FAO contributes to accelerating the organic mission of Karnali Province
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in partnering with the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives convened on the Karnali Organic Mission through the result sharing and way forward workshop of the project "Strengthening capacity of public and private sector stakeholder for promotion of organic Agriculture in Karnali province."
Honorable Minister Bhim Prakash Sharma, (MoLMAC) emphasized the importance of collective action to create an enabling environment for organic production, agribusinesses, and marketing, by capacitating farmers, local representatives, officials and stakeholders. He expressed gratitude to FAO for their assistance in formulating the Karnali Province Organic Agriculture Production and Processing Standards, 15 Years Karnali Organic Mission Plan, Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Guidelines, Internal Control System (ICS) Operation Guideline and Organic Model Farm Standards and Implementation Guidelines.
He requested all key stakeholders to contribute to the organic mission of Karnali by means of policy formulation, program development, curriculum development and other actions. He also highlighted the landscape-level approach which has created a newfound sense of synergy and collaboration between relevant ministries in Nepal, providing a platform to develop new skills and create green jobs which he cited as a prime example of achieving Sustainable Development.
Mr Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, expressed his admiration for the hard work, dedication and initiative displayed by Karnali Organic Mission in increasing organic production and productivity, strengthening research on organic agricultural techniques, formulating acts and policies and improving agricultural extension or advisory services. He appreciated exemplary work through Farmers Field School in empowering women and marginalized farmers with knowledge, skills and best practices related to organic agriculture, nutrient and disease pest control, and the testing and validation of these practices for up scaling and wider replication. He wished for successful completion of targets in the FAO commitment and technical backstopping in Karnali Organic Mission.
Dr Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, expressed his appreciation for the hard work of provincial ministries, technical experts, activists, private sectors, farmers and stakeholders for laying the strong foundation to materialize the organic mission and admired the FAO’s support in expediting the movement. He also proposed expanding the FFS in additional crops, creating more organic villages, establishing farm-based entrepreneurships and industries. Lastly, he reassured that federal ministry will continuously support provincial government Mr. Bharat Prasad Rijal, Mayor of Dullu Municipality, noted the visible progress and transformation of the Citrus FFS model farm in Dailekh which has resulted in a 53% increase in orange production on the same acre of land. He requested the federal and provincial governments, and development partners to invest significantly in irrigation, pest control, improved seeds and advanced technologies in future.
Mr Anada Sharu, Secretary from the Office of Chief Minister and Council of Ministers stated that the Karnali Organic Mission is the shared goal that necessitates joint effort, resources and collaborative approach from all key stakeholders.
Mr Mohan Dev Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment explained the potential of establishing forest fodder based organic fertilizer factory, linking the organic farming with the efficient, sustainable and equitable commercial use of Non-Timber Forest Products in Karnali Province. "Unlike any other business, NTFP enterprise development can be linked to agro biodiversity conservation and women's economic empowerment by creating opportunities for better living of local people," he added.
Mr Dhan Bahadur Kathayat, National Project Coordinator and FAO's training expert Madhusudan Paudel presented the progress made in promoting organic agriculture through 10 Farmers field schools in Jumla, Mugu, Dailekh and Surkhet. FFS included educating farmers on soil health and nutrition, boosting soil fertility, building organic certification and creating market linkages for safe and certified products.
Ms Hira Khadka, Ward Member of Dullu Municipality thanked FAO and MoLMAC for providing farmers with the knowlede and tools needed to transition away from traditional farming methods, and to properly utilize organic practices, organic pest management, grading, organic certification and market linkage..
Dr Lekhraj Dahal, Secretary of MoLMAC recited the key achievements of the project, including the publication of FFS training manuals, booklet on Organic Package of Practices focusing on apple, citrus and ginger, , operationalization of 10 FFS, development of full funding proposal for next level. He proposed replicating Sikkim's model of organic agriculture practices linking agriculture and tourism for prosperity of Karnali Province.
The workshop was followed by an open floor discussion with key notes on major achievements, organic practices, crop production and way forward from the farmers, private sectors, representatives of development partners, CBOs, journalists and stakeholders.