SADP Nepal

To increase the supply of agriculture production, new technology is being used. This includes genetic modification, chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides in agriculture. The use of chemical provides instant benefits but in long run these chemicals destroy the production capacity of the soil. They also leaves negative impact on the life of the human beings, and lead to other environmental problems too. At the same time the genetic modification of the food is also decimating the natural variety of plants. Organic agriculture means agricultural systems that promote the environmentally, socially and economically sound production of crops. With respect to the natural capacity of plants, animals and local conditions, it aims to optimize quality production in all aspects of agriculture and the environment. In other hand urbanization, industrialization and development of Various Other infrastructure has led to the rapid loss of agricultural land and the production too. The world’s population, which is rapidly increasing, will suffer from this loss. We must not be only commercial for the production of agricultural things as it has long run effects on human life and the environment too. We use various chemical fertilizers so as to yield a good amount of crop but in other hand it will leave a long run effect on human life and the environment. We must not think of agriculture with a commercial mind, viewing it for our individual benefits. Therefore, by proper utilization of  natural resources, which are gifts of nature, we should be able to produce high quality agricultural products while compensating for nature. If we do not become timely conscious and become aware of this situation, then it will be beyond the control and will be a great threat to the human existence in this world. Necessary steps must be taken immediately for preserving environment and its creatures by supporting (institutionalizing) organic farming globally. The only way we can save our planet is through sustainable organic agriculture. Our initiative actions in this regard can be recognition for the future generations. The whole world has to work hand in hand to uplift with this holistic view.

Nepal is an agriculture-based economy with about 85 % population dependent on agriculture whereas 80 % of the population survives as agriculture labors. The farmers have been doing hard labor but they are not able to improve their quality of living and are compelled to live a miserable life. In Nepal, modern technology has been implemented for the development of agriculture. It has a history of using chemical fertilizers and pesticides for the last 35 years for higher agriculture production yields. Since there are various places in Nepal which is still beyond the reach of these chemical inputs due to lack of transportation facility. So we have still time to aware them of the situation and stop using such chemical inputs. Because of this, farmers of Nepal are still far from all the negative environmental effects of the inorganic method. The promotion of inorganic farming techniques causes the deterioration of soil condition day by day, as well as it arise the problem of producing contamination. For example, before the use of chemical fertilizers, the quality of rice was very high and full of flavor, while the rice is being cooked in kitchen all the surrounding areas would be full of the aroma. With the use of fertilizer, the quality of rice has deteriorated, the production is high but the quality of taste and even differs in the amount of nutrition it provides to us. Similarly, the use of chemicals in agriculture has been decreasing the quality of our food. Due to the use of synthetic fertilizer and pesticides all agriculture products are being contaminated and unhealthy. Also, using these kinds of chemicals inputs affects the ecosystem and imbalance the ecological cycle. It also has direct effect on climatic change and global warming.

“A research focuses on the problems and potentials of organic agriculture in Nepal basing on the study of stakeholders of organic agriculture. It has been found out that about 2.5% of households of urban areas are consuming organic products and almost 30% are found to have desire. Most of the organic production and marketing system in Nepal is on the basis of community trust. Market for organic products is quite rudimentary and legal certification hasn’t started. There has been lacuna in research on the technologies to support organic agriculture.

Most of the farmers are well aware about the negative repercussion of the indiscriminate use of the agro-chemicals in their farm and opined that they would like to shift from inorganic towards organic agriculture; however, marketing for such products is the greatest bottleneck. All domestic organics reach to consumers without labeling. Consumers have a belief that organic food is healthier, less polluted and more natural, than conventionally produced foods. Many of the consumers are of the view that quality of the organic products is good and that’s why these products are expensive. Most of them are willing to pay 10-15% of more price to the organic products over inorganic while they are willing to pay 20-30% more price to the organic products if they are labeled. Organic products are usually sold directly from farmers or through specialized shops and restaurants. Organic industry is too small and a long way to go in Nepal. Due to the lack of financial support for conversion, organic farmers rely only on consumers’ willingness to pay higher prices to obtain compensation for lower yields or higher costs that may arise due to the organic practice. Till date there is a vacuum of government policy to support organic opportunities in the country. Managing own Internal Control Systems better prepares farmers to manage plethora of other standards that are increasingly mandated for the trade. Political commitments such as avoiding conflicting drive to maximize production, hammering proactive policy, providing market incentives and institutionalization of Nepalese organic movement are imperative to further enhance organic sector in Nepal.”