Smallholder Peri-Urban Organic Farming in Nepal: A Comparative Analysis of Farming Systems

Abstract

Farming in the peri-urban areas of Nepal is increasingly characterized by monocropping and the imprudent use of agrochemicals. This intensification has raised questions about the sustainability of farming systems in the region. In this paper, we do a comparative assessment of these farming systems, focusing on organic production in the densely populated Kathmandu Valley. The relative inaccessibility of farming accessories and of modern farming technologies usually leads rural farmers to follow traditional farming methods, sometimes referred to as "default organic." In contrast, access to infrastructures opens avenues for further development of ecological farming in peri-urban areas. Gross margin analysis indicates that organic vegetable production is a lucrative endeavor in the area under study. Urbanites are willing to buy organic vegetables, but the higher price and lack of certification of organically produced vegetables are factors that should be taken into account by producers and organizations working in organic production. We suggest that nongovernmental bodies, along with governmentrun institutions, cooperatives, and communitybased organizations, can play a facilitating role for a smallholder organic growers certification program. They should also support peri-urban farmers in their efforts to enhance the environment and agrobiodiversity.

Effect of Feeding Materials on Yield, Quality of Vermicompost, Multiplication and Reproduction of Eisenia Foetida

“…Introduction of green revolution in agriculture in South Asia persuaded Nepal to use agrochemicals. Although, agricultural productivity has increased in Nepal, indiscriminate use of agrochemicals has also resulted in air, water and soil pollutions, and losses in agricultural productivity and contributed to health hazards [2,4,23,24]. Since, Nepal does not produce any chemical fertilizers, demand are being met through formal and informal import [27].…”

A review on use of agrochemical in agriculture and need of organic farming in Nepal

“…The organic product certification process was implemented under the formulation of the national standard of organic agriculture production and processing in 2007. However, it has not been implemented well in the country (Bhatta and Doppler, 2011;Bhat, 2009). The national certifying body like Organic Certification Nepal (OCN) Nepal offers internationally accredited inspection and certification services to local operators (Khanna and Tripathee, 2018).…”

Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge in the Farming System: A Case of Urban Agriculture in Kageshwori-Manohara Municipality

“…Maddox, Giblin & Kimambo (1996) successfully captured this in their conceptualisation through two different viewpoints: narratives mostly dominate one over indigenous knowledge operating in harmony with nature, whilst the next one suggests a condition of hostile, threatening environments, a condition that, of course, can only be successfully treated by the application of capital and technology. Both views, however, seriously underestimate the capacity for constructive transformation from within rural communities themselves; both, to a greater or lesser extent, are dismissive of the utility of indigenous knowledge (Briggs, Pulford, Badir, & Shaheen, 1998;Bhatta, 2011).…”

“…Consequently, there is considerable interest in understanding indigenous knowledge in less developed countries, and how this might be incorporated into development discourses. It is also now being increasingly realized that the combined use of local knowledge and modern technology provide a sound basis for promoting the productivity use of local resources and in enhancing the sustainable management of the resources (Sapkota, 2003c, Bhatta, 2011. The aim of this paper is to highlight on issues relating to existing links between local knowledge and modern technology (scientific knowledge) in the context of sustainable urban agriculture in Nepal.…”