PURNA DHANUK ASSIGNMENT OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

ROLL NUMBER: 63
CHAPTER-ONE
INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

1. Compare and contrast between organic agriculture and sustainable agriculture:

S.N. Organic agriculture Sustainable agriculture

1. Organic agriculture may not be Sustainable farming need not to be always

sustainable.
2. Depletion of rainforest or other resources
to increase area of farming
3. Organic farming production system
completely avoids use of chemical
fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides,
antibiotics, additives.
4. Does not take account the amount of land
used to produce the product.
5. Less productivity but the farmers can
increase the market value of the organic
crop to sustain the production cost.
6. Crops are rotated and planted in different
fields each year to replenish and maintain
the soil nutrients.
100% organic.
Minimal depletion of natural resources.
Sustainable farming will use it appropriately
depending on need based and evaluating
usage of input based on its sustainability.
It takes land into account as major factor.
Higher productivity as compared to organic
agriculture.
Multiple cropping is more preferred in
smaller area of land which control pest,
diseases and enhance soil quality.

7. Organic products have to be certified by
the USDA based on certain guidelines.
8. In organic agriculture use of fossil fuel
for food distribution does not matter.
9. Organic farming encourages a cult which
blames technology and glorifies some
practices in ancient times even though
they are not sustainable or not rational
10. Food cannot be altered by using GMOs,
sewage slug or ionizing radiation
11. It may not be economically viable for
growing population.
It is rather way of life than set of guidelines.
In sustainable agriculture attempt great
reduction of fossil fuels by producing food
and distributing them locally.
Sustainable farming is a science-based
farming moving forward by increasing
available resources efficiency for the
maximal benefit of the society.
Genetic Engineered Seeds are used for
higher production.
Economically viable for growing population.

2. What are approaches of sustainable agriculture popular in practice in Nepal? Prioritize

and briefly describe them.
The approaches of sustainable agriculture popular in practice in Nepal are:
a. Low external input sustainable agriculture:
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Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA) is receiving increased attention,
both as sustainable alternative to Green Revolution-like strategies making intensive use
of external inputs, and as a strategy of sustainable agriculture in resource-poor
environments where no or very few external inputs are used. The hill farming system in
Nepal is complex, diverse, heavily reliant on local resources and focuses on the
renewability of resources within the farm which can greatly contribute to make the
system ecologically sustainable. But the population pressure and increased food demand
pressurize farmers to use external inputs which, if in excess, may jeopardize the whole
system.

b. Biodynamic farming:
In 1920s, Australian philosopher Rudolph Steiner gave series of lectures on “Spiritual
Foundations for the Renewal of agriculture” which led to the development of Biodynamic
farming. It is a type of ecological farming which uses special fermented herbal and
mineral preparation and astrological planting calendar. In Nepal farms like, Kevin Rohan
Memorial Eco Foundation (KRMEF) near Khokana, in the southwest of the Kathmandu
Valley have been promoting biodynamic farming. KRMEF is trying to save the local
environment by using local manpower, local waste, and educating the local population
about the benefits of protecting the environment. KRMEF provides training to anyone
who wants to volunteer on the farm and the bee farm where they produce their own
organic honey.

c. Ecological Farming:
It is a farming system which maintains ecological balance and minimize use of chemical
inputs. It is based on principles of agro ecology, food sovereignty, smart food production
and yields, biodiversity and diverse seed systems, sustainable soil health, climate resilient
food system etc.

d. Natural farming:
It is known as “do nothing farming” which believes on principles of nature and have
minimum interference of human activities. Masanobu Fukuoka (1913-2008) is called the
father of natural farming. Zero tillage, no weeding, no pesticides and fertilizers are
principles of natural farming. for example, growing of garlic after the harvest of rice
without any tillage practices.

e. Permaculture:
It is dependent on harmonious interrelationship amongst human being, plants, animals
and the earth Founders of permaculture are Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. It is
based on ethics of care of earth and care of people. specialties of permaculture are
effective land use pattern, zoning and guilds of utilization 3D space, regeneration and
rehabilitation, integration and diversified farming. There are some established
permaculture farmers in Nepal like HASERA, Gharnepal Permaculture farm, Pandeli etc.
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f. Organic Farming:
Organic agriculture is booming in Nepal as people are becoming more aware about what
they eat and their willingness to pay for healthy organic foods. The organic agriculture
promotes the cultivation of underexploited and underutilized crops (horse gram, Foxtail
millet) local fruit and vegetables that can play a vital role in fighting poverty and food
insecurity in the hills and mountains of Nepal. Organic farming production system
completely avoids use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, additives
which ensures health and safety.

g. Conservation Agriculture:
It is a farming system that maintain sustainability by minimum disturbance of soil,
promoting soil cover and diversification of crops. It is based on principles of crop
rotation, minimum tillage, zero tillage, strip tillage, cover crops, etc.

h. Climate smart agriculture:

It is an approach for developing agriculture strategies to ensure sustainable food security
under the changing climate. It helps to identify the site-specific agricultural strategies.
There are three pillars of CSA: Productivity, Adaptation and Mitigation. Some
organization working on it are Climate Change, Agriculture and food Security (CCAFS)
under CGIAR, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), ICIMOD, LIBIRD.

3. Importance of food self-sufficiency in relation to havoc of Covid-19 in Nepal.

Food security means being able to get adequate and sufficient food, regardless of where it
comes from but food self-sufficiency is when we grow all the world we need, within the
country. In this havoc of COVID -19 there is mere two concerns i.e. food security and food
self-sufficiency. For food security, food self-sufficiency is quite important for Nepal being a
landlocked country and its trade deficit condition. There is some sector where self-
sufficiency for the country is quite difficult like medicine, machinery, petroleum but Nepal
can achieve self-sufficiency in Agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits and cereal
grains by properly utilizing its own available resources.

We can easily observe from the big machinery, Medicine to daily consumable food like
vegetables Nepal is dependent on its neighboring countries. This is the reason Nepal get hit
hard when it went through some regional and Geopolitical conflicts (the blockade imposed
by India during 2015 earthquake).

In present Scenario food self-sufficiency becomes the measure issue because imports from
other countries being ceased due to transportation problem and the economy of country is
being decreased with reduction of remittance by 14% along with the increased population of
migrant workers returning back to Nepal. People are now unemployed and hunger is hitting
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hard their daily life. Most of the imports are not feasible due to global pandemic COVID-19
and therefore the import cut off means, the production within the boundary of Nepal should
be raised to meet the existing nutrition demand in the country because immune system is
directly correlated with nutrition. But the pandemic can only be fought through strong
immune system so, the availability of nutritious food for all is must. This can only be
fulfilled through being food self-sufficient. Nepal needs to realize the importance of,
fragmented lands, small scales farms, the organic manures, the fallow lands, leisure time,
cultural traditional knowledge and should make effort on cultivating the lands of Nepal
employing the energetic, innovative youths. This disease made the moment of people from
one place to another difficult so each and every fallow lands of Nepal needs to be cultivated,
the concepts like roof top farming for cities, multilayer farming, multi cropping, organic
sustainable farming, use of integrated traditional knowledge on hills, mid hills, permaculture,
bio-intensive farming is must which ultimately make us food self-sufficient. We have the
resources and now manpower and willingness of youths to cultivate due to unemployment so
the country must secure this golden opportunity for bright future. The geography and
landforms of Nepal give us opportunity to have diverse vegetables and fruits and due to
unavailability of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, now the believe and interest towards the
organic manures, vermi composting, bio pesticide is increasing which not only just feed
foods but the nutritious, healthy foods. Furthermore, underexploited and minor indigenous
fruits and vegetables available in the locality with high nutritional value should also be
consumed and commercialized for increasing food security like Nettle leaf(Sisnu), fiddlehead
fern (niuro), amaranth leaves(latte), Lamb’s quarter(bethe), watercress (khole saag),
raspberry(aiselu), bayberry(kaphal), Indian barberry(chutro), Nepalese firethorn(ghangaru),
nutgall tree(bhakimlo), etc.

To conclude food is basic need of human being which became even more essential to gain
the strong immune for reducing the pandemic spread. But the imports of Nepal are now
ceased due to the communicable pandemic disease to fulfill the demand. So, we can take this
havoc of Corona as an opportunity leading Nepal towards food self-sufficiency by mobilizing
human and other available resources for adequate production of the food within its own
country. This could be an opportunity for Nepal to utilize her active human resources in the
fields of development. As we all know agriculture is the backbone of overall economy of
Nepal, thus, the active population of the country can be utilized to improve the agriculture
production of the nation.
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CHAPTER-TWO
INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC FARMING

S.N. Conventional agriculture Organic Agriculture

1. Insect pest management is done using Insect pest management is done using physical
insecticides of which mostly are and natural methods rather than chemicals.
organophosphates, pyrethrin, etc.

2. Major conventional agriculture for plant Organic agriculture can allow only the natural
growth use many chemical fertilizers inputs and focuses on both macro and micro
haphazardly and mostly focus on the macro nutrients.
nutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus and
Potassium - with no addition of crucial
micronutrients.
3. No certification is needed to enter the Certification is needed to enter the market.
market
4. Shorter working hours Longer working hours

5. There is less of a focus on soil ecology, and
managing the impacts of compaction,
erosion and rehabilitation of soil.
6. Mono-cropping is more prevalent in
conventional agriculture.
7. There is use of antibiotics, synthetic, GMO
products in conventional agriculture.
8. Natural environment is mostly harmed.
9. Low input: output ratio
There is a mere focus on improving and
maintaining a soil ecology that retains nutrients of
soil and biodiversity.
Multi cropping and natural biodiversity is given
more importance in organic farming.
In organic agriculture complete avoidance of
synthetic products, antibiotics and GMOs.
Natural biodiversity and environment being
conserved through utilizing blend of traditional
and modern approaches.
Optimal input: output ratio

4. Compare and contrast between conventional and organic agriculture:

5. How organic fair and food expo would help in promoting organic agriculture?
Organic fair and food expo contribute to promoting organic agriculture by spreading
awareness of its benefits and through increased recognition and utilization of organic
products at local, regional and national level. In this context since 2009, Government of
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Nepal: MoALD has been representing international forum on OA by organizing National
Organic Fair and Food Expo.
Every fair is adorned with diverse banners, display items, stalls comprising local and organic
agricultural foods and products. This make the participation of different ethnic groups,
farming communities, private entrepreneurs and cooperatives from all over the country. The
stalls were exhibited on four categories: Fresh Agriculture Produce, Processed Agricultural
Produce, Cooked food, Agriculture Input/Technology. It provides the free entry and free stall
facilities. It also organizes different cultural programs based on organic farming, soil testing
mobilizing van, distributing the certificates to participants on organic fair etc. Each different
category is assessed and the best stall is awarded.

This provide the opportunity for organic farmers to earn money and to make recognition and
promotion of their products and consumers get the information about the health benefits and
convenience of organic products in their life.

6. What are the challenges of organic farming you have observed in your locality? How
the scenario of Corona could be an opportunity for organic agriculture in Nepal?
The challenges of organic farming I have observed in my locality are:
a. Lack of information and awareness about various steps value chain like production
technology, processing techniques, market channel, input suppliers, organic standard
and certification system.
b. lack of recognition of organic farming and trainings related to it.
c. due to poor extension system
d. due to inadequate packages and practices on crop and animal production.
e. lack of skilled manpower like organic inspector and technicians due to poor education
system, exposer and trainings
f. lack of inputs like organic seeds, organic feed, bio drugs, bio- pesticides, and
effective way of preparing those.
g. limited knowledge about group certification among small and medium farmers
h. complicated regulatory measures and higher certification cost
i. poor market channels, lower market price and lower productivity during transitional
phase
j. lack of subsidy in inputs and certification process and lack of insurance policies in
organic farming
The scenario of Corona virus could be an opportunity for organic agriculture in Nepal
because due to this pandemic communicable disease, people are quarantined in their own
houses, the transportation system is being ceased. The transportation of goods like
chemical fertilizers for upcoming wheat plantation is still stuck at Indian ports. And there
is increased population with huge inflow of migrant workers back to country and thus
increased food demand but farmers purchasing power is reduced due to unemployment
due to restriction of moment and reduction of remittance which is major source of income
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for most of the household so, they are compelled to look for the alternative forms of
(inputs) fertilizers i.e. natural organic manures which can easily be prepared at home
using biomass. On the other hand, pandemic taught us the importance of healthy fruits
and vegetables in daily life for being healthy and alive which making people more
attracted towards chemical fertilizers and pesticides free foods. Also quarantine and
lockdown make people come closer virtually and they got a lot of leisure time for new
change which seldom occur due to the busy schedule of people. So, the promotion for
organic agriculture can be effectively done through mass communication medias like
radio, television, virtual seminars etc. and there is maximum chance for people adopting
them irrespective of labor and time required.

CHAPTER-3
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
7. Write the summary of book One Straw Revolution.
One straw revolution is written by Masanobu Fukuoka in 1975, which is a best-selling book
that described his life’s journey, his philosophy, and farming techniques. Masanobu Fukuoka
saw what modern industrial farming was doing to water, land and the farmers (both in terms
of lifestyle and debt), and spent his life working on finding ways that food could be grown in
a non-polluting, sustainable manner. After a number of years, he had rebuilt the soil on his
family farm and proved that he could equal or better the yields of the “petroleum farmers”
with his no chemical, lazy man’s way of natural farming. Although the book discusses his
methods and rationale, much time is devoted to showing what is wrong with the currently
popular methods of farming.

Throughout the book Mr. Fukuoka lament’s, the change in farmer’s lives from many years
ago when there was much more leisure in the village life, whereas today they have to
struggle to survive working long hours every day and still cannot get out of debt. Debt
created incidentally by being sold a system that relies on pesticides, herbicides, chemical
fertilizers, as well as large amounts of motorized equipment. The revolving door between the
chemical companies and agriculture departments in government as well as school reliance on
grants from these institutions are discussed, consumerism, our fetish or perfectly formed
produce, and much, much more.

Trained as a scientist, Fukuoka rejected both modern agribusiness and centuries of

agricultural lore. Over the next three decades he perfected his so called “do nothing”
technique: commonsense, sustainable practices that all but eliminate the use of chemicals,
and perhaps most significantly, wasteful effort. In a nut shell we can conclude that it is a
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“Little Green Book” i.e. manifesto about farming, eating and the limits of human knowledge
presents a radical challenge to the global systems we rely on for our food.

8. Write an essay about principles of organic farming with examples.

Farming system to grow crops with avoiding or excluding the synthetic fertilizers, herbicides
and pesticides is called organic farming. Organic agriculture is a practice that conserve the
health of soil, ecosystem and human. Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on
techniques like crop rotation, green manure, compost manure, biological pest control, mixed
farming, trap crops etc. It is also a form of sustainable agriculture that bans the use of
synthetic products such as petrochemical, antibiotics, GMOs, Nano materials for resilient and
reliable farming. Organic products have to certified by the IFOAM based on certain
guidelines.

Need for Organic Farming:

The world’s population is increasing at alarming rate and it makes compulsion to stabilize
agricultural production, but to, increase it further, in sustainable manner. Natural balance
needs to be maintained at any cost for successive existence of life and property.
Agrochemicals derived from fossil fuels are not renewable in nature and are diminishing in
availability. Thus, organic farming should be promoted to avoid excessive use of fossil fuel
based agro chemicals.

There are four principles of Organic agriculture:

a. Principle of health
Organic Agriculture must sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human
and earth as whole and individually. This principle believes the health of ecosystems is
important for ensuring the health of individual and community i.e. healthy soils leads to
production of healthy crops that foster the health of animals and people. Health is not
merely the absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical, mental, social and
ecological well-being. Immunity, resilience and regeneration are major features of health.
Organic agriculture is farming practices which secure from the health of soil to human
beings. In particular, organic agriculture is intended to produce high quality, nutritious
food without any use of synthetic products, chemicals, GMOs, Nano materials etc.

b. Principle of ecology
Organic agriculture system should be based on living ecological cycles, work along with
it, imitate them and help in its sustainability. This principle states that production should
be eco-friendly i.e. doesn’t harm its processes and based on recycling. The well-being
and nourishment of everything is based on its ecosystem. For example, in the case of
crops- the living soil; for animals- the farm ecosystem; for fish and marine organisms- the
aquatic environment. The ecological cycles are universal but the operation is site-
specific. Organic management and production must be adapted to local conditions,
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ecology, culture and scale. There needs to be reduction of inputs using principles of
recycle and reuse. It should attain ecological balance through the design of farming
systems, establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultural diversity.

c. Principle of fairness
Organic agriculture needs to be built on fairness with regard to common environment and
life opportunity. This principle emphasizes on those involved in organic agriculture
should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels like
farmers, workers, processors, distributors, traders and consumers. Organic agriculture
should provide everyone involved with a good quality of life, and should contribute to
food sovereignty and reduction of poverty. Social and ecological just should be
maintained in every level of production and consumption and accounted for real
environmental and social cost.

d. Principle of Care
Organic agriculture should maintain on precautionary and responsible manner such that it
does not harm the health and well-being of present and future generation and
environment. Enhancing efficiency and productivity should not be in the cost of
jeopardizing health and well-being. As there is not any complete understanding of
ecosystem and agriculture, it should be carried taking care and avoiding the risks. There
also need of revising the old technologies and assessment of new technologies but risk
should be prevented by adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable
ones, such as genetic engineering. There should be maintenance of transparency,
participation of all who might be affected which taking the decision.

Hence, these are the four principles of Organic Agriculture that needs to be followed in
each and every step of farming, processing, distribution, or consumption.

9. What is the role of renewable energy sources in organic agriculture?

Renewable resources are the energy sources which are not finite and can be replenished.
Renewable energy can address many concerns related to fossil energy use. It produces
little or no environmental emissions and does not rely on imported fuels.

a. Solar energy:
The Sun delivers yearly more than 10,000 times the energy that humans currently use.
Solar technologies produce electrical or thermal energy. Photovoltaic cells (solar cells)
that convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar electric systems are used to provide
electricity for lighting, battery charging, small motors, water pumping, and electric
fences. Solar energy is also used for solarization of bed.
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b. Wind energy:
Wind technologies provide mechanical and electrical energy using wind turbines and free
from harmful environmental emission for organic agriculture. It can be used for running
farm machinery, pumps, air-conditioners and Poultry equipment. Wind is also used in
winnowing of recently threshed crops grains to separate it from husks, stalks, leaves, soils
etc.

c. Hydropower:
One of the most important input of agriculture is water for growth and development of
plants. Hydro energy is common source of electricity through which various farm
machineries and equipment runs.

d. Bio-energy:
Bio-energy is renewable energy made available from biological sources. Biomass (wood,
corn, cotton sticks, sugarcane, bagasse, soybeans, flowers, agriculture, livestock and
municipal waste etc.) can be converted into bio-energy from different processes (direct
combustion, thermo-chemical process, bio-chemical process, pyrolysis, anaerobic
fermentation, landfills, ethanol fermentation, bio-diesel etc.). Bio-energy can be used as
fuel (bio-gas, bio-ethanol, Bio-diesel) which provide for energy running farm machinery,
tractors, pumps etc. Bio- pesticides, bio-fertilizers, compost manures, vermicomposting
like important components of organic farming is produced through the biomass. Organic
agriculture is made possible through the bio-energy.

10. What is the role of organic agriculture in reducing the use of non-renewable source
of energies and impacts of climate change?
Organic agriculture considers the medium and long-term effect of agricultural
interventions on the agroecosystem. It aims to produce food while establishing an
ecological balance to prevent soil nutrient depletion and pest problems. Organic
agriculture takes a proactive measure as opposed to treating problems after their
emergence. Organic agriculture system is based on living ecological system and cycles,
work along with it, imitate them and help in its sustainability. It follows the concept of
reuse, reduce and recycle. There is maximum use of biological renewable resources for
fertilizers, pesticides, and prevent the use of synthetic products, chemicals. This practice
reduces the energy (mostly non-renewable energies like natural gas, liquid petroleum,
coals, etc.) used in big manufacturer plants. Organic agriculture uses the renewable
sources more and go for saving non renewable energy sources.

IMPACTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

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Along with the reduction of use of non-renewable sources, it decreases the harmful
emission of gases (greenhouse gases) by the coal, petroleum, diesel etc. It reduces the
chemicals fertilizers and pesticidal residues in the environment using biological sources.
These practices avoid most of pollution like air pollution, land pollution, water pollution.
Depletion of ozone layer and global warming is also checked by reduce use of fossil
fuels-reduced emission of greenhouse gases and carbon sequestration in soil. The
management practices used by organic agriculture (e.g. minimum tillage, returning crop
residues to the soil, the use of cover crops and crop rotation, and the greater integration of
nitrogen-fixing legumes) increase the return of carbon to the soil, raising productivity and
favoring carbon storage. The more the organic carbon stored in soil, the more mitigation
of climate change impacts.

11. What is the role of animal component in organic farming system? Give examples.
a. Pasture and crop establishment
Livestock can help in preparation of ground for planting. For example, they can assist
with stubble management by grazing and trampling stubble while Planting seeds and
ensuring good seed-to-soil contact, breaking soil crusts that interfere with seed
germination and rain water absorption, pruning plants to keep them productive,
knocking down weeds, Mulching the soil surface with trampled vegetation etc.

b. Nutrient cycling
Nutrients like Nitrogen fixed by legumes and other nutrients consumed by animals
during grazing are returned to soil via manure and urine. In feedlots, it is necessary to
store and dispose of manure and urine in an environmentally acceptable manner.

c. Weed control
Livestock are used extensively for weed control on organic farms. For example, they
can graze down weeds either before sowing a crop or after crop establishment for
weed control and to enhance tillering and animals selectively graze out weeds and
avoid the less palatable crop.

d. Insect and disease control

The pasture phase in a mixed cropping system builds a critical fertility and structure
building phase into rotations and interrupts the potential for the build-up of insects
and disease.

e. Land preparation for cropping

For countless millions of farmers, still draught animal power is the best option for
land preparation. For e.g. Farm animals such as ox(cows), horses, pigs can ‘plough’
rough or new land before planting vegetables or grains, reducing tillage and weed
control costs.
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f. Soil water storage
Farm animals create biological aeration which results in greater soil water storage
capacity and the increase in the level of organic matter. Consequently, manure
contributes to reducing soil bulk density and compaction, in addition to increasing
soil aggregate stability, water infiltration and retention.

g. Production of energy
The dung of animals like cow, horse, donkey and goat is used to provide the manure
which is used for the production of biogas and energy for household use (e.g.
cooking, lighting) or for rural industries. Fuel in the form of biogas or dung cakes can
replace charcoal and wood.

12. What are the problems of organic certification in Nepal? What are the possible
ways for solving those problems?
In Nepal there are various private organizations that provide certification to organic
farming and its products. However, there are no any government organizations till date
providing certification. Organic Certification is the process of certifying producer who
produces organic agricultural products and organic foods and guided by certain standards
which involve process of growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping that is in
consent with the act and regulation that is documented by a certificate of organic
operation.

The major problems of organic certification in Nepal are:

1. Due to the lack of certification body both government and non-government
institutions, certification of international organic product chains has become a
complicated and costly service for producer and consumers.
2. Limited awareness of group certification among small & medium farmers
3. Small and medium-sized Nepalese organic producers are not able to access
international markets
4. Inadequate understanding of how organic certification works: Organic certification is
a production process certification as opposed to a product certification. Therefore,
organic certification is a process and not an instant action.
5. Inadequate technical capacity to develop certifiable production operations
6. Increasing number of new regulations
7. Multiple accreditation by certification body
8. Need of Multiple certification to meet the International standard.
Nevertheless, there are several challenge and constraints ahead. In order to overcome
these challenges, investment in the organic sector is needed. Similarly, the growing
divergence in standards and regulations is a threat to the development of this sector.
Harmonization has now become a necessity for fostering organic certification and it
needs to be saved from self-destruction. Many actors including government
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organizations, NGOs, private sector and farmers should be involved in different steps of
organic agriculture promotion and certification. All these efforts from several
stakeholders would provide a strong backing in the days to come for the further
institutionalization of organic certification in Nepal.
Solutions to the challenges of organic certification in Nepal:
1. Proper coordination between governmental, non-governmental and farmer groups.
2. Cheap certification procedures should be managed.
3. Prioritizing of organic products from top levels.
4. Norms should be farmer friendly.
5. Subsidies should be provided to farmers for certification.

13. What are the challenges in marketing and trading of organic products in Nepal?
What are the possible ways for solving those problems?
Nepal produces various organic products like tea, honey, cardamom, vegetables etc. But
due to lack of efficient marketing and trading channels these organic products lacks
proper market price in and outside the country. The major problems of organic products
marketing in Nepal can be briefly shown as follows:
a. Problem of transportation:
Poor transportation facilities is one of the major problem for organic products
marketing and trading in Nepal. Nepal is a hilly country with rocky topographic
features and lacks efficient transportation facilities throughout the country. So, it is
difficult to transport the organic products from one part of the country to another. For
e.g. the Cave wild bees Honey have high medicinal value and highly demanded in the
world market. But due to lack of transportation, study and proper harvesting it is
unable to reach the proper markets.
b. Lack of storage
The storage problem is another problem for organic market in Nepal. Most of the
farmers in Nepal are poor. They do not have sufficient storage capacity for their
production. There is no sufficient cold storage facilities in Nepal.
c. Predominance of middleman
d. There is predominance of intermediaries in organic markets in Nepal. Middlemen
purchases organic products from producers at low price and sell them to the
costumers at higher prices. Thus, the producers won’t get the justifiable price for their
products.
e. Lack of Promotional activities
There is lack of promotional activities in Nepal. Promotional activities like
advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, etc. are not widely used for organic
products. Due to lack of advertisements of organic products consumers do not get
more information about price, availability, etc. of organic products.
f. Lack of Technical knowledge
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Lack of technical knowledge is another problem for Nepalese Organic markets.
Farmers are not getting technical knowledge about the process of marketing of
products. They are still not aware of it.
g. Lack of Certifying Agencies
Organic Certification is important for proper marketing of the products. But most of
the certifying agencies are centralized within the cities and most of the farmers are
out of reach to these agencies. Thus, certifying agencies should be scattered all
around the country so that producers as well as consumers can take benefits from
them.
h. Lack of Governmental norms and prioritizing the organic products.

Solutions:
1. Proper transportation facilities connecting every nooks and corners of the country.
2. More participation of organic retailers in advice and other marketing communication
actions.
3. Improving traceability, origin, and information by regulating the distribution
channels. There are serious shortcomings at the moment.
4. A variety of marketing channels should be promoted because that is what the
diversity of consumers of organic foodstuffs call for. This has been one of the
important points to come up in the consultation carried out by the Commission.
5. More efforts of public administration and governments in the promotion of sector and
information campaigns about the benefits of organic products, conferences, and so on.