FAO upsurges food security through crop and animal productivity
FAO upsurges food security through crop and animal productivity
To enhance climate resilience, improve agricultural productivity and nutrition practices of targeted smallholder farming communities, Food and Nutrition Security Enhancement Project (FANSEP) is being implemented in 4 flood and 4 earthquake affected districts of Nepal under the Technical Assistance from FAO Nepal.
Mr. Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Nepal, recently paid a visit to the FANSEP project area in the Siraha district of the Madesh Province. In his visit to the project area, FAOR met with the newly elected representatives of Bariyarpatti Rural Municipality (RM). The RM chairperson and Deputy Chair provided updates on the FANSEP project’s operations and remarkable changes made in agriculture, vegetable production and nutrition.
Santosh Kumar Mahato, Chairperson of RM described how the project has been positively changing the livelihoods of locals from reducing the labor work to increasing the crop and animal productivity of direct beneficiaries. He added that promotion of hybrid seeds, establishment of child feeding rooms in several locations and other nutrition-related community initiatives had benefited mothers and children in equal measure. The RM officials concluded by saying that they anticipate ongoing cooperation and support from FAO Nepal in the future.
In response, FAOR recognized the sound partnership with RM for the quality engagement and implementation of the project. The meeting with local representatives was followed by the briefing from the beneficiaries of Shree Raj Devi Mata Farmer Group on FANSEP supported interventions at Nayatole of Bariyarpatti RM.
Usha Kapar, Secretary of farmer group stated on the changing scenario of women empowerment and impacts of the project in their farming practices and daily lives. She emphasized that earlier their works were only limited to field and households’ activities but now they are actively involved in decisions making activities of the community. Further, after the project’s execution, productivity has increased, and significant quantities of vegetables and crops are used commercially increasing the recipients’ income.
FAOR also visited the beneficiaries in their residence and observed their livestock farming situation. Radha Devi Mahato, One of the beneficiaries reported that since they started keeping their goats in the shed built with the support from FANSEP, the goats no longer suffer from diseases and have gained weight, which has raised their profitability.
FAOR visited Ganesh Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) at Ganeshpur-13 of Lahan Municipality established with technical and financial support of FAO Nepal and managed by women farmers. Mechanization Service Provider Committee members provided a brief presentation on Agri mechanization facilities available (Agricultural machinery and equipment) and ongoing activities and running the hiring business profitably. FAOR interacted with the CHC which has been functioning smoothly with the proper division of work and responsibilities among the members of the group in good coordination and collaboration.
The center has appointed a group member as mechanic for mending the machinery if any problems occurred. They had a savings account in the bank which would support the smooth operation of machinery and equipment for better agriculture.