseases of Crops by Trichoderma,
pp. xvi+349. In F. P. Neupane [ed.], National Seminar on Integrated Pest Management.
Himalayan Resources Institute, Kathmandu.
Manandhar, S. P., R. Pradhan, and A. P. Sharma. 2003. Insecticidal Activities of Bacillus
thuringiensis Isloated from the Soils of Nepal., pp. xvi+349. In F. P. Neupane [ed.], National
Seminar on Integrated Pest Management. Himalayan Resources Institute, Kathmandu.
Neupane, F. P. 2002. Bali biruwaks satru ra tinko roktham (Crop pests and their control).
Sajha Prakashan, Kathmandu.
Pandey, R. R. 1995. Biological Control and Development of Integrated Pest Management
Systems at Lumle Agricultural Research Centre., LARC discussion paper No 95/2. Lumle
Agricultural Research Centre., Pokhara.
143
USE OF BOTANICALS IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
- Bhola Kumar Shrestha
General
Plant is the natural factory of “Organic Chemicals”.
Pyrethrum is the most widely used botanical insecticide.
Sulfur is probably the oldest known pesticide in current use.
Neem has been used for more than 4,000 years in India and Africa for medicinal as
well as pest control purposes.
As a general rule, pesticides approved for organic production break down rapidly
and often are less destructive to natural enemies and other organisms. However,
just because the materials are natural does not mean that they are always less toxic
than the synthetic pesticides.
Tobacco ( Nocotine), Castor oil are prohibited and Bojho ( Acorus calamus ) Derris
elliptica, Khirro (Cepium insigne) are restricted in Organic Agriculture as plant
pesticide by EU,
Organic Products- Global
Food sales – 20 – 25% per annum
The total area of organic land tripled in Europe and the US between 1995-2000
Global OA certified land – less than 1% and 1-2% food sale.
Price premium -10-50% more.
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
Natural pesticides have been used together with the development of agriculture. With a aim
of increasing production to meet the growing demand of the food and serve people from
hunger, synthetic chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) came in a wider use after the second
world war. But its negative effect in a short period of use to soil, animal, plant and human
Center for integrated Training and Rural Awareness, Kathmandu
144
health forced the world community to rethink on the best alternatives. Plant pesticides
have been found one of the best alternatives to Organic agricultural system The organic
agriculture is the system which combines the indigenous knowledge, skill and scientific
findings with out disturbing the natural harmony, hence the coordinated effort of all sector
is a crucial part for a successful organic farming This paper describes some commonly used
plants as pesticides at global and within Nepal with reference to the farmers practices and
some research findings.
Organic Agriculture:
Organic agriculture has been defined in many ways by different organizations and
individuals and also the central theme of these definitions have been found to change over
time. Some of the examples of such various definitions and concepts are-
145
As a result, the vegetable produced in the that areas are very doubtful for human
consumption ( Shrestha and Neupane 2002)
Taking into consideration of these facts, it is imperative to take a more safest and
sustainable ways in the agricultural practices – “Organic”
Organic pest management concept is not new for Nepalese farming communities. Different
pest management practices related to organic are under practice since their distant past
and have long tradition of using indigenous plant materials to protect standing crops and
post –harvest agricultural products. Some examples of such materials are: Plant (botanical)
products, animal products, mixtures of plant and animal products. These materials are eco-
friendly and very safe to human, animals and other non-target organisms. These are also
considered as traditional practices.
According to Grainage and Ahmed (1988) quoted by Paneru and Giri (2003) plants are the
richest sources of renewable active chemicals that check insect populations. The active
ingredients are the secondary metabolites which disrupts the fundamental, physiological
and bio-chemicals process of insects Plants are the natural “Chemical Factories” providing
the richest sources of organic chemicals on earth.
World wide about 2400 species of botanicals are reported for the inherited pesticidal
properties (Grainage and Ahmed 1988). Among them 324 species are available in Nepal
and 21 are rated as effective (Neupane 2000). Gyawali (1993) reported that more than 50
plant species are being used as plant pesticides.
Due to the prohibitive cost of synthetic pesticides and the problems of environmental
pollution caused by continuous use of these chemicals, there is a renewed interest in the
use of botanicals for crop protection. Agricultural scientists in the world are now actively
engaged in research into the use of plants to fight agricultural pests and diseases, and to
reduce the losses caused by them.
Very scanty work has been done on pesticidal plant products in Nepal (Neupane 2000,
2003). Among the tested plants, sweet flag (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica),
Boke timur (Xanthoxylum armatum) and rape seed (Brassica compestris var. toria) have
provided good control of grain weevils (Sitophilus spp, Bruchus spp and Callosobruchus
chinensis). For the control of various vegetable pest Neem, (Melia azadarach) Adhatoda
(Justicia adhadota), Simali (Vitex nigundo) Siltimur (Lindera neesiana) have provided mixed
results. (Refer annex -3 for more research works in Nepal)
146
Bakaino (Melia aderachata)
Papaya (Carica papaya)
Sisnu (Urtica dioica)
Tobacco (Nicotianum tobacum)
Pire Ghas (Polygonum hydropeper)
Sarifa (Annonaa squamosa)
Sital chini (Drum stick ie Moringha olerivera)
Onion ( Allium cepa)
Siundi (Euphorbia royaleana)
Sajiwan ( Jatropha curcus)
Simali ( Vitex nigundo)
Farmer experiences
Some examples of the farmers experience on Botanical pest management are given in the
following table;
147
CHALLENGES:
Although, botanical pest management is considered as the most attractive option for the
protection of agricultural crops from the ravages of insect and non-insect pests, yet
implementation at the farmers‟ level is rather limited. Some of the important challenges to
wider adoption of these practices are as following;
Optimum mix of the existing Traditional knowledge and skill + Scientific
technologies +Natural harmony, has to be realized by all stakeholders
Many of the organizations (GO, I/NGO) and private sector are involved in OA but
coordination among them seems a crucial need for the promotion of OA in Nepal
The Marketing network (national and international) and assurance for farmers
produce
Validation of the existing Technology and development of farmers' friendly tools and
technology.
Technical competency development with sufficient material for the development
workers.
Government policy and program on Organic agriculture should come into effect.
OPPORTUNITIES
Nepal „s rich bio-diversity possesses more than 324 plant species having pesticidal
properties, out of them 21 plant species are considered as very effective against
insect pests (Neupane, 2003). Only a few species are being exploited from insect pest
management point of view.
The national agriculture development policy as envisaged in agriculture perspective
plan of the nation favors the organic pest management.
If the environmental and social costs of pesticide use are taken into account, OPM
appears to be a more attractive alternative with lower economic costs.
Increasing demand ( 20-25%) of organic and quality food
Traditional knowledge and skill available.
Scope for organic. Low level of chemical use
Favorable National Ag Dev Policy
148
Annex-1 : List of commercially produced Azedirachta indica based insecticides
149
Nepali/English Part and mode of
SN Scientific name Action and properties
name preparation
17 Hedychium Kewara Rhizome Effective against harmful
spp. bacteria and fungi due to
essential oil
18 Kalanchoe Ajambari Plant juice Insect repellent
pinnata Pers
19 K. spathulata Hatti kane Plant juice Insect repellent
DC
20 Lannea grandis Hallongre Wood Resistant ot termites due to
Engle jingan gum
21 Mangifera Aap Powdered plant Fumigant against mosquito
indica L.
22 Mesua ferrea L. Nageswar Wood Resistant to some types of
termites
23 Melia Bakaino Foliage, fruit, Insecticide and insect repellent.
azedarach L. wood and seed oil Insecticide preparation due to
Nembidin.
24 Nicandra Madise til Fresh foliage Insecticide
phaseoloides
Gaertn
25 Nicotin rustica Belayati surti Leaf Insecticide and wormicide due
to an alkaline Nicotine
26 Nicotiana Lampate Leaf Insecticide and wormicide due
tabacum surti to an alkaline Nicotine
27 Nerium Pahelo Extracts of root, Contact and stomach poison to
odorum Ait karabir stem, leaves, rodents, due to Nerin, an
flower and fruit alkaloid.
28 Sapindus Rittha Fruit Insecticide and fish poison
mukorossi
Gaertn
29 Sesamum Sesame Till Major ingredient of insecticidal
indicum L. reparation
30 Tagetes minuta Sano Foliage Insect repellent
L. sayapatri
31 Zanthoxylum Timur Fruit decoctin Wormicide insect repellent and
armatum DC foliage fish poison, possibly to Neeher
cullin an insecticidal
component
32 Zingiber Aduwa Ingression of Body immunity against
officinale Rose rhizome extract mosquitoes. Insecticide due to
essential oil.
150
Annex-3 : Some research findings related to use of botanicals for pest management
Referenc
Insect pests Research findings
es
Potato tuber moth (PTM) Chopped and shade dried Chenododium botrys. Pradhan.
Pthoremia operculella on Mentha arvensis, Artemsia vulgaris and Ducalyptus (1988)
Potato sp. Leaves with stem @ 300-330 g per crate of 8 kg
capacity on the stored potato tubers.
Epilachna beetle.(Epilachna Aqueous solution of neem fruits (2 kg neem fruits Joshi et
vigintioctopunctata), Mustard and 15 litres of water kept over night) al. (1991)
sawfly (Athalia lugens
proxmima) and Leaf miners
Phyllocnistis citrella and
Phytomyza horticola) of
Vegetable crops
Red pumpkin beetle. Fresh leaves extracts of Artemisia vulgaris (blended Neupane
(Aulacophora foveicollis) on and kept in water for one hour, (1:4 parts) strained et. al
summer squash and sprayed @ 25,50,and 100g/liter water (1993)
Flea beetle on Cole crops Aqueous solution of pyrethrum @ 3 g/liter water Duwadi et
(Radish, turnip and broad lea al. (1993)
mustard)
Cabbage butterfly on Cole Thirty minutes cooked solution of elderberry Duwadi et
crops (Sambucus hookeria) twigs and flowers with water in al. (1993)
a ration of 1:7 weight by volume
Red ant on cauliflower Soil treatments with ground berries of Boketimur Duwadi et
(Zanthoxylum armatum) and siltimur (Lindera al. (1993)
neesiana) @ 1 ton/ha
Aphids(Lipaphis erysimi and Aqueous extract solutions of J adhatoda, Melia azedarach, Vidaya,
Myzus persicae) on vegetable crops seed pomace of Brassica compestris (1:4 ratio) (1993)
Cabbage butterfly (Pieris Water extract of neem seeds, tobacco stem and Joshi,
brassicae nepalensis) leaves, and chinaberry seeds and leaves. (1994)
Diamondback moth (Plutella
xylostella) and Cabbage aphid
(Brevicoryne brassicae)on cole
crops
Red ants (Dorylus orientalis, Soil treatment with shade dried chopped leaves of GC et al.
on potato Artemisia vulgaris and Eupatorium adenophorum (1997)
(fresh leves at the rate of 5 mt/ha)
Red ants, Dorylus orientalis, Soil drenching of aqueous solution of Azadirachtin Joshi,
on potato (0.00045%) near plant stems or 5 g tobacco dust per (1998)
liter solution of cattle urine and water (1:5 ratio)
mixed and kept for 24 hours @ 25 ml/plant.
Cabbage butterfly, Soyabean Crude water extracts of green neem leaves Neupane,
hairy caterpillar, Tobacco (Azadirachtin indica), Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), (1999)
caterpillar and Diamondback malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda) and Indian privet
month on cabbage (Vitex negundo) (each 200 g of leaves per liter of water).
Aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae) Use of dry wood ash in the early morning, Wood ash Anonymo
on cauliflower soaked in water (1:4) for 12 hours filtered and mixed us, (1999)
with soap water and sprayed.
151
References
Baral, KP (1992), Importance of Low Input Agricultural Practices in Nepal, A seminar paper
on Regenerative Agriculture, Pokhara Nepal,
Dahal, L (1995), A study on Pesticide Pollution in Nepal, NPC, HMG/Nepal/IUCN, Nepal.
Dawadi V.R., Gautam S.R. and Thapa M.P. (1993), Test of the Efficacy of Some Local
Measures Against Pest and Diseases in Vegetable Crops at PAC. PAC Working Paper No. 78.
Pakhribas Agriculture Centre, Dhankuta, C/O BAPSO, PO Box 106, Kathmandu, Nepal
GC. et. al (1997), Management of Red Ant in potato and cauliflower, LAC, Working paper No.
97/26, Lumle, Kaski.
Griange M and S. Ahmed (1998), Handbook of Plants with Pest Control Properties. John
Wiley ad sons, New York.
Gyawali, BK (1993), Integrated Pest Management through Indegenous techneque in Nepal
in Tamang D, Gill GJ and Thapa GB (eds), Indegenous management of natural resources in
Nepal, HMG, MOA/Winrock International, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Joshi, S.L.(1994), Nepalma Tarakari Balika Mukhaya Kiraharu, Vegetable Seed Production
Project, Khumaltar, Lalitpur.
Neupane, FP (1999), Field Evaluation of Botanicals, for insect pest management of
Cruciferous Vegetables, Nepal Journal of Science and Technology, 1:77-84
Neupane FP (2003), An Overview of Organic Pest Management in Nepal. Proceeding of the
National Workshop on Organic Pest Management in Nepal. Jointly organized by NARC, DoA,
INSAN, LISP and SSMP, Soil Science Division, NARC, Khumaltar, Lalitpur.
NPC/HMGN (2002), Tenth Five Year Plan, National Planning Commission
Paneru, RB and Giri YP (1995), Organic Pest Management Technologies Developed in Nepal.
Paper presented in National Workshop on Organic Agriculture, Food Security and Local
Market Development, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pradhan, RB (1988), Indegenous weeds as protectants against Potato Tuber Moth infestant
under farmers‟ storage condition, Proceeding National Conference on Science and
Technology, RONAST, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Sharma, GP (2005), Organic Agriculture in Nepal, Paper presented at the National Seminar
on Organic Agriculture and Food Security in Nepal, Nepal Permaculture Group, Kathmandu
Shrestha, PL and Neupane FP (2002), Socio-economic context in pesticide use in Nepal,
CEAPRED, Santibasti Laltipur, Nepal.
Vaidhya, K. (1993), Agricultural Pest Management using animal and plant Products,
GTZ/GATE Project, TU, Kathmandu, Nepal.
152
INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE FOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN NEPAL
- Maheswar Ghimire
Background
The land area under organic agriculture production Nepal should be around 1000 ha. This
figure does not cover such area which is default organic and if the process applied for the
certification, could accounted as certified organic.
Since last few years there has been growing interest with government and non government
sectors for the promotion of organic agriculture at different level. In order to encompasses
these interest there is need of policy and minimum level of regulation which could guide for
ongoing and future organic production, processing enabling the organic operators to comply
the international norms set for the organic production, processing and handling.
This operational and institutional structure for organic agriculture promotion in Nepal
proposes an institutional mechanism which would enable for the promotion of organic
agriculture in Nepal. In addition to this, the institutional framework may need to explore
the guidelines and standards organic production, processing and handing in harmonization
with internationally accepted criteria and norms.
In order to implement the national organic agriculture programme there should be a clear
policy where role of government and private sectors are well specified. Such policy would be
an entry point to introduce National Programme for Organic Agriculture. Taking in account
of the experience in other developing countries, national programme for organic agriculture
is more towards for the facilitation of international trade (export) of organic products.
Taking in consideration of our high value products, their specialty nature, our resource
base and availability of others facilities and logistics, the following would be the major
objectives of National Organic Agriculture Programme (here known as NOAP);
To provide information on means of certification programme for organic production,
processing and handling of organic products as per the standards recognized at
international level
To facilitate the certification of organic products conformity to the norms and
standard set by national organic agriculture programme
To develop the functional network and linkage among the service provider enabling
for the promotion of organic production, processing and handling
To encourage for the adoption of Code of Conduct in addition to organic standard
during production, processing and handling of organic products
To initiate the dialogue for the establishment of national accreditation body
To commence the market study for organic products nationally and internationally
where Nepalese organic products are asked for.
To develop functional institutional framework for the execution of National Organic
Agriculture Programme
Scope of programme
National Organic Agriculture Programme (NOAP) shall be active including the
following;
Organic Agriculture Services, GPO Box 14345. Sundhara Kathmandu, Nepal
153
Formulation of policies in consistent to 10th Five Year Plan for the promotion of
organic agriculture at national level
Development of national guidelines/standards for organic production, processing
and handling
Inception of preliminary work for the establishment of national organic certification
body in collaboration with any internationally recognized certification body (based
on market information at local level)
Accreditation of National Organic Inspectors with in the framework of (NOAP)
Certification of organic products for national markets.
Operational Structure
The national structure for the implementation NOAP will be as stated in fig. 1 of this
document. This programme will be implemented by Government of Nepal through its
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives/Department of Agriculture. Ministry of Agriculture
and Cooperative should be apex body for the implementation of NOAP. In order to
implement the programme, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative will be an apex and
responsible body in collaboration with other different stakeholders including different
ministries and departments of government of Nepal. Ministry of agriculture may include Tea
and Coffee Development Board, Spices Development Section, Herbs and Aromatic Plant
Promotion Section of Ministry of Forest and Natural Resources and other relevant private
and non governmental organizations as members of the central steering committee based
on their involvement or future plan for the promotion of organic agriculture. The main
steering committee may develop the sub-committees based on future possibility of
promotion and market linkage organically produced commodities.
Main steering committee should be responsible to develop Organic Agriculture Standard
and other policies which enable for the development of further programme and policies
required to harmonize organic agriculture production, promotion and marketing
domestically and internationally.
154
Japan as major importing countries. There are almost 60 government regulations, Codex
Allimentarius Organic Guidelines set up by FAO and WHO.
There are more than 360 standards and certification bodies and one private International
Organic Guarantee System (IOAS) where 30 certification bodies are accredited.
155
Organic Certification Process
Prior to applying or looking for the certification of organic production, processing and
handling of organic product, applicant should understand the respective rule, regulation
and standards set by importing authority or internationally recognized standard setting
body. In general following is the process for organic certification;
Contact/applying with locally available certification body for certification
Certification Agency sends the application package with relevant standards and
other associated information
Applicant complete the application with operation detail
Applicant should comply all administrative requirement as per the norms of
certification body
Completed application submitted to certification body with in given time frame
Certification body reviews the application and information
Information is provided to applicant whether application is complete
If complete, inspection of operation is scheduled in consultation between applicant
and certification body
Independent or employed inspectors are assigned for inspection of operation
Inspectors are provided with all detail information of operation as submitted by
applicant to certification body
Inspector communicate with applicant and set the date and time for inspection
Inspector perform the inspection, inspection time depends on size and geographical
areas of operation
On site affidavit is completed and signed by applicant or its representative
Inspector completes the inspection report and submit to certification body along
with the hard copies of documents made available by applicant during inspection
Certification body reviews the inspection report contacts with inspectors for any
clarification
Certification body forms the review committee for inspection report review
Review committee recommends certification body for certification or to deny with or
with out conditions
Applicants are notified on their certification status with appeal status if there is any
from the side of applicant over the certification decisions
If, certified applicant can sell the product as certified organic product.
All procedures of standard need to be followed through out the year and
documentation for the running year need to be maintained for the following year
inspection which is the regular schedule to be a continued certified operation
As per the norms of accreditation authority for certification body, unannounced
inspection of operation may takes place at any time of year
156
we would like to trade our organic product in Japanese market it need to be certified
according to MAFF/JAS rule of Japanese Government. Some of the major problems at
international level for organic products are;
import discrimination
multiple certification
multiple accreditation
parallel guarantee system like EUREGAP
difficulties in trade and procedural requirement e.g. customs
lack of information flow
few equivalency agreement (MLA)
Some Clarification
With in institutional framework for the National Organic Agriculture Programme (NAOP),
development of certification body is not stated taking in account of our institutional and
human resource base. In order to bring the stage of setting a certification body, the
available human resources involved on organic production, processing and inspection need
to further strengthen and task force may need to be formed to work out for the setting of a
certification body if the need is felt widely. Otherwise, the collaborative work with
internationally recognized certification body would be a preliminary work on this area.
National Level Committee/taskforce may need to be formed to work out on the areas which
need to be developed as it is proposed on fig. 1
Conclusion
There are some conceptual and theoretical bases for such initiative. These initiative should
bring different impact on subjective as well as objective domain. Conceptually the initiative
could be guided for respect to nature, respect to people, quality assurance and commitment
and meeting the expectation of consumers and a meaningful change on livelihood of people
contributing for the socio-economic development as well as complying the international
commitment made by the state at international level.
157
Reference:
www.ifoam.org
Ghimire Maheswar; Code of Conduct for Orthodox Tea Production, Processing and Handling
in Nepal, 2006
Ghimire Maheswar; Organic Agriculture Products Certification in Nepal, Paper presented at
National Organic Agriculture Workshop organized by NPG, Kathmandu, 2005
www.nasaa.com.au
www.mosesorganic.org
Fig. 1 Institutional Organogram for National Organic Agriculture Programme
Government
of Nepal
Ministry of
Agriculture and
Cooperatives
158
STANDARDIZATION, INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION OF
ORGANIC PRODUCT IN NEPAL
- Prem Bahadur Thapa*
1. Background
Organic agriculture has developed rapidly worldwide during the last few years and is now
practiced approximately 110 countries in the world. In the other hand, traditionally there was
a very limited amount of products flow from one place to other region. Since last few decades
the flow of products has been dramatically increased and consumers are more aware about
the products and its quality. People now a day has been found sensitive on food quality,
which also influence the current marketing system. In order to address the market demands
and assure food safety, there has been implementation of food regulations based on which
quality standards of the product are measured. So, basically regulations are considered as
the basis for measurement. However, based on types of consumers and consumer‟s demand
different kinds of process for organic product standardization are being established. This
paper very briefly shares about organic product inspection and certification.
2. Organic Products
Organic agriculture offers the most comprehensive response to the sustainability problems
on food production system. It is based on specific and precise production, processing and
handling standards encouraging the environmentally sound, socially adopted and
economically viable production of foods and fibers that can insist the capability to sustain
livelihood of the people. It adheres globally accepted principles, which are implemented
within local socio-economic, climate, and cultural settings thereby have positive impact on
environment, food security and socio-economic status of the people practicing the system
and the region where it is practiced. (IFOAM, Cite the reference).
* Policy, Planning and Quality Assurance Manager; Practical Action Nepal and Chairperson;
Nepal Permaculture Group (NPG)
159
organic products locally, where consumers are more closely connected to their life. Local
market is a way to obtain more self reliance and more independence.
A3 (AAA) Farm Bhaktapur, Brighter Farm Chovar, SADP Pokhara, Gunilo Pokhara, Farmers
Group in different parts of the country, Organico Chitwan, Eco Village, Kathmandu,
Supermarkets in Kathmandu and others are the major local level organic operators in Nepal.
Local market is often referred to as an alternative to the international market. There is
increasing need for the development of local market in developing countries. They have a
natural inclination to supply their high quality organic products locally, in which
consumers are more closely connected to their life. There are various forms of local market.
They are mainly; Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Teiki in Japan, Home Delivery
Services, Specialist Stores, Supermarket, etc.
160
4.2. National and Supranational Regulation
The EU Regulation
In the member states of the European Union, the labeling of plant products as organic is
governed by regulation 2092/91, which came into force in 1993, while products from
organically managed livestock are governed by EU regulation 1804/99, enacted in August
2000. In February 2000 the EU Commission introduced a logo for organic products that
may be used throughout the EU by producers operating in accordance with the provision of
the EU regulation o organic production. EU organic standards; The European Union
Council regulation No. 2092/91/EEC on organic production and labeling
Organic Certification
Organic certification has been defined from different ways; however it is an entire
determination process of organic products in line with the act and regulations. As part of
the certification, biodynamic certification process was started in Europe few decades ago
followed by Non Governmental initiatives. International Federation for Organic Agriculture
Movement (IFOAM) for Basic Standard Development and Soil Association in England are
some of the institutions who played vital roles for organic agriculture standard and
certification development process in the later stages. EU in the decade of 1990 enacted the
organic regulation followed by USNOP in USA and JAS for Organic Agriculture in Japan.
161
Developing countries in Latin America and Asia in these days have also implemented
National Organic Programme including national organic standards. .
According to USNOP document Organic Certification is a determination made by a
certification body for the entire process (production, processing and handling) of organic
product which is in compliance with the act and regulation which is documented by a
certificate of organic operation. It ensure to the consumers in fulfilling the established rules
and regulations.
Local Certification
Local market or internal market is one of the important places that support to establish a
sustainable marketing system at local level. For internal market, if there are enough buyer
of organic products operator may continue to follow the organic principles for its entire
operation with out certification where Participatory Guarantee System can be a mechanism
for the assurance of product quality. There are some exemptions in USA for the small
producer or handler who can declare their products with out going to certification process
where annual transaction is below US$ 5000. However, such operators are not exempted
from maintaining the document as stated in National Standard of Organic Production and
Handling.
International Certification
In order to assure the consumers / markets in international markets, certification process
for organic products is important and crucial. For a country like Nepal, there is need of
organic certification especially for export oriented commodities. The followings are the major
reasons;
Meeting the consumer‟s demands of the respective market
Quality assurance of the product according to its principles
Meeting / compliance the regulatory requirements of importing country and
regulating the market through the means of certification
Minimizing the chances of fraud and fetching the premium price
Strengthen policy and strategic aspects especially for a conversion grant for organic
operation
Understanding on the ethics and principles of the organic agriculture and prerequisite for
Organic Certification is the basic procedures. Similarly, for the certification, the need of
export market should be considered and certification system should be selected according
to their requirements.
162
Organic Agriculture Certification Process
Process is the most important aspect in certification. So, before going for Organic
Certification, any operators should understand the ethics and principles of organic
agriculture and prerequisite for Organic Certification. In order to enter for the Organic
Certification, operation should be in place according to the organic principles prior to 3
years for the process of Organic Certification. Similarly, the need of export market should
also be considered and certification system should be selected according to their
requirement e.g. for US market, USNOP Certification is required. Furthermore, prior to
going for Certification process any producers or processors should understand the
requirements for the organic production and processing. The following process would be
taken once the operator is confident for the organic management procedures;
Identify the certification body based on cost and market accessibility
Request for the information and application
Certification body ask for the detail information
Based on the information provided, certification body provides application form as
well as other relevant information
According to requirements for certification, applicant should judge its operation and
proceed with application
Forward detail about production, processing and handling along with organic
management and handling plan if applicable,
Sign an agreement with Certification body; agreement may include the issues like
access to the premises, cost detail, compliance to organic standard, confidentiality
and other procedures required to be a registered operator or licensee
Certification body communicate for the appropriate time to carry out first inspection
Assigned Inspector (s)
Operator and Inspector are requested for the appropriate time of inspection
First Inspection is carried out
163
Inspection and observation of associated issues relevant to operation
Analyse different issues relevant to operation
Interview operators based on developed checklist
Prepare reports incorporating all aspects of operation in line with acts and regulation
Countersigned by operator/licensee on prepared report and submit to the Certifier
Annual Inspection
Farm operation mainly production, processing and handling need to be inspected every year.
The contract conditions are verified and in case of failed to comply the condition operator is
require submitting the justification. The other procedures are same as apply in the first
inspection. Annual Inspection is scheduled is accordance to the timing of operator as well
as consideration is given for the peak time of critical operation.
Un-announced Inspection
Un-announced inspection is carried out in special circumstances. Inspection report is
maintained even for the un-announced inspection. From such inspection if any violation or
major non-compliance noted the certification could be suspended / withdrawn. However,
operators are given a certain time frame for any appeal to relevant body over the
dissatisfaction of the decisions.
164
10. Preparation for OA Marketing in the Context of WTO
Analyse the market and marketing opportunities
Identify products to be exported with high premium price
Develop farmers‟ capacity to present competent and high quality products
Develop appropriate technology in value addition
Researching on different alternatives and options
Develop basic infrastructure services
Establish and strengthen market information resource centers
Establish farmers‟ groups and cooperatives for organic production, processing and
handling.
Need to develop relationship and affiliation with Fair Trade
11. Conclusion
In order to address the consumers‟ demand as well as assurance for food safety, there has
been implementation of food acts and regulations. These regulations are varied from general
to specific to products classification and types. These acts and regulations are the basis for
inspection and certification.
Certification of organic products is a process, which is time taking and expensive process
for the developing countries like Nepal where support for organic agriculture is negligible
and available small amount of products. Certification system can be categorized into two
different approaches. That is basically for local market and international market. In the
context of WTO, Nepal has to develop competency to compete with the international market
and marketing system. Likewise, producers or processors have to approach international
certification body in order to harness for the better market opportunity for its products. The
different kinds of support from different stakeholders at policy level towards organic
agriculture would further help to strengthen organic agriculture in Nepal. Furthermore, use
of local resource could help to minimize the cost for inspection and certification. Additional
efforts in establishing coordination and collaboration would also help to harness the wider
opportunities for sustainable rural livelihoods in Nepal.
12. References
IFOAM, 2005. Participatory Guarantee Systems – Shared Vision, Shared Ideals,
Participatory Guarantee Systems / Concept working Paper
Codex Guidelines of FAO/WHO different publication
JAS Document for organic agriculture production and processing
ISO different guidelines
US NOP documents
NPG, 2005. Proceedings of National Workshop on Organic Agriculture and Food Security
IFOAM, 2005. The World of organic Agriculture; Statistics and emerging trends.
165
ROLES OF FARMERS, NGOS AND PRIVATE TRADERS IN MARKETING OF
ORGANIC PRODUCTS IN NEPAL
- Rajendra P. Shrestha*
Background
Organic farming of various crops demanded by upper middle local population, resident
expatriates, and tourist class hotels in Kathmandu and other select important towns has
been going on for more than one decade. In absence of organized market, market
information, and quality assurance, the
Producers have no clear idea as to where to sell their produce,
Buyers lack information as to where and when they can buy OF products easily, and
Govt. agencies severely lack information on types of products, their market, quality
standards to monitor the quality of products coming to the market.
Marketing
2.1 Current status
Major outlets for organic farm products in Kathmandu- Hotel Summit, Sanepa, Lalitpur
(Sunday & Wednesday), Mike‟s Breakfast, Naxal, Kathmandu, Mobile (home delivery)
marketing system (offering between Bouddha to Swayambhu), mail order supply
(particularly in dry form)
Major products sold in these outlets- seasonal vegetable & fruits, honey, rice, herbs, high
altitude tea, and coffee etc. Among the Nepalese OF products slowly gaining market hold
outside Nepal are high mountain tea and coffee.
Marketing of organic farm products going on “on social charity/ support” kind of basis.
To catch growing craze for “organic products” among High profile social class, use of
“Organic label” is often felt being mis-used/ or over-used
Absence of any quality standard set so far, and growing demand organic food products
among upper middle class society, more conscious farmers tempted to produce “organic
foods” mainly vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee, culinary herbs, honey. Farmers are being
encouraged by the IPM program to grow more organic crops.
Marketing
Processing R-for- D
Quality
& (research-for
Assurance
Packaging development
Production
Figure-1: Schematic diagram showing demand driven production system with quality
assurance backed by research-for-development
* GM Agro Services Pvt. Ltd, GPO Box 1155, 335 Tripurapath, Tripureswar, Kathmandu, Nepal Ph. 977-1-4260 660, Email:
rps@aforda.wlink.com.np
166
2.2 Market Orientation
Start with “ What the MARKET wants” but not with What I can produce”. Select the
product(s) with High growth potential and high profitability based on comparative
advantages of the area (s)
Market information (product type, quality, price)
Market research
The following points should be, among other things, included which doing market
research:
Industrial competition Analysis
Knowing your competitor in the market is of crucial importance.
Supply condition (No. of suppliers, scale of suppliers, degree of integration, product
differentiation)
Once the suppliers are identified, we have to know their scale of operation, and the
degree of integration. We have to find out whether these suppliers enjoy any product
differentiation. Based on such information production plan has to be drawn up for
products-in-demand and those products having comparative advantages of the area.
Market Demand. Any production plan has to be based on the potential demand for
the product in the market. Situation of over-supply and under-supply has to be
avoided to sustain the production and marketing of the product.
Entry barriers (Tariff and Non tariff barriers)
To take up and production for export market outside the country, one has to find
out exactly what are the tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by the potential
importing country on these products.
3. Production
Given the prevailing condition of small farm production and varied agro-eco system, the GON
has been adopting group-based production-marketing system. Drawing lessons from the
working models of Nepal such as SSSC, production can be vertically integrated with the
market through community-based agro-enterprise. This approach ensures relatively more fair
trade basis thus increasing more profit going back to the community. To sustain the industry
production- marketing has to be strictly adhered to the terms and conditions of the contract.
4. Processing/ Packaging
To improve self-life and consumer appeal of the product, the product needs to be properly
processed, graded, and packaged in ready-to-use form.
5. R-for-D (Research-for-Development)
To sustain the growth and development of any production enterprise, continuous
improvement and development of the product based on feedback information received from
the consumer-end should form the basis for R-for-D.
6. Quality Assurance
For sustained growth and retain satisfied consumers quality assurance at every stage from
production to marketing need to strictly adhered. To create and implement QA program
167
national standards for products on priority basis, and implemented through a practical,
implmentable QA system in the country.
7. Role of Farmers
The farmers are the main stakeholder in the production system. Major roles expected of the
farmers in the community-based production and marketing program shall among other
things include the following:
Be vigilant and participate in the process of group formation
Be prepared to contribute to the group activities
Be prepared to participate in the group (community) based contract production and
marketing program
9. Role of Traders
Traders constitute the vital and crucial position in the value chain of any commodity system.
Being accountable the traders can contribute significantly in value addition of any
commodity (thus helping/ ensuring fair trade) in the whole value chain of any commodity.
Among other things the traders shall play the following roles in performing this business:
Traders are vital link in the commodity/ value chain
Participate in contract production system through FG organization
168
Promote/ practice marketing of quality assured organic farm products only. Avoid
marketing products of doubtful quality for short term gains
Feed back information on quality requirement and product demand, consumer
preferences to review/ revise production program. In order to sustain OF the traders
need to play vital role in fine tuning the production program by providing feed back
information regarding quality requirements and products in demand to review and
revise production program.
169
POLICIES AND STRATEGIES OF NEPAL GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE ORGANIC
FARMING IN THE CONTEXT OF NEPAL'S MEMBERSHIP TO WTO
- Krishna Prasad Pant, Ph.D.
Abstract
After entering to the multilateral trade regime of the World Trade Organization, the
opportunities of producing and exporting organic farm products have accentuated. This
paper attempts to review the efforts of the government reflected in policies and strategies
relating to the promotion of the organic farming. Based on this review, the major issues on
development of organic farming are identified and analyzed. Finally the means to address
the issues are suggested under the ways ahead. Several issues like testing and certification,
costs of compliance and needs of the legislation are discussed.
Motivation
Nepal has competitive advantages in labour intensive organic products. The organic
products especially fresh vegetables and vegetable seeds among several other produces
such as cheese, honey, silk, dried mushrooms, tea and coffee are the potential export
commodities of Nepal (Pant, 2004). Although there have been arguments on whether
traditional farming can be called organic, for the majority of small farmers in Nepal,
conversion of their farms to organic agriculture would require relatively less efforts than for
the commercial growers in other countries.
In the context of world market, demands for organic products are increasing. The market
value of organic products worldwide was US $ 25 billion in the year 2003. The largest share
of organic products was marketed in Europe and North America (Willer and Yussefi, 2005).
Organic agriculture is the fastest growing food sector. In a decade after nineties, it has been
growing 15 to 20 percent per year while the overall food industry is growing 4-5 percent per
year. The organic food supply chain is a typical consumer driven, with a market value of US
$ 40 billion (2004) and a growing involvement of the private sector (Scialabba, 2005).
Organic food is produced without conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage
sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Choosing organic provides a tangible way to
benefit the environment, local economies, and public health, both on and off the farm.
Certified organic agricultural operations do not use most synthetic pesticides used in non-
organic agriculture.
Efforts are ongoing to protect the integrity of organic standards, further differentiate organic
foods by accurate labels and promote different forms of short supply chains for local
community development. Beyond standards, the International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements (IFOAM, 2005) has recently approved the four principles upon
which organic agriculture must be based on, namely (a) the principle of health, (b) the
principle of ecology, (c) the principle of fairness and (d) the principle of care/precaution
(Scialabba, 2005).
Profit efficiency* of organic rice farming in Thailand is estimated by Setboonsarng et al.,
(2006). The study showed that the profit efficiency of certified organic rice farming,
* Profit efficiency is defined as the ratio of the observed profit to the potential maximum attainable profit. While
profit provides a direct measure of relative competitiveness of one type of farm (organic farm) in relation to others
(non-organic farm), the concept of profit efficiency can also be useful as an indicator of relative competitiveness.
170
transitory organic rice farming and initial organic rice farming are 0.75, 0.71 and 0.70,
respectively**. They concluded that during the transition years to organic farming, profits
are low and as ecosystems restore themselves, the farms become more profitable and profit
efficient. No doubt, organic agriculture can be a sustainable alternative to mitigate the
adverse effects of chemicals on human health and environment. However, lower production
in organic farming in the initial years need to be compensated (Shivakoti and Magarati,
2005). For small farms with subsistence agriculture, the compensation of the lower
production in the initial period is a difficult task. If a large number of farmers switch to
organic farming at a time, it will have two implications to the trade. First, the reductions in
the production due to the start of organic production necessitate an increase imports.
Second, the volume of organic products needs to be exported. For this purpose, trade
liberalization is necessary.
Trade liberalization has encouraged the flow of agricultural goods from one country to other
and also at the same time raised quality awareness globally. The biggest force of trade
liberalization experienced so far is the emergence of multilateral trade body, the World
Trade Organization (WTO). Different agreements under the WTO affect the trade of
agriculture products differently. The Agreement on Agriculture attempts to improve the
market access for increasing the trade. At the same time, the proposed reduction in the
domestic supports and export subsidies increase the international price of the products and
also decreases the exportable surplus of the countries with support driven agriculture. This
is expected to create some rooms for the products of developing countries. But, another
agreement directly related to agricultural products is the Agreement on the Application of
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures (Pant, 2004).
The SPS agreement authorizes the members to impose trade restrictions to protect lives and
health of humans, animals and plants in the country based on risk analysis. The risk
assessment appeals to science to determine risks. The countries with advance level of
scientific development can put higher level of restrictions on the import. Organic
agricultural products are regarded as a good option to overcome SPS measures of advanced
countries. Similarly, the Agreement Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) permits the members
to restrict trade to protect the legitimate interest of the people and environment in the
country without unnecessarily restricting the trade. The organic products can not generally
be restricted in the names of legitimate interest and environmental problems.
Increasing awareness of the consumers has shifted the demand curve for the organic
agricultural products up. Capital surplus economies find it costlier to produce labour
intensive organic products. Developing countries with surplus labour and low level of wage
rate have competitive advantages in the organic agricultural products. A low external input
agriculture of the countries like Nepal can benefit from the emergence of international
market for organic products. The potentials of such benefits are particularly high in Nepal
because of a large tract of agricultural farms are still away from chemicals like pesticides
and chemical fertilizers. To this end the exploration of potentials for the expansion of
organic agriculture is urgently needed. This paper attempts to scan the national polices in
the agriculture sector that are related to organic agriculture.
** The profit efficiency is 0.64 under conventional non-organic rice farming. But the confounding factor is that the
conventional farming is for non-contract farming while the transitional and full fledged organic farms are under
contract system of production.
171
Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to review the public policies and strategies in the country
relating to the promotion of the organic farming. Based on this review, the major issues on
development of organic farming are identified and analyzed.
Existing policies in favor of organic farming are reviewed first. One the basis of this review
and development in international trade, the major issues of the organic farming are
identified. Finally the means to address the issues are suggested under the ways ahead.
172
provisions of extending special facilities to target groups, developing commercial and
competitive agricultural system and conservation of natural resources and environment.
The policy proposes for the quality control of the agricultural production and certification,
particularly for the organic products. Similarly, it makes a provision for reliable quarantine
control to assure the export market from the risks of spread of diseases and pests (MOAC,
2004). Thus, the Policy aimed to promote organic farming as a part of the efforts for
promoting exports of agricultural products.
173
Tenth plan has emphasized on the promotion of organic farming based on better
management of organic manures. Similarly, tenth plan has also encouraged the minimum
use of pesticides and promotion of IPM. Though the IPM aims to minimize the use of
chemical pesticides, it does not guarantee the organic production. For pollution control and
environment protection, the Plan proposes an assistance to be provided for the reduced use
of pesticides and through integrated crop management.
Working policies of Tenth Plan clearly emphasize the organic farming. To achieve the
sectoral objectives and strategies the Tenth Plan focuses on integrated crop management
system along with the development of organic farming system in order to minimize the use
of toxic chemicals in the farms. It also emphasizes on the encouragement of cooperatives
and private sector to participate for promoting the use of organic fertilizers. The production
of organic fertilizers from the waste generated from agricultural market yards is one of the
strategies. Thus, the Tenth Plan recognizes the importance of organic farming and included
in its policy and strategy. But, the efforts are highly scattered and not enough.
174
Nepal are in the process of accreditation, we need to get tested from foreign laboratories
that are accreditated. For such testing, private sector laboratories should be promoted,
which can also act as third party guarantee.
Cost of Compliance
Organic testing and certification involves costs. The costs need to be compared with the
benefits out of it. In Nepal, where the farm holdings are very small and scattered, with
small marketed surplus per farm, the cost of laboratory testing is proportionately high. To
overcome, such cost barrier, we need to pool the farms, though operationally, so that entire
village can be treated as a farm. But, all the farmers in a village may not be ready for
organic farming at a time. Moreover, traceability of the outputs needs to be maintained to
enforce the liability rules for any wrong-doing by the farmers or by any person handling the
outputs. Maintaining traceability in such aggregated output is a big challenge.
Emerging Supermarkets
Emerging supermarkets are likely to grab the retail markets often through direct
contractual arrangements with producers. The supermarket strategies imply
responsiveness to concerns of consumers beyond price and opens niches for specialty
producers such as organic farmers. The supermarket retailers determine standards and
packaging and most supermarkets have their own labels. For the supermarkets, the
standards set by the public sector are valid only to the extent legally enforced. Therefore,
bringing the supermarkets to the channels of organic marketing is the most essential effort
to penetrate to high income consumers.
5 The most widely grown GMO crops are soybeans, maize, canola (rapeseed) and cotton mainly for insect resistance
and herbicide tolerance.
6 Genetic engineering involves crossing species which could not cross in nature.
175
Price of Organic Fertilizers and Pesticides
The concentration of plant nutrients in organic fertilizers is quite low as compared to that in
chemical fertilizers. Tests show that NPK in organic wormi-compost marketed by an Eastern
Region based company is 0.74: 0.91: 1.01 percent of NPK respectively. All together, the total
nutrient is 2.66 percent and price is Rs 11/kg as compared to 46 percent in urea (Rs
18/kg), 65 percent in diammonium phosphate (Rs 24/kg). Comparison of organic and
chemical fertilizers shows that the plant nutrients from marketed organic fertilizers are 11
times costlier than that from chemical fertilizers. The price of organic farm products is also
higher, but not in the similarly proportion. Similarly, the direct cost of pesticides per unit of
crop land is believed to be higher for the organic pesticides. The environmental benefits
from the application of organic fertilizer and pesticides are the external benefits that can not
be harvested fully by the concerned farmers. Most parts of which goes to the society, but
the direct costs are borne by the farmers. Those farmers need to be compensated from the
public sector.
Table 1: Imports of chemical fertilizers and loss of plant nutrients by burning dung
Particulars Nitrogen Phosphorus Potash Total
Nutrients in the chemical fertilizers
8,118 9,135 933 18,186
sold by the public sector (2004/05)
Annual wastage of plant nutrients
4,939 4,116 8,213 17,268
due to dung fuel
Percent loss to the total sale 60.8 45.1 880.5 95.0
Source : Pant 2006
Ways Ahead
The ways ahead for the development of organic farming in the country are discussed briefly
in this section. The major requirements to be met for the promotion of organic farming
include the congenial policy, appropriate legislation, basic infrastructures and human
resource for testing and certification.
176
marketing, storage and transportation of organic agricultural products should come into
the purview of domestic laws. These laws include Act, regulation, standards and related
provisions for organic farming and marketing. Alternatively, the Food Act 1966 and Food
Regulation can be amended to include the legislative provisions for organic farm products,
but, in this case, it is difficult to incorporate the input certification and on-farm
observations. Therefore, a separate free standing set of laws are desirable.
177
Conclusions
The government of Nepal seems to be committed for promoting organic farming in the
country. Several pieces of policies and strategies are formulated to promote organic farming.
But, these policies and strategies are scattered and simply inadequate. Nepal has entered
into multilateral global trade regime though the membership of the World Trade
Organization, which brings enormous opportunities for exporting certified organic food
products to high income countries. In addition to development programs aimed at
production and marketing of organic products, Nepal need to develop standardization and
certification system and infrastructures for such products. For this purpose, a consolidated
policy and a clear set of legislative provisions are required.
References
APROSC. 1995. Nepal Agriculture Perspective Plan (APP). Agricultural Project Service
Centre (APROSC) Kathmandu and John Mellor Association, Inc. Washington D.C.
FADINAP. 2005. National Fertilizer Policy, Fertilizer Unit, Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives, and Fertilizer Advisory, Development and Information Network for Asia and
the Pacific (FADINAP), Bangkok Thailand. www.fadinap.org. Internet document.
IFOAM 2005. International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). Organic
eprints. www.ifoam.org. Internet document.
MOAC, 2004. National Agriculture Policy, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
NPC 2002. Tenth Plan, HMG/N, National Planning Commission Secretariat, Sigha Darbar
Kathmandu.
NPC 2002a, Medium Term Expenditure Framework, Section 2.1 Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives, Fiscal Year 2002/03 - 2004/05
Pant, K. P. 2004. Nepalese Agriculture and World Trade Organization (in Nepali),
Agriculture Information and Communication Center, Hariharbhawan, Kathmandu.
Pant, K. P. 2006. Dung Fuel and Imported Fertilizers: Environmental Problems Tangled
with Gender and Poverty, Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives, Kathmandu (forth coming)
Scialabba, Nadia El-Hage, 2005. Global Trends in Organic Agriculture Markets and
Countries‟ demand for FAO assistance, Global Learning Opportunity - International
Farming Systems Association Roundtable: Organic Agriculture Rome, 1 November 2005.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, www.fao.org/organicag
Setboonsarng S., P. Leung, and J. Cai, 2006. Contract Farming and Poverty Reduction: the
Case of Organic Rice Contract Farming in Thailand, ADB Institute Discussion Paper No. 49
Shivakoti Sabnam and K. K. Magarati 2005. Organic Farming: A Sustainable Alternative?
In: Agriculture and Environment (Published on the Occasion of World Environment
/Population Day-2005), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Gender Equity and
Environment Division, Kathmandu, pp 19-24.
Willer, H. and M.Yussefi, Eds. 2005. The World of Organic Agriculture 2005-Statistics and
Emerging Trends. International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Organic
eprings. www.ifoam.org. Internet document.
178
FIRST NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON ORGANIC FARMING, 2063
Regional Directorates: 5
Department of Agriculture: 5
Program Directorates: (32)
o Vegetable Development Directorate -4
o National Potato Development Program-1
o National Spices Crop Development Program-1
o Fruit Development Directorate-2
o Tea-Coffee Development Division-1
o National Citrus Crop Development Program-1
o Crop Development Directorate-1
o National Industrial Crop Development Program-1
o Soil Management Directorate -1
o Fishery Development Directorate-1
o National Natural and Artificial Pond Fishery Development Program-1
o Agriculture Business Promotion and Market Development Directorate-1
o Agriculture Business Promotion Program-1
o Agri. Product Export Promotion Program-1
o Agri. Training Directorate-1
o Crop Protection Directorate-1
o Pesticide Registration and Management Division-1
o Industrial Entomology Development Directorate-1
o Central Horticulture Farm-1
o Post Harvest Management Direcrorate-1
o National Plant Quarantine Program-1
o Agri. Engineering Directorate-1
o Agri. Extension Directorate-6
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative-7
Projects - 4
o Agriculture Prospective Plan Support Program APPSP
o Crop Diversification Project
o Agriculture Training and Extension Improvement Project
o Integrated Pest Management Program
National Agriculture Research Council-6
o Out-reach Research Section
179
o Soil Science Section
o Entomology Section
o Agronomy Section
o Horticulture Research Section
o Agri- Environment Unit
Non-governmental Organizations-12
o Li-Bird, CWDS, UMN, JICA, ICIMOD, SSMP, World Vision, ADP KTM, FAO, NPG,
SECARD Nepal, Winrock FTF Program.
Farmers -16: (Kathmandu-4, Lalitpur-1, Bhaktapur-2, Gulmi-2, Argakanchi-1, Palpa-1,
Illam-1, Kavre-1, Kaski-1, Dhading-1, Chitwan-1)
Traders-5
o Salt Trading Ltd.- Kathmandu
o Khajuri Food P. Ltd.- Chapagaun
o REED- Palpa
o Organic Village- Kathmandu
o Agro-business Centre for Research and Development (AEC)- Kathmandu
Department of Livestock Service -1
Department of Forestry-1
Department of Cooperative-1
Department of Food Technology and Quality Control-1
Kathmandu Metropolitian-1
Lalitpur Sub-metropolitian-1
Ministry of Finance-1
National Planning Commission-1
District Development Committee-1
180
FIRST NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON ORGANIC FARMING, 2063
181
S.N. Name Address / Office Remarks
39. Dr. Shyam Kishor Shah DADO, Ilam
40. Dr. Yogesh Hari Shrestha DADO Gorkha
41. Durga Prasad Upreti Agri. Commodity Export Promotion Program
42. Gagan Bahadur N. Pradhan Fisheries Development Directorate, Balaju
43. Ganesh Raj Joshi DOA
44. Ganga Bahadur Tamang Farmer
45. Gita Koirala Agri. Extension Directorate
46. Gopal Lamichhane Vegetable Development Directorate, Khumaltar
47. Gopal Man Shrestha Agri. Trade Promotion Program, Hariharbhawan
48. Govind Prasad Acharya NEPLCMAC, Lalitpur
49. Gyanendra Poudel DOA
50. Hom Nath Regmi NARC, Dailekh
51. Hom Raj Bishta MOAC
52. Ishwor Prasad Rijal DADO, Dolakha
53. Jagadish Bhakta Shrestha Industrial Entomology Development Directorate
54. Jagannath Maharjan Khajuriko Nepal, Pvt. Ltd.
55. Jiwan Thapa (Farmer) Integrated Farmers Group, Talku, Kathmandu
56. Kamala Dahal (Farmer) Eloye Multipurpose Cooperative Centre Ilam
57. Kashi Bahadur Nepali Coffee and Tea Development Section, Kirtipur
58. Kedar Budhathoki (Farmer) Seed Multiplication Farmers Group Sanga-2, Kavre
59. Keshab Raj Kaphle DADO, Bara
60. Keshav Adhikari DADO, Kathmandu
61. Khadak Bhakta Poudel NARC, Khumaltar
62. Khem Narayan Chapagain DADO, Mustang
63. Khem Sharma Paudel DADO, Kailali
64. Kishor Maharjan TU
65. Kishor Prasad Pant Agri. Extension Directorate
66. Kishor Sherchan NARC, Khumaltar
67. Krishna Bahadur Kadayat DADO, Kaski
68. Krishna Kumar Khadka Salt Trading Corporation Ltd., Kalimati
69. Krishna Prasad Chaulagain(F) Lapsephedi VDC-9, Kathmandu
70. Lal Prasad Acharya Seed Quality Control Center, Hariharbhawan
71. Laxmi Prasad Gelal NEPLCMAC, Lalitpur
72. Lilaram Paudel DADO Surkhet
Agri. Trade Promotion and Market Development
73. Madan Regmi
Directorate, Hariharbhawan
74. Mahendra Kumar Yadav CDP, Hariharbhawan
75. Muna Mulepati DADO Bhaktapur
76. Muralidhar Mishra DADO, Bhaktapur
77. Nabin Chand Tara Shrestha National Plant Quarantine Program, Hariharbhawan
78. Nabin Gopal Pradhan NRD, Khumaltar
79. Narayan Prasad Bhandari Vegetable Development Directorate
80. Netra Bahadur Bhandari Agri. Extension Directorate
81. Nilkantha Sharma Agri. Information and Communication Center
82. Nirmala Adhikari (Farmer) Pancha Kanya Agri. Cooperatives, Kavresthali
182
S.N. Name Address / Office Remarks
National Industrial Crop Development Program,
83. Niru Dahal (Panday)
Hariharbhawan
84. ParsuRam Acharya District Cooperative Association
85. Phulgen Pradhan RAD, Dipayal
86. Prabin Lal Shrestha Agri. Extension Directorate
87. Prachand Man Shrestha Coffee Promotion Project , Helvetas
88. Prem Bahadur Thapa NPG/Practical Action Nepal, Kathmandu
89. Purshottam Khatiwada NRD, Khumaltar
90. Pushpa Raj Bhattarai (Farm.) Gulmi
91. Rabindra Subedi Agri. Extension Directorate
Raj Krishna Shrestha
92. Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-13
(Farmer)
93. Ram Bahadur Kunwar Agri. Extension Directorate
94. Ram Bahadur Shrestha MOAC
95. Ram Naresh Sharma DADO, Dadeldhura
96. Ram Prasad Pulami DOA
97. RamChandra Mishra Fisheries Devt.Centre, Bhairahawa
98. Resham Raj Dhital N.N.A.R.F.D. Program, Balaju
99. Riddhi Bahadur Maharjan Agri. Extension Directorate
100. Rita Sigdel Agri. Extension Directorate
101. S.P. Yadav C.W.D.S., Balaju
102. Sabanam Shiwakoti DADO, Kathmandu
103. Sachet Bahadur Nepali Crop Development Directorate
104. Sanjaya Kumar Yadav DADO, Dhankuta
105. Satya Narayan Mandal Soil Management Directorate
106. Shalik Ram Bastola DADO, Pokhara
107. Shamir Newa The Organic Village, Baluwatar
108. Shankar Prasad Panday DADO, Palpa
109. Shanti Bhattarai NARC, Khumaltar
110. Sharad Chandra Shrestha DADO, Kathmandu
111. Shashi Adhikari Post Harvest, Shrimahal
112. Shashi Ratna Shakya NARDF
113. Sher Bahadur Chand Agri Engineering Directorate
114. Shriju Pradhan Kathmandu M. Municipality
115. Shyam Khadka Organic Farm, Gamcha, Bhaktapur
116. Shyam Prashad Dhakal APDO, NSPC, Sindhupalchok.
117. Suraj Pokhrel DADO, Chitawan
118. Surath Babu Aryal DOA
119. Surendra Prasad Rijal National Citrus Devt. Program, Kirtipur
120. Suresh Shrestha National Spices Development Program Khumaltar
121. Tapendra Bahadur Shah DOA, Hariharbhawan
122. Tej Prasad Dawadi DADO, Makawanpur
123. Tek Bahadur Bam RAD, Surkhet
Agro. Business Centre for Research & Development,
124. Yadav Lal Karmacharya
Kalimati
183
FIRST NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON ORGANIC FARMING, 2063
List of Invitees
S.No. Name Address / Office Remarks
1 Asheshwar Jha MOAC
2 Bhairab Raj Kaini MOAC
3 Bhrigu Rishi Duwadi WINROCK, Baneshwor
4 Bol Maya Banjara RSS
5 Dala Ram Pradhan DLS
6 Dilli Raj Baskota Kanchanjangha Tea E., Panchthar
Dr. Amriteshwori Food Technology and Quality Control
7
Rajbhandari Department, Babarmahal
8 Dr. Deep Bahadur Swar DOA
9 Dr. Kaushal Kishor Lal Seed Quality Control Center
10 Ganesh Kumar K.C MOAC
11 Gautam Pradhan NICDP, Lalitpur
12 Hari Bhandari Crop Development Directorate
13 Jay Ram Subedi Nepal Samachar Patra, Kalimati
14 Jhalak Lal Shrestha Shri Complex, Pokhara
15 Kazuyuki Tsurumi FAO
16 Krishna Bahadur Shrestha MOAC
17 Lok Nath Dewaju National Citrus Program, Kirtipur
18 Madan Singh Karki DLS
Agri. Information and Communication
19 Madhav Shrestha
Center
20 Maheshwor Ghimire IFOAM, Kathmandu
21 Nima Joshi SSMP- Helvetas, Bakhundol
22 Shankar Lal Chaudhari APPSP
23 Surendra Chaudhari Nepal SIMI, Bakhundol
24 Thakur Prasad Pradhan Directorate of Agricultural Training
184
Appendix III : Working Groups
Group Name List
Group A
S.N Participants Address
1 Mr. Dhrub Chitrakar RAD, Dipayal
2 Mr. Chandra Kanta Devkota DADO, Gulmi
3 Mr. Dilli Ram Sharma DADO, Gorkha
4 Mr. Raj Krishna Shrestha Madhyapur Thimi Municipality
5 Mr. Keshav Raj Kafle Plant Protection officer Bara
Rural Economic Development Society,
6 Mr. Arjun Kumar Karki
Palpa
7 Mr. Puspa Raj Bhattrai Dynamic Youth Farm, Gulmi.
8 Mr. Sachet Bdr. Nepali DoCD, Hariharbhawan
9 Mr. Krishna Pd. Chaulagain Farmer, Lapse Phedi, Kathmandu.
10 Mr Deepak Pd Dahal Farmer, Lalitpur
11 Mr. Govinda Pd. Archarya Lalitpur
12 Dr. Yogesh Hari Shrestha Horticulture officer, Gorkha
13 Prof. Annadda Shova Tamrakar TU, Kirtipur
National Citrus Development Program,
14 Mr. Lok Nath Debaju
Kirtipur
15 Mr. Satya Narayan Mandal Soil Management Directorate
16 Mr. Yadav Lal Karmacharya Agro- Business Center
17 Mr. Jeevan Kumar Thapa Telku Cooperatives
18 Mr. Padam Bdr. Singh National Program Officer, FAO
19 Mr.S.P. Yadav CWDS, Balaju
20 Mr. Bala Ram Raj Bhandari DADO, Dhading
21 Mr. Shankar Lal Chaudhari APPSP
22 Mr. Tapendra Shah Extension Officer, DOA
23 Mr. Tej Pd. Dawadi Extension Officer, Makawanpur
24 Mrs. Neeru Dahal/ Pandey, Industrial Crops Development Divisions
25 Mr. Netra Bdr. Bhandari Extension officer, DAE
Group B
SN Participants Address
1 Mr. Fulgen Pradhan RAD, DEPYAl
2 Mr. Laxmi Pd. Gelal NEPSAMAC,Lalitpur
Janaheet Coffee and Tea Cooperative Society,
3 Mr. Dhru Raj B.K
Dhading
4 Mr Khem Narayan Chapagain Extension Officer, Mustang
5 Mr .Bed Khatiwoda SECARD, Sitapaila
6 DR. D.P. Sherchan NARC
7 Mrs. Shanti Bhattarai Soil Division NARC
8 Mr. Shanker Pd. Pandey DADO, Palpa
185
SN Participants Address
9 Mr. Tika Ram Mulicha Plant Protection Directorate
10 Mr Devi Pd. Archarya NEPSAMAC, Laltpur
11 Mr. Hom Nath Regmi NARC, Dailekh
12 Mr. Krishna Kumar Khadka Salt Trading Ltd.
13 Miss, Muna Mulepati DADO, Bhaktapur
14 Mr. Chandra Pd Risal Soil management Directorate
15 Mr. Shasi Ratna Shakya NARDEF
16 Mr. Binod Khanal DADO, Kathmandu
17 Mr. Parsuram Archarya District cooperative Society Ltd, Gulmi
18 Mr. Jhalak Lal Shrestha Shree Complex Phokhara
19 Mr. Rama Nanda Mishra Fish Development Center Bhairhawa
20 Mr. Hom Raj Bista MOAC
21 Mr. Bijay Kumar Mallik RAD, Hetauda
22 Mr. Ashok Kumar Das Horticulture officer, Morang
23 Mr. Bhakta Raj Palikhe Pesticides Control Division/DOA, Lalitpur.
24 Mr. Prem Bdr. Thapa NPG, Kathmandu
25 Mr. Shankar Sapkota Extension Officer, AED
26 Mrs. Geeta Koirala Extension Officer, AED
Group C
SN Participants Address
1 Dr. Shyam Kishor Shah DADO, Illam
2 Mr. Chandra Pd Adhikari Organic Farming Cooperatives, Chitwan
3 Mr. Shalik Ram Bastola Gaurishankar Sanstha, Pokhara.
4 Mr Shyam Pd Dhakal Potato Development Division Khumaltar
5 Mr Dev Bdr. Kuwar Farmer, ChidiPani –2, Palpa
6 Dr. Dinesh Parajuli DOLS
7 Mr. Ram Neresh Sharma DADO, Dadeldhura
8 Mrs Sabanam Shivakoti DADO, Kathmandu
9 Mr Danda Pani Khanal DADO Kavre
10 Mr.Bhim Bdr. Regmi Farmer, Ghulmi
11 Miss.Sujeeta Shrestha Organic Village
Vegetable Development Division,
12 Mr. Chut Raj Gurung
Khumaltar
13 Mr. Khadak Bhakta Paudel Horticulture Section NARC
14 Mr. Lila Ram Paudel DADO Surkhet
Panchakanya Agricultural Cooperatives,
15 Mrs. Nirmal Adhakari
Kathmandu
16 Mr. Bishnu Pd Dhakal Kamal Organic Farm, Sundarijal
17 Mr. Ram Brd, Shrestha MOAC
National Spices Development division,
18 Mr.Suresh Shrestha
Khumaltar
186
Vegetable Development Directorate,
19 Mr. Bashu Dev Subedi
Khumaltar
20 Mr. MuralidharMishra DADO, Bhaktapur
21 Mr. Shyam Khadka Organic farm Ghamcha
22 Dr. Binod Shah IPM Program
23 Mr. Prabin Lal Shrestha DoAE
24 Mr. Dilli Banskota Kanchangunha Tea State, Panchthar
25 Mr. Maheswor Ghimire NASAA Consultant
Group D
SN. Participants Address
1 Mr Shanjaya Kumar Yadav DADO Dhankuta
2 Mr. Annanda Ratna Bajjracharya RAD, Phokhara
3 Mr. Keshav AdhIkari DADO, Kathmandu
4 Mr. Iswori Pd. Rijal DADO, Dolkha
5 Mr. Madan Regmi ABPMDD
6 Mr. Kedar Budathoki Farmer, Kavre
7 Mr.Nabin Gopal Pradhan HRD, Kathmandu
8 Mr. Lal Pd. Archarya Seed Quality Control Centre, Hariharbhawan
9 Mr. Bala Ram Koirala DADO, Panchthar
10 Mr. Ganesh Dahal EPC, Kathmandu
11 Mr. Krishna Bdr. Kadayat DADO, Kaski
12 Mr. Dharma Pd. Devkota Fruit Development Division, Kirtipur
13 Mr. Kishor Kumar Maharjan Trichandra College
14 Mr. Dila Ram Bhandari DADO, Kathmandu
15 Mrs.Shreeju Pradhan KCMT
16 Mrs. Kamal Dahal Farmer, Illam
17 Mr Dinesh Archarya MOAC
18 Mr Gopal Man Shrestha ABP Program
19 Mr Jagadish Bhakta Shrestha CEDD
20 Mr Atma Ram Lohani DADO, Lalitpur
21 Mr Bhola Kumar Shrestha SITARA
22 Mrs. Shashi Adhikhari PHD, Shree Mahal
23 Dr. Krishna Bdr Karki Soil Division, NARC
24 Mr Kishor Pant DoAE,
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Appendix IV : Topic outlines
Theme 1: Concept, Status and Opportunity of Organic Farming
1. Concept, Status, prospects and opportunities of organic agriculture in Nepal.
- Mr. S.B.Aryal, DOA
Concept of organic farming with guiding principles
Present status of organic farming in Nepal.
Opportunities in terms of technological, economical, social and sustainability.
Major issues and challenges
2. Agricultural extension in promoting organic farming in Nepal.
Mr. P.L.Shrestha, Mr. K.Pant, DAE, Hariharbhawan
Importance of Organic farming in Nepal (Soil, climate, health, socio-economic,
environmental aspect etc.)
Extension programs (farmers group formation and mobilization, awareness
programs for consumers, different extension teaching tools, transfer of technology,
market information etc))
188
7. Organic base fish farming (Integration of fish, pig and fodder production) for organic
aquaculture. - Mr. G. Bdr. Pradhan, FDD.Balaju
Organic base fish farming ( Ghol and ponds)
Present status
Improved practices for organic fish farming
Market demand situation
Opportunities and challenges
Suggestions
8. Community level organic crop production program; an experience of Kathmandu valley.
- Mr. Dilla Ram Bhandari, DADO Kathmandu
Status of community level organic farming in Kathmandu
Organic producer groups and areas
Crops and production techniques
Certification procedures
Marketing
Roles of DADO in promoting organic farming
9. Livestock and its management for organic agriculture system.
- Dr. Dinesh Parajuli, DOLS.
Need of integration of livestock in organic farming
Possible areas for integration
Scope of organic production in livestock
Production technology
189
13. Residual effect of organic and inorganic fertilizing materials specially NO 3 (nitrate) in
different crops under different agro climatic condition.
- Dr. K.B. Karki and Mr. Bhandari NARC
Importance of NO3 analysis in organic farming
Comparative study on organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer
Residual analysis technologies
Implication in farmers field.
14. Organic farming & its role in soil fertility, effect on crop production, constrains and
future strategy. - Mrs. Shanti Bhattarai, NARC
Fertility management techniques in organic farming
Effect of organic farming in crop production (yield)
Constrains of organic farming
Future strategy for promoting organic farming in Nepal.
19. Standardization, inspection and certification of organic products in Nepal in the context
of W.T.O. - Mr. Prem Thapa, NPG
Need of inspection in organic farming
Procedure of inspection
Certification procedure
Standardization procedure
International standard
190
19. Role of farmers, NGOs and private traders in marketing of organic products in Nepal.
- Mr. Rajendra Shrestha GM agro-Enterprises
Roles of farmers and NGOs
o in group formation and mobilization
o Awareness creation
o Transfer of technology
o Market linkage
o Quality control
private traders
o Trade preference for organic products
o Information on demand market situation
o Quality and consumers preferences
191
FIRST NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON ORGANIC FARMING, 2063
192
Date &
Program Remarks
Time
16.45- Closing remarks Mr. Surath Babu Aryal, DDG, DoA
17.00
June 13, 2006
10.00- Re-entry
10.30
Technical Session MC: Mr.Sankar Sapkota,
Rapporters: G.S. Lamichhane, N. Bhandari
Chairperson Dr. Ganesh Raj Joshi, DDG, C.& T.D., DOA
10.30- Community level organic crop production Mr. Dila Ram Bhandari, DADO, kathmandu
10.50 program; an experience of Kathmandu
valley.
10.50- Livestock and its management for organic Dr. Dinesh Parajuli DOLS.
11.10 agriculture system.
11.10- Sources of different organic manures, Mr S.L. Chaudhari, Mr.S.N. Mandal and
11.30 their method of application under Mr. S.P. Risal DOSM, Hariharbhawan
different ecological zones and in different
crops of Nepal.
11.30- Management of solid waste as a source of Shriju Pradhan (KMTC)
11.50 organic fertilizer.
11.50- Discussion
12.10
12.10- Tea break
12.25
12.25- Role of vermin-compost in organic Prof. Anand Shova Tamrakar /Kishor
12.45 farming. K.Maharjan TU
12.45- Residual effect of organic and inorganic Dr. K.B. Karki and Mr.R.C Bhandari, NARC
13.05 fertilizing materials specially No3 in
different crops under different agro
climatic condition
13.05- Organic farming & its role in soil fertility, Ms. Shanti Bhattarai
13.25 effect on crop production, constrains and
future strategy
13.25- Biological pest management in organic Dr. Raju Raj Pandey, R.B. Paneru
13.45 farming through conservation of natural
enemies.
13.45- Discussion
14.05
14.05- Closing remarks Dr. G.R. Joshi, DDG
14.15
14.15- Refreshment
14.45
Technical Session MC: Mr. Sankar Sapkota,
Rapporters: G.S. Lamichhane, N. Bhandari
Chairperson Mr. Tek Bdr. Thapa, Chief, Planning Division,
MoAC
14.45- Use of botanical pesticides for pest Mr.Sarad Chandra Parasar, National Seed
15.0 5 management in organic farming. Certification Center; B. Shrestha, SITARA
15.05- Institutional arrangements and procedures Mr. Maheshwor Ghimire
15.25 for certification of organic products.
15.25- Standardization, inspection and Mr. Prem Thapa, NPG
15.45 certification of organic products in Nepal
in the context of W.T.O.
15.45- Tea break
16.00
193
Date &
Program Remarks
Time
16.00- Role of farmers, NGOs and private traders Mr.Rajendra Shrestha, GM agro- Enterprises
16.20 in marketing of organic products in Nepal
16.20- Discussion
16.40
16.40- Closing remarks Mr. Tek Bdr Thapa, Chief, Planning Division,
17.00 MoAC
June 14, 2006
10.00- Re-entry
10.30
Technical & Group Work Session MC : Ms Gita Koirala
Rapporters: Netra Bhandari, Rabindra Subedi
Chairperson Mr. B.R. Kaini, Chief, M&E Division, MoAC
11.10- Present policies and strategies of HMG/N Dr. K.Pd. Pant, MoAC
11.30 to promote organic farming in Nepal in
the context of WTO.
11.30- Discussion
11.35
11.35- Closing remarks Mr. B.R. Kaini, Chief, M&E Division, MoAC
11.45
11.45- Tea break
12.00
12.00- Group Division (4 groups)
12.15
12.15- Group works
14.00
14.00- Refreshment
14.30
14.30- Closing Session MC: Ms Gita Koirala
17.00 Rapporters: Netra Bhandari, Rabindra Subedi
14.30- Chairperson Mr A. Jha, Chief, Gender Equity &
17.00 Environment Division, MoAC
Presentation of Group Works Group leaders
Discussion
Few words Participant representative
Few words Mr. B.R. Sainju, PD, Directorate of Veg
Development
Few words Mr. Dilaram Bhandari, DADO, Kathmandu
Few words Dr. Deep Bahadur Swar, DG, DOA
Chief guest Mr. Ganesh Kumar K.C., Secretary, MoAC
Tea break
Vote of thanks Mr. P.L. Shrestha, Program Director, AED
Closing remarks Mr. A. Jha, Chief, Gender Equity &
Environment Division, MoAC
194