See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/334094072

A Classification of Agronomic Crop Species based on Use Values

Conference Paper · June 2019

CITATION READS

1 18,953

2 authors:

Ramkrishna Neupane Tek Prasad Gotame

Forum for Rural Development and Agriculture Reform for Development, Chitwan … Nepal Agricultural Research Council
25 PUBLICATIONS 162 CITATIONS 55 PUBLICATIONS 234 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Ramkrishna Neupane on 28 June 2019.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

Working Groups of Agricultural Plant Genetic

Resources (APGRs) in Nepal (BK Joshi and R
Shrestha, eds). Proc. National Workshop, 21-22
June 2018, Kathmandu. NAGRC, Nepal

A Classification of Agronomic Crop Species based on Use Values

Ram Krishna Neupane1 and Tek Prasad Gotame2
1
FORWARD Nepal, Bharatpur Chitwan, Nepal; @: rkneupane61@gmail.com
2
Regional Agricultural Research Station, Parwanipur, Bara; gotame@gmail.com

Abstract
Agronomic crop species have been grouped based on the primary use of crops and their role in food security,
income generation to the households, and their commercial or trade potential. Based on the criteria, the
agronomic crops grown in Nepal are classified into 1. Food crops further subdivided into cereals, pulse crops,
oilseed crops and root and tuber crops, 2. Industrial and or commercial crops or plantation crops, 3. Beverage
crops, 4. Fiber crops, 5. Manuring plants, 6. Insecticidal/Pesticides plants and 7. Trap crops. Major food crops
grown in Nepal include cereals and pseudo cereals (28 spp.), pulse crops (27 spp.), oils crops (17 spp.), and
perennial oil yielding plants (8 spp.), and root and tuber crops (7 spp.). Major industrial/ plantation crops
include 9 species, fiber crops (6 spp.), beverage crops (3 spp.), manuring plants (32 spp.), and insecticidal
plants (64 spp.). However, some crops are included in more than one category based on its use diversity and
planting practices. Cotton, for example, is a fiber crop while the cottonseed is used for oil extraction.
Distribution of the crops, their utilization, and status of germplasm conservation of these crops have been
summarized

Keywords: Classification, agronomic crops, food crops, industrial crops, fiber crops

Introduction
A crop is any useful plant or a plant grown for any purpose. People use the crop directly or indirectly
in raw or processed form. The crops are intentionally grown or managed for various uses. Use of
crops often differs across geographical regions, cultural preferences, and sociocultural values. As
distinct from botanical classification, several species of crops may fall under one classification based
on use values. The same crop can be accommodated in different categories based on diversity in its
use (ICI 2010). For example, cotton primarily is a fiber crop, whereas the cottonseed is used for the
extraction of oil. In the context of Nepal, food crops are plants grown mainly for the harvesting of
any part, which is used by people as food or processed. Thus, food crops include cereals and pseudo
cereals, pulses, oilseeds and roots and tuber crops. Root and tuber crops such as potato and sweet
potato are important sources of energy. Commercial or industrial crops include crops raised for
commercial purposes such as areca nut, large cardamom, olive, coconut, sugarcane, ginger and
turmeric. Coffee, tea and tobacco are included in beverage crops while cotton, jute, century plant
and Himalayan nettle as fiber crops.

Food Crops
Cereal Crops
Cereal crops rice, maize, wheat, barley, sorghum, millet and others are mainly annual herbaceous
plants belonging to the family Poaceae and are grown for their edible seeds. Paddy, maize, wheat
and finger millet account for 44.1%, 26.3%, 21.0% and 7.5% respectively area under food crops.
Their contribution in national food security is 53.5%, 23.9%, 19.0% and 3.1% respectively (MoAD
2017). Rice is grown from Tarai to the high hill. Wheat is the third most important crop after rice and
maize in Nepal. Maize, a staple crop of mid hill is also cultivated in Tarai. Maize is a staple crop of
hills of Nepal, however, in the Tarai, cultivation of winter maize is in increasing trends to meet the
increasing demand of feed industries. Finger millet is the fifth most important crop of Nepal after
rice maize, wheat, and legumes in terms of area and production, and cultivated from Tarai to the

70
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

mid hill. In the mid hill maize/ millet cropping system is popular and it is important for food and
nutritional security in both mid hill and mountain. Besides providing food grains, crop residues of
cereals, paddy straw, maize stover and straw of finger millets (Nal) are important feedstuffs to the
livestock. Apart from their role in the supply of edible starch, cereals are sources of industrial raw
materials. Other crops of minor importance, which contribute to food security are buckwheat, grain
amaranths and barley. Twenty-eight species of cereals and pseudo cereals grown in the country are
listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Cereals and pseudo cereals grown in Nepal

SN English Name Nepali Name Botanical Name Family
1 Barley Jau Hordium vulgare L. Poaceae
Barn yard/Japanese/ Sanwa Sama Echinochloa frumentacea Link Poaceae
2
millet
3 Bread wheat Gahun Triticum aestivum L. Poaceae
4 Common buckwheat Mithe Faper Fagopyrum esculentum Moench Poaceae
5 Dent corn Dante Makai Zea mays var. indentata (Sturtev.) L.H. Poaceae
Bailey
6 Durum wheat Suji, Makroni Triticum turgidum L. Poaceae
Gahun
7 Finger millet Kodo Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. Poaceae
8 Flint corn Pahenlo, Seto Zea mays var. indurata (Sturtev.) Poaceae
Makai L.H.Bailey
9 Foxtail millet Kagunu Setaria italica (L.) Beauv. Poaceae
10 Foxtail amaranth Jhule Latte Amaranthus caudatus L. Poaceae
11 Grain amaranth Ramdana, Amaranthus cruentus L Poaceae
Latte, Marse
12 Green pigweed/amaranth Hariyo Latte Amaranthus gracilis Desf. Poaceae
13 Kodo millet Dhankodo, Paspalum scrobiculatum L. Poaceae
Kodi
14 Little millet Kutki Sama Panicum miliare Lam. L. Poaceae
15 Maize Makai Zea mays L. Poaceae
16 Naked barley Uwa, Karu Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f. Poaceae
17 Pearl millet Bajra Ghoge Pennisetum typhoides (Burm.f.) Stapf & Poaceae
C.E.Hubb.
18 Pod corn Kali Makai Zea mays var. tunicata A. St. Hil. Poaceae
19 Pop corn Murali Makai Zea mays var. everta (Sturtev.) L.H.Bailey Poaceae
20 Proso millet/hog millet Chino Panicum miliaceum L. Poaceae
21 Prickly amaranth Banlunde Amaranthus spinosus L. Poaceae
22 Princess feather Dana Latte Amaranthus hypochondrias L. Poaceae
23 Rice Dhan Oriza sativa L. Poaceae
24 Six rowed barley Chha Hare Hordeum hexastichon L. Poaceae
Jau
25 Sorghum Junelo Sorghum vulgare Pers. Poaceae
26 Sweet corn Guliyo Makai Zea mays var. saccharata Poaceae
(Sturtev.)L.H.Bailey
27 Two rowed barley Dui Hare Hordeum distichon L. Poaceae
Gahun
28 Tartary buckwheat Tite Faper, Fagopyrum tataricum L. Gaertn Poaceae
Bhate Faper
Source: Bhatta et al 2017, Ghimire et al 2017

Pulses
Food legumes that are utilized as dry beans are referred as pulses. Pulses are members of the
Fabaceae family cultivated for edible seeds. 27 species of food legumes are grown in the country.

71
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

Lentil, pigeonpea, chickpea, blackgram, mungbean, grasspea, horsegram, cowpea, common bean,
ricebean, pea, and fababean are important pulse crops of Nepal (Table 2). Soybean defined by FAO
as an oil crop, is used as a food crop in the hill region where it plays an important role in maize based
cropping system and provides dietary protein to the people. Pulses are important in terms of their
contribution to the dietary protein supply to the people and maintenance of soil fertility through
symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Legume crop residues are important constituents of livestock feed.
These crops occupy 10.5% of cultivated land in Nepal. Winter pulses lentil, chickpea and grasspea
account for 71% in area and 73% in production. Among cultivated pulses, lentil occupies a prominent
place with its contribution of 63.5% in area and 67.2% in production of total pulses (MoAD 2017). It
is one of the important crops identified for export (NTIS 2010). In yam bean [Pachyrhizus erosus (L.)
Urb.], the edible part is tuber and is eaten raw after peeling out the skin, whereas leaves, fruits and
roots of winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.] are consumed as food. Besides, pulse
crops have special socio-cultural and religious significance in the Nepali community (Neupane et al
2017)

Table 2. Major pulse crops grown in Nepal

SN English Name Nepali Name Botanical Name Family
1 Adzuki bean Rato Maslahari Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi. & H.Ohashi Fabaceae
2 Blackgram Mas Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper Fabaceae
Bakula Simi Fabaceae
3
Broad bean (Sanu) Vicia faba L. var. eu faba minor
4 Broad bean Bakula Simi Vicia faba L. var. eu faba major Fabaceae
5 Chickpea Chana Cicer arietinum L. Fabaceae
6 Cluster bean Jhuppe Simi Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. syn. Fabaceae
Cyamopsis psoralioides (Lam.) DC.
7 Cowpea Bodi Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Fabaceae
Khesari, Latara, Lathyrus sativus L. Fabaceae
8
Grasspea Matara
French bean, Simi, Ashare Phaseolus vulgaris L. Fabaceae
9
Common bean Simi
10 Horsegram Gahat Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. Fabaceae
11 Jackbean Kjunde Simi Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. Fabaceae
12 Lablab bean Tate Simi Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, syn. Dolichos Fabaceae
lablab L.
13 Lentil Musuro Lens culinaris subsp. Culinaris L. Fabaceae
14 Lima bean, Simi Phaseolus lunatus L. Fabaceae
butter bean
15 Mothbean Kulthi Vigna aconitifolius (Jacq.) Marechal Fabaceae
16 Mungbean Mungi Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek Fabaceae
17 Pea Matar Kerau Pisum sativum L. Fabaceae
18 Pea Sanu Kerau Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Asch. & Fabaceae
Graebn.
19 Pigeonpea Rahar Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Fabaceae
20 Rice bean Masyang, Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & H.Ohashi Fabaceae
Siltung, Gurans,
Jhilinge
21 Scarlet runner Simi Phaseolus coccineus L. Fabaceae
bean
22 Soybean Bhatmas Glycine max (L.) Merr. Fabaceae
23 Sword bean Tarbare Simi Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. Fabaceae
24 Tepary bean Simi Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray Fabaceae
25 Velvet bean Kause Simi Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., syn. Mucuna Fabaceae
cochinchinense (Lour.) A. Chev., syn. Dolichos
pruriens L., syn. Stizolobium pruriens (L.)

72
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

SN English Name Nepali Name Botanical Name Family

26 Winged bean Charkoni Simi, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC Fabaceae
Patesimi
27 Yam bean Keshour Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb. Fabaceae

Oil Crops
Oil crops include crops which are grown for extracting oils that are used in cooking (edible oil), for
fuel, for cosmetics, for medical purposes, or for industrial purposes. Oilseed crops are important
cash crops of Nepal and contribute to 6.95% of the total cultivated area in the country and rank sixth
after paddy, maize, wheat, millets and pulses in terms of acreage. Oil crops are rich source of
minerals, proteins, and vitamins. In addition, oils and fats of plant origin are superior to that of
animal origin (Chaudhary 2008). Although 17 species of oil crops are grown in the country, only
seven crops namely rapeseed (Tori), yellow sarson, rayo, groundnut, sesame, niger and linseed are
important in terms of area and production (Table 3). Other oilseed crops are cultivated in a smaller
scale. Rapeseed (Tori) is the major oilseed crop cultivated in all agro-ecological regions of the
country. Linseed is the second important crop after rapeseed mustard. Linseed contains 37-40% oil
and the oil is used in varnishes, paints, lubricants, preservatives, resins, printing inks, industrial
coatings etc. Niger seed has 36-42% oil used for cooking, lightening and preparation of soap. Sesame
'queen of oilseeds' contains 40-60% oil with high quality polyunsaturated stable fatty acids, which
resists rancidity. Groundnut is used as both food crop and used in extraction of edible oil. Castor, an
industrial oil crop is wildly grown in the wasteland and safflower (Kusum) is confined in kitchen
garden in central Tarai. Castor seed contains 40-45% oil but it is inedible. It has many industrial and
medicinal uses. Dehydrated castor oil is used in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, soaps
detergents, surfactants and cosmetics. Roasted seeds of perrila (Shilam) are ground to prepare spicy
chutney. The oil from perilla seeds is used for cooking purposes, and the oil cake is consumed raw or
fed to cattle. The seeds and leaves of perilla are also used for flavoring curries.

Besides annual oil crops, oil is also extracted from perennial oil yielding plants growing naturally such
as Himalayan cherry (Dhatelo), olive (Jaitun), walnut, honey tree (Mahuwa), butter tree (Chiuri), and
cannabis (bhang), and the oil is utilized for various purposes. Olive plantation has been promoted
through various projects implemented by the government of Nepal. Oil extracted from cottonseeds
is used in various industries. Sal (Shorea robusta L.) seeds contain 30% oil and oil is being extracted
from seeds collected from the natural sal forest.

Table 3. Oil crops and oil yielding plants of Nepal

SN English Name Nepali Name Botanical Name Family
Annual oil crops
1 Castor Ander Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae
2 Groundnut Badam Arachis hypogaea L. Fabaceae
3 Linseed Alus, Tisi Linum usitatissimum L. Linaceae
4 Mustard Rayo Brassica juncea L. ‎Brassicaceae
5 Mustard/Black mustard Kalo Tori Brassica nigra (L.) K.Koch ‎Brassicaceae
6 Mustard/ Karan rai Rai Brassica carinata A. Braun ‎Brassicaceae
7 Mustard/ Rayo Rayo, Rainchi Brassica juncea (L.) Czer ‎Brassicaceae
8 Niger Jhusetil Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass. ‎Asteraceae
9 Perilla Shilam Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton Lamiaceae
10 Rapeseed/ brown Sarsyaun Brassica rapa L. ssp. brown sarson Brassicaceae
sarson
11 Rapeseed/ Gobhi Govi Brassica napus L. Brassicaceae
sarson Sarsyaun
12 Rapeseed/ Taramira Taramira Eruca sativa Mill. Brassicaceae
13 Rapeseed/ Toria Tori Brassica rapa L. ssp. Brassicaceae

73
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

SN English Name Nepali Name Botanical Name Family

14 Rapeseed/ Yellow Pahenlo Brassica rapa L. ssp. Yellow Sarson Brassicaceae
Sarson Sarsyaun
15 Safflower Kusum Carthamus tinctorius L. ‎Asteraceae
16 Sesamum Til Sesamum indium L. Pedaliaceae
17 Sunflower Suryamukhi Helianthus annus L. Asteraceae
18 Cotton seed Jyapu Gossypium arboretum L. ‎Malvaceae
Gossypium barbadense L
Perennial oil yielding plants
1 Bhango Bhang Cannabis sativa L. Cannabaceae
Butter tree Chiuri Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H.J. Sapotaceae
2 lam
3 Honey tree Mahuwa Bassia latifolia Roxb. ‎Sapotaceae
4 Husked coconut Nariwal Cocos nucifera L. Arecaceae
5 Himalayan cherry Dhatelo Prinsepia utilis (Royle) Rosaceae
6 Olive Loto, Luntho Olea cuspidate Wall. & G. Don, Oleaceae
Olea grandiflora Wall.ex G.Don
Olive Jaitun Olea europaea var. sativa (O. sativa Oleaceae
Hoffm. & Link
7 Walnut Okhar Juglans regia L. ‎Juglandaceae
8 Sal Sal Shorea robusta L. Dipterocarpaceae

Roots and Tuber Crops

Roots and tuber crops are plants with modified, swollen root or underground stem. These organs are
sources of carbohydrates and used as staple food or as raw materials for industries or processed into
various food products. These are main source of energy and consumed as food in the mountains and
in some communities. Apart from carbohydrates, these crops also contain some protein and fat.
Roots and tuber crops contain carbohydrates (16-24% of their total weight) with some protein and
fat (0-2% each) (Wheatley et al 1995). Nine species of root and tuber crops have been used as food
in various regions of Nepal (Table 4). Among them, potato, sweet potato, taro, yam, elephant foot
yam (Ol) and cassava are common root and tuber crops. Rural people are mostly involved in utilizing
root and tuber crops (Khatri et al 2017)

In Chepangs’ areas, the people are dependent on wild root and tuber crops like Tarul, Bhyakur, and
Gittha. In the mountain and high hill areas, potato is used to be consumed a food crop. Now,
because of economic development and access of transportation, the use of rice and other cereals is
in the rise. However, in some hills and inaccessible areas, potato, yam and tubers crops supply bulk
of their energy requirement. Potato is a major tuber crop cultivated in 1,99,971 ha with the average
productivity of 14.01 t/ha (MoAD 2016). Sweet potato, yam, elephant foot yam (ol) and other tuber
crops are cultivated sparsely though out the country. Eleven varieties of potato have been released
and promising landraces are evaluated and conserved by National Potato Research Program (NPRP),
Khumaltar.

Table 4. Important roots tuber crop species in Nepal

SN English Name Nepali Name Botanical Name Family
1 Potato Alu Solanum tuberosum L. Solanaceae
Taro Pindalu, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) ‎Araceae
2
Karkalo
3 Yam Tarul Dioscorea alata L. Dioscoreaceae
4 Cassava Simul Tarul Manihot esculenta Crantz E‎ uphorbiaceae
Elephant foot yam Ole Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) ‎Araceae
5
Nicolson
6 Peruvian ground Bhuin Syau Smallanthus sonchifolius (poepp.) H.Rob. Asteraceae

74
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

SN English Name Nepali Name Botanical Name Family

apple
7 Sweet potato Sakharkhand Ipomoea batatus (L.) Lam. Convolvulaceae
Potato yam, air Gittha Dioscorea bulbifera L. ‎Dioscoreaceae
8
potato
Deltoid yam (Wild) Bhyakur Dioscorea nepalensis (Jacquem. ex Prain ‎Dioscoreaceae
9
& Burkill) Sweet ex Bernardi
Source: Khatri et al 2017, KC et al 2017

Industrial Crops
Industrial crops are those crops grown to enhance income generation of farmers, increase
availability of raw materials to agro-based industries along with employment opportunities and
contribute to import substitution. For the promotion of industrial crops in Nepal, National Industrial
Crop Development Program (NICDP) was established in 2004 under Department of Agriculture.
NICDP has included cotton, jute, rubber, and sugarcane as industrial crops. Plantation crops are
planted in large area and products are processed at the home or industries and packed before selling
to market. These crops are cultivated for long period in the orchard or field in a large-scale farm that
specializes in cash crops, which may be annual such as groundnut or perennials such as rubber.
Therefore, we have used the term plantation, industrial, or cash crops interchangeably. Industrial
crops include areca nut, large cardamom, coconut, rubber and sugarcane, ginger and turmeric.
There is overlapping of crops across classification for example rubber is a plantation and industrial
crop as well, and jute, a fiber crop is also an industrial crop (Table 5).

Areca Nut
Areca nut (Areca catechu L.) commonly referred, as betel nut is one of the important plantation crop
concentrated mostly in Jhapa district (MoAC 2012. It is easily confused with betel (Piper betle) leaves
that are often used to wrap it (paan). Arecanut is an important constituent of Pan Parag consumed
widely in the Indian subcontinent. Apart from commercial value, arecanut has a religious cultural
significance. In Hindu puja ceremony, supari symbolizes the deity Ganesh and it is used for extending
invitation to guests. It is extensively used in Hindu religious rites of birth, marriage, and nuptial and is
also offered to guests as a mark of hospitality. Popular varieties grown in Nepal are Kalika
Bangladeshi, Shree Durga Puja/Ganesh Supari, Chhali, Pakistani Sathiya, Jahaji, Aasame, Manipure,
Mohitnagar, Kamrup, Mangala and Guwa supari (MoAC 2012). Farmers and traders have introduced
these varieties in an informal way from India and adjacent countries. Though farmers are trying to
be commercial, there is lack of sufficient research on arecanut in variety improvement, agronomy,
processing and marketing. Annual production of 14,325 mt from 3,965 ha with average productivity
of 3.64 mt/ha has been reported (MoAD 2016).

Large Cardamom
Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is one of the commercial crops of Nepal and is
identified as a priority exportable commodity by National Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS 2016). In
Nepal, over 21960 households in 51 districts are engaged in its farming (MoAD 2017, Shrestha
et al 2018), area is concentrated mainly in Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung, Dhankuta, Terhathum,
Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur districts (MoAD 2015). In Nepal, cardamom is used in meat dishes, and
a wide range of beverages and sweats. Moreover, it is used for flavoring curies, cake bread,
confectioneries and disinfectants, stimulants and even as aphrodisiac. Nepali spices flavor foods and
their intrinsic values make them distinctly superior in terms of taste, color and fragrance due to its
aroma. The crop was introduced in 1865 from India, and its commercial cultivation only started from
1953 in Ilam district of Nepal (Ojha 1998). Cardamom Development Centre was established in
Pandam, Ilam district during 1975 for the promotion of this crop. Total area under this crop is
15,700 ha.

75
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

National Commercial Agriculture Research Program (NCARP), Pakhribas is mandated to conduct

research in large cardamom. The station has collected and conserved Ramsey, Golsey, Dambarsey,
Bharlange, Sawane and Jirmale cultivars of large cardamom in research station to evaluate and
characterize cultivars for different agro-eco zones (ARSP 2012). Based on field survey, Chaudhary
and Subedi (2015) reported that Ramsey cultivar of large cardamom was found more adapted
(48.48% of the respondents) to high hill region above 1400 meter above sea level. Golsey cultivar
was popular (28.43%) in all of the surveyed districts while Jirmale, Salakpure and Pakhe Alaichi were
cultivated by the farmers in lower altitude of Ilam district for their drought tolerant nature. Chivesey,
a small capsule cultivar, was also preferably grown by the farmers (14.29%) for tolerance to abiotic
stresses. NCARP and ARS Pakhribas has collected and maintained 15 local germplasm of cardamom
(NCARP 2017).

Olive
Olive is a perennial plant and its seeds are used for extraction of edible oil. Olive oil is of high quality
and is used for the treatment of cancer and various skin diseases. Olive oil fetches up to 2500 rupees
per liter in the Nepali market. Wild olives (Olea cuspidata Wall. & G. Don, and Olea grandiflora
Wall.ex G.Don) is found growing along the Bheri riverside in Dolpa district. The cultivated species
Olea europia has been introduced and evaluated in Nepal through various projects (DoA 1999).
Three commercial olive varieties Nuovo, Nabali, and Manzanilla were introduced from Israel in 1978
by the Hill Agriculture Development Project (Nep/73/004) and were planted at Horticulture Centers
at Kirtipur, Jumla, and Marpha. The Himalaya Plantation Private Limited (HPPL) introduced some
olive varieties from HP (India), France and Italy and planted at Thaiba of Lalitpur district in 1992 and
in Chitlang area of Makwanpur district during 1996 and 1997. During the Phase II of Horticulture
Development Project supported by JICA, two cultivars Mission and Rakka were introduced and
planted at Kirtipur Horticulture Center in 1994. Mr Ram Chandra Paudel, then Agriculture Minister
brought four cultivars from Egypt namely, Toffahi, Hamed, Picual and Manzanilla; they were planted
at the center in 1996. The FAO supported TCP project also introduced 18 cultivars from the Olive-
World Germplasm Bank, Cordaba, Spain in 1998 and planted at Horticulture Center of Godavari,
Lalitpur both for germplasm conservation and for establishing mother plant block. For varietal
adaptability studies, they were planted in Juphal of Dolpa district, Ghasa of Mustang district and
District Agricultural Development Office of Dadeldhura in 1999. Mr BR Dhakal and BD Karmacharya
also brought three cultivars namely, Sorani, Zeity and Kaissy in 1998 from Syria, and planted at
Godavari, Ghasa and Juphal in 1999. In pilot olive cultivation project in Bajura, 28 species of olive
were planted in the land owned by Jana Prakash Higher Secondary School, Kolti. Potential districts
for olive plantation include Bajhang, Achham, Rukum and Jajarkot.

Rubber
Rubber plant (Hevea braziliansis L.) is a source of latex, which is processed into natural rubber.
Rubber plantation is of very recent history in Nepal. Rubber plantation was initiated by an
Entrepreneur JP Dhakal in 1970. Due to political social and economic barriers, area has not been
expanded and the total area under rubber cultivation is only 150 ha with average latex productivity
of 1796 kg/ha. The total production so far is 20 t per year while consumption is 12,000 t. Projected
national requirement of rubber by 2020 is over 20,000 t per year (http://irjr-n.org/?p=138). To meet
its domestic requirement, Nepal imports rubber from Korea, India and other countries
(http://slideplayer.com/slide/2620320/). With the establishment of Gorakhkali Rubber Industry Ltd.
and its research with the joint venture, Sudha Falrus Pvt. Ltd, Jhapa, Pioneer Pilot Project was set up
in 1990. Results from 18 years of performance study on Hevea cultivation showed its high potential
in the eastern Tarai districts namely Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari and lower parts of Ilam. Rubber
plantation has now spread to Budhabare, Dhaijan, Surunga, Prithinagar of Jhapa, among smallholder
farmers. Farmers have planted rubber varieties RRIM 600, RRIE 150, GT in those areas. To promote
rubber plantation in Nepal, Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) Nepal signed a partnership agreement

76
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

with Institute of Rubber-Jatropha Research (IRJR) Nepal. There is a need of research on variety
improvement and agronomic management in rubber.

Sugarcane
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is the largest cash and industrial crop grown in the country. It
is grown in all agro-ecological zones. The favorable climatic, edaphic and topographic conditions
make the southern parts of Nepal a suitable region for commercial sugarcane farming. Nepal
produces 4.34 million tons cane from 80,931 ha area with an average productivity of 53.70 t/ha
(MoAD 2017). The domestic production is quite inadequate to meet the demand of 14 sugar mills
operating in the country (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313252356). Four varieties of
sugarcane have so far been released for general cultivation these are: Jitpur-1 Jitpur-2, Jitpur-3 and
Jitpur-4. In the hills, sugarcane is used for chewing and making Sakhhar. 20 landraces of sugarcane
have been recorded in the mid hill of Nepal. National Sugarcane Research Program (NSRP) has
collected and maintained 275 germplasm of sugarcane. Because of the diversity of growing
conditions, local landraces from the hills needs to be collected, characterized, and used in variety
improvement works (Poudel et al 2017).

Coconut
Although considered as an oil crop in other countries, in Nepal coconut (Cocos nucifera L) fruit is
mostly used for fresh juice, fresh fruit and the fruit being increasingly used as offering to Goddess.
Total annual production of 5,044 metric tons from 375 ha area and the average productivity of 15.12
t/ha has been recorded (MoAD 2017). There is an urgent need to initiate variety evaluation and
improvement of this important emerging industrial crop.

Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is an important cash crop grown in the mid hill, Tarai and high hill.
Nepal is the third largest ginger producer in the world with the productivity of 12 t/ha. The crop is
cultivated in 21,869 ha with total production of 271,873 metric tons. It is one of the most important
exportable spices. Only one variety Kapurkot Aduwa-1 has been released for cultivation, and Ginger
Development Program Kapurkot has collected, evaluated and maintained 90 genotypes (GRP 2014).
The fiberless (bose) and with fiber (nase) are two types of ginger grown in Nepal. Dharkhani and
Malneta of Salyan and Hatuwa of Bhojpur are well known for fiberless ginger production.

Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma domestica Valeton) is an important cash crop largely used as a condiment in food
preparation. The medicinal and therapeutic values of turmeric have been documented. The crop is
cultivated in 6,901 ha with total production of 64,440 metric tons and average productivity of 9.33
t/ha. Variety Kapurkot Haledo-1 has been released and 64 turmeric genotypes evaluated and
maintained at Kapurkot (GRP 2014).

Table 5. Industrial/plantation crops grown in Nepal

English Nepali Botanical Name Family Distribution Varieties /Germplasm
Name Name
Arecanut Supari Areca catechu L. Arecaceae Jhapa Kalika Bangladeshi Shree
Morang Durga Puja/Ganesh Supari
Chhali, Pakistani Sathiya,
Jahaji, Aasame, Manipure,
Maidnagar, Mali and Guwa
supari

77
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

English Nepali Botanical Name Family Distribution Varieties /Germplasm

Name Name
Large Alaichi Amomum Zingiberace 37 districts Ramsey, Golsey, Dambarsey,
cardamom subulatum Roxb. ae Area Saune, Bharlange (Seto),
concentrated Bharlnage (Rato), Bharlange
in Ilam, (Seto Chhirkey), Bharlange
Panchthar, (Rato Chhirkey), Madhusey,
Taplejung, Sikkim 1,Sikkim 2, Chibe,
Dhankuta, Jirmale, Sirikhime, Seremna
Terhathum, maintained at field gene
Bhojpur, bank, ARS Pakhribas
Sankhuwasab
ha
Coconut Nariwal Cocos nucifera L. ‎Arecaceae Eastern to Hazari, Singapure, Kerala
central Tarai Dwarf
Jatropha Sajiwan Jatropha curcas L. E‎ uphorbiac Low and mid Hybrids introduced from
eae hills India in addition to local
varieties
Olive (wild) Jungali Olea cuspidata Humla, Local names Lotto, Luntho.
Jaitun Wall. & G. Don, Dolpa,
Rukum Bajura
1100-1800
Olea grandiflora Bajhang,
Wall.ex G.Don) 11530-1566
m
Olive Jaitun Olea europaea Bajura, 27 cultivars introduced by
var. sativa (O. Chitlang. FDD, Kirtipur through FAO
sativa Hoffm. & Kirtipur during 2004/05, in addition
Link Lamjung, to varieties Nuovo, Nabali,
Lalitpur Manzanilla, Mission, Rakka,
Toffali, Hammed, Picual,
Sorani, Zeity introduced
earlier in Nepal through
various programmes
Rubber Rabar Hevea braziliansis E‎ uphorbiac Jhapa Varieties RRIM 600, RRIE
L. eae 150, GT 1 are popular
Sugarcane Ukhu Saccharum Poaceae Tarai Jeetpur 1, Jeetpur 2, Jeetpur
officinarum L. 3, Jeetpur 4
Gemplams: 275 at NSRP
Turmeric Haledo Curcuma Z‎ ingiberace All over the Var: Kapurkot Haledo 1;
domestica ae country 64 genotypes maintained at
Valeton Kapurkot
Zinger Aduwa Zingiber officinale Z‎ ingiberace Midhills Var: Kapurkot Adhuwa 1
Rosc. ae Germplasm : 90 at GRP
Kapurkot

Beverage Crops
Coffee
Coffee is an important beverage crop introduced in Nepal in 1938 by a hermit Mr. Hira Giri who
brought some seeds of coffee from Sindu Province of Myanmar (the then Burma) and planted in
Aapchaur of Gulmi District for the first time in Nepal. Its cultivation has spread to 41 districts in the
mid hill of Nepal. Lalitpur, Gulmi, Palpa, Syangja, Kaski, Sindhupalchowk, and Kavre, are major
districts growing coffee (http://www.teacoffee.gov.np/en/detail.php). Currently, coffee is being
cultivated in 2,618 ha with annual production is 532 metric tons. Around 32,581 farmers are
involved in coffee cultivation (MoAD 2016). The country had exported 112 metric tons green bean in

78
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

fiscal year 2015/2016 mainly to South Korea, Japan, China and Germany, according to national tea
and coffee Development Board (NTCDB). The country is still a net importer of coffee due to low
production. Only two species Coffea arabica L. and Coffea robusta L. have been cultivated. Coffea
arabica has been said to be better in the highland and robusta in the lower altitude. Arabica
contributes to more than 90 percent of coffee produced in Nepal. 23 genotypes of coffee (Coffea
arabica L.) are conserved at Horticulture Research Station, Malepatan, and one genotype of Coffea
robusta L., Linden is conserved at Coffee Development Center (CDC), Aapchaur, Gulmi.

Tea
Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Kuntz is an important beverage crop of Nepal. The history of this crop
initiated with the establishment of Ilam Tea Estate in the hills of Ilam District in 1863. To help in the
development of tea industry, Government of Nepal declared five districts–
Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar, Dhankuta and Terhathum as Tea Zone of Nepal in 1982. Recently Nepali
orthodox tea has been given the collective trademark "Nepal Tea" which traders said would make it
easier to market the product abroad. The logo was registered with the Department of Industry in
2017 (Himalayan Orthodox Tea Producers’ Association (HOTPA). The total area and annual
production of tea in Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar, Dhankuta, Terathum and others districts is 20,747 ha
and 23,821 metric tons respectively (NTCB Nepal in statistical information of Nepalese Agriculture
2016). There are six major districts, primarily in the eastern regions of Nepal that are known for
producing quality orthodox tea, which are Panchthar, Dhankuta, Terhathum, Sindhupalchowk
and Kaski. Orthodox tea is a profitable crop that is unique to hillside farmers. CTC tea is produced in
Jhapa while orthodox tea with high quality is produced in hill districts. Agriculture Research Station
(ARS) Pakhribas with a mandate in research on tea has collected 17 genotypes namely Phoopu
Chiring-312, AV-2, TS-597, Happy Valley, Beneck Burn-157, Tinali, Ghumti selection, Takda-78,
Takda-383 and Fuftshering-312 and these genotypes are maintained in the field genebank.

Table 6. Beverage crops grown in Nepal

English Nepali Botanical Name Family Distribution Varieties /Germplasm
Name Name
Coffee Kofi Coffea arabica L. ‎Rubiaceae 41 districts: 25 genotypes maintained at
Area concentrated in HRS Malepatan
Lalitpur, Gulmi, 1 genotypes at Aap Chaur
C. robusta L. ‎Rubiaceae Palpa, Syangja, Kaski, Gulmi
Linden Kavre
Sindhupalchowk
Tea Chiya Camellia sinensis ‎Theaceae Jhapa, Ilam, Germplasm maintained at
(L.) Kuntz Panchthar, ARS Pakhribas: Phoopu
Dhankuta, Terathum Chiring-312, AV-2, TS-597,
Happy Valley, Beneck Burn-
157, Tinali, Ghumti
selection, Takda-78, Takda-
383 and Fuftshering-312
Tobacco Surti Nicotiana rustica ‎Solanaceae Sarlahi, Parsa, Var: Belachapi-1
L. Dhanusa, Siraha and Germplasm: 3
Nicotiana. Sunsari
tabacum L.

Tobacco
Two species Nicotiana rustica L. and Nicotiana tabacum L. are grown in Sarlahi, Parsa, Dhanusha,
Siraha and Sunsari districts. Only one variety Belachapi 1 is released and three germplasm are
maintained at ARS Belachapi. Because of the health hazards associated with this crop, commercial
cultivation has declined and the Tobacco Research Station Belachapi has been re-named as ARS
Belachhapi with a priority for research on other crops.

79
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

Fiber Crops
Fiber crops are field crops grown for their fibers and traditionally used to prepare cloth, rope,
Damlo, bags and other home products. Fiber crops are generally harvestable after a single growing
season, are different from perennial. Important fiber plants available in Nepal are cotton, jute,
century plant (Ketuki), Himalayan nettle (Allo) and Bhang. Cotton and jute are cultivated, whereas
century plant, nettle and bhang are found growing wild.

Cotton
Cotton, the ‘White gold’, is one of the important commercial crops playing a key role in the
economic, political and social affairs of the world. Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a
boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The fiber is
almost pure cellulose. Under natural condition, the cotton balls will tend to increase the dispersion
of the seeds. Traditionally perennial tree cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) was grown in mid hill and
Tarai of Nepal. This species is still available in mid hill and Tarai region (Ghimire 2016). Thread woven
from the fiber of tree cotton was used to prepare handloom cloth, the sacred thread (Janai) and
Batti for use in religious purpose. Cottonseeds called Jyapu in Nepali are used for the extraction of
industrial oil and the cake used in preparation of livestock feed. Cotton is the cash crop that has high
economic importance. Cotton contributes to fulfill one of the three basic human needs: “Gaas, Bass
and Kapas”. To fulfill the demands of textile industries, commercial cultivation of cotton was
initiated in Nepal since 1976 with establishment of Cotton Development Farm in Kumbhar, Bardia
through UNDP support. Gossypium barbadense – known as extra-long staple cotton, native to
tropical South America was introduced from USA and one variety Tamcot SP 37 was released for
cultivation. The other variety popular in Dang, Banke and Bardia districts is Indian variety H1098 that
has medium staple length. With the import of cheap synthetic cloth and the problem of cotton
bollworm, cotton farming is declining in Nepal. Germplasm of tree cotton grown (Gossypium
arborium L.) in the mid hill and Tarai needs collection and conservation.

Jute
Jute is an important fiber-yielding crop cultivated in the eastern region particularly Jhapa and
Morang. Two species Corchorus olitorius L. (dark jute or tossa) and Corchorus capsularis L. (white
jute) have been brought under cultivation. Tossa jute fiber is softer, silkier, and stronger than white
jute. Jute is currently grown in 8011 ha in Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Siraha, Saptari and Udaipur
districts (MoAD 2017). Two jute varieties have been released: Itahari 1 white leaves, Itahari 2
Sunaulo paat. Jute Research Program has collected altogether 180 germplasm of jute (Corchorus
capsularis L. and Corchorus olitarius L.) along with 30 germplasm of Hibiscus cannabinus from mid-
hill and Tarai of central and eastern development region of Nepal with the help of International Jute
Organization (IJO). Jute Research Program Itahari has preserved 78 Corchorus capsularis L. and 88
Corchorus olitorius L. germplasms.

Other important fiber yielding plants growing naturally in Nepal are Ketuki, Himalayan Nettle or Allo.
Fibers extracted from these plants are being increasingly used for making cloths, handbags, and
ropes. Shawls, blankets, bags and cloths made from Allo are being increasingly popular in Nepal.

Table 7. Major fiber yielding plants of Nepal

SN English Name Nepali Botanical Name Family Distribution
Name
1 Century plant Ketuki Agave americana L. ‎Asparagaceae Mid and low
hills
2 Cotton Rukh Kapas Gossypium arborium L. ‎Malvaceae Mid hill and
Tarai
Kapas Gossypium barbadense L. ‎Malvaceae Dang, Banke
and Bardia

80
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

SN English Name Nepali Botanical Name Family Distribution

Name
3 Himalayan Nettle Allo, Sisnu Girardinia diversifolia Urticaceae Mid and High
Hills
4 Jute Sunpat, Chorchorus olitarius L. ‎Malvaceae Eastern Tarai,
(Tosa) mid hill
Sunpat Chorchorus capsularis L Malvaceae Eastern Tarai,
mid hill
5 Marijuana Bhang Cannabis sativa L., ‎Cannabaceae Hill and Tarai
Cannabis indica
6 Sunhemp, Bhang, Hibiscus cannabinus L. ‎Malvaceae Hill and Tarai
Benarus hemp Ganja

Manuring Crops
Green plants which are used as bio-fertilizer, plants and their parts (stem, leaves, twigs or roots) that
are used into the soil by incorporating them or without any incorporation to improve soil health by
adding nutrients contained in them and hence increasing to content of plant nutrients of soil with an
goal of obtaining increased crop productivity and crop yields. Wide ranges of manuring plants are
cultivated and some are wildly grown in nature. Some manuring crops such as legumes develop
nodules in stem, in roots and in some both. Nodule forming green manuring crops contains
Rhizobium bacterium, which has the ability of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and producing N for the
crop itself and to the soil. Other green manuring plants, which are wildly grown but rich in nutrient
content such as Asuro, Khirro, Banmara, Titepati etc, also can supply plant nutrients after
incorporation into the soil. These green manures can be added into the soil in-situ or ex-situ and
then incorporated. Azolla is a fern type water floating green manuring crop with an ability of fixing
atmospheric nitrogen, and it can be used as green manure into the rice paddies.

More than 20 indigenous plant species are identified to possess green manuring values in Nepal
(Shrestha et al 2017). Widely used manuring plants in Nepal are Adhatoda vasica Nees (Asuro),
Sesbania spp (Dhaincha), Artemisia vulgaris L. (Titepati), Crotalaria juncea L. (Sunhemp), and Azolla
(Jalunyo). Criteria for selection of manuring plants include fleshy and soft plant, fast growing, fast
decomposing, leguminous, pest and disease repellent, nutrient provider to soil, and non-invasive.
The benefits of manuring plants include enhancing soil fertility, prevention of soil erosion, reduced
nutrient leaching, weed control, increase in microbial biomass and activities, and disease control
(Kumar et al 2014, Campiglia et al 2009). In a study on perception of farmers towards six green
manuring species wild sunflower, sunhemp, ricebean, sesame and dhaincha at Nawalparasi,
Sherchan et al (2003) found "suitability of crop in the existing cropping crop rotation" as the
preference criterion of farmers. The major constraints associated with the adoption of green manure
technology as expressed by the participating farmers are the availability of seeds and labor required
to incorporate biomass into the field. Cut and carry system is more acceptable to farmers than in-
situ production.

Table 8. Manuring plant species in Nepal

SN English Name Nepali Name Botanical Name Family
1 Broad bean Bakula Simi Vicia faba L. Fabaceae
2 Chickpea Chana Cicer arietinum L. Fabaceae
3 China berry tree Bakainu Melia azedarach L. Fabaceae
4 Cowpea, black-eyed pea Bodi Vigna sinensis (L.) Savi ex Hausskn. Fabaceae
5 Crofton weed or sticky Banmara Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng. Asteraceae
snakeroot
6 East Indian walnut Shiris Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. ‎Fabaceae
7 - Kalo Shiris Albizia odoratissima (L.F.) Benth.

81
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

SN English Name Nepali Name Botanical Name Family

8 Garden pea Kerau Pisum sativum L. Fabaceae
9 Hemp Bhang Cannabis sativa L Cannabaceae
10 Jatropha Sajiwan Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae
11 Lablab bean Tatesimi Lablab purpureus L. Fabaceae
12 Malabar nut, adhatoda Asuro Adhatoda vasica Nees Acanthaceae
13 Milk tree Khirro Sapium insigne (Royle) Trimen Euphorbiaceae
14 Mug wort, common Titepati Artemisia vulgaris L. Asteraceae
wormwood
16 Needle wood Tree Chilaune Schima wallichii Choisy Theaceae
17 Niger seed Jhusetil, Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass. ‎Asteraceae
Philunge
18 Oregano Kanikephul Sambucus hookeri Rehder Caprifoliaceae
19 Pumpkin, winter squash Mithopharsi Cucurbita maxima Duchesne ‎ ucurbitaceae
C
20 Ricebean Masyang Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & Fabaceae
H.Ohashi
21 River hemp Dhaincha Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Pers. Fabaceae
22 River hemp Naya Dhaincha Sesbania rostrata Bremek. & Oberm. Fabaceae
23 Sunhemp Sanai, Crotalaria juncea L. Fabaceae
Chhinchhine
24 Velvet bean Kause Simi Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. Fabaceae
25 Water fern Jalunyu Azolla caroliniana Willd. Salviniaceae
26 Water fern Jalunyu Azolla mexicana C. Presl Salviniaceae
27 Water fern Jalunyu Azolla pinnata R. Br. Azollaceae
28 White clover Pyauli Trifolium repens L. Fabaceae
29 White siris Seto Shiris Albizia procera (Roxb.) Bent ‎Fabaceae
30 Wild marjoram Ram Tulsi Origanum vulgare L. Lamiaceae
32 Wild sunflower Jungali Tithonia diversifolia L. ‎Asteraceae
Suryamukhi

Cover Crops
Cover crops are commonly used to suppress weeds, manage soil erosion, help build and improve soil
fertility, and control diseases and pests. Cover crops are typically grasses or legumes but may be
comprised of other green plants. The criteria for selection of cover crops include vigorous growth to
cover the soil surface, high biomass yield and easily decomposable after incorporation in the soil.
These crops have great importance in sustainable agriculture systems. These are also specialized to
manage water logging, weed control and soil fertility management along with breaking cycle of
disease and insects if any exists in the field. Many times, these crops work as green manures. For
examples, soybean, cowpea, buckwheat, alfalfa, clover, rye, velvet bean and mungbean can be used
as cover crops. Buckwheat can be used as cover crops to suppress weeds. Buckwheat is also
reported to suppress important root pathogens including Thielaviopsis and Rhizoctonia species
(https://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Building-Soils-for-Better-Crops-3rd-Edition).

Pesticidal Plants
Pesticidal plants are the plant species having naturally occurring properties of killing, destroying,
repelling, preventing or mitigating pests of the crop plants. Moreover, these plants can also be anti-
feedant, growth inhibitors or chemosterilants (Ahmed et al 1984). Pesticidal plants are used as raw
materials for the preparation of botanical pesticides used against crop pests. Several workers have
reported the use of pesticidal plants by farmers in Nepal (KC et al 2017, Neupane 2001, Neupane
2004, Bhandari 2007, CWDO 1997, Humagai 2011, Budathoki et al 1993, Thapa 1994). Because of
the pesticidal nature of plants, bio-pesticide (Jholmol) prepared from different pesticidal plants has
been used by farmers in Nepal for managing pests for production of organic vegetables (ICIMOD
2015).

82
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

Table 9. Pesticidal plant species in Nepal

SN English Name Nepali Botanical Name Family Parts Used Value
Name
1 Basil Tulsi Ocimum sanctum L. Lamiaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
2 Black pepper Marich Piper nigrum L. ‎Piperaceae Fruits Insecticidal
3 Black plum Jamun Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels ‎Myrtaceae Leaves Insecticidal
4 Butter tree Chiuri Diploknema butyracea Sapotaceae Seed cake Insecticidal
(Roxb.) H .J. Lam
5 Camphor tree Kapur Cinnamomum camphora Lauraceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
(L.) J. Presl
6 Castor Ander Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Seed cake Insecticidal
7 Catweed/ Banmara Eupotorium adenophorum ‎Asteraceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
Croften weed spreng.
8 Century plant Ketuki, Agave americana L. ‎Asparagaceae Leaves Insecticidal
Nalu
9 Chilli Khursani Capsicum frutescens L. Solanaceae Stem, leaves Insecticidal
and fruits
10 China berry Bakainu Melia azedarach L. Meliaceae Stem, leaves Insecticidal
(Persian Lilac) and seeds
11 Chiretta Chiraito Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham. Gentianaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
ex Wall.
12 Cinnamon Dalchini Cinnamomum verum J. ‎Lauraceae Leaves and bark Insecticidal
Presl.
13 Common worm Titepati Artemisia vulgaris L. ‎Asteraceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
wood
14 Elephant ear Ajammari, Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Crassulaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
hattikane Pers.
15 English tobacco Belayeti Nicotiana rustica L. Solanaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
surti
16 Fenugreek Methi Trigonella foenumgraecum ‎Fabaceae Seeds Insecticidal
L.
17 Garlic Lasun Allium sativum L. ‎Amaryllidaceae Leaves and Insecticidal
cloves
18 Giant milk Aank Calotropis gigantea L. Apocynaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
weed Dryand.
19 Ginger Aduwa Zingiber officinale Roscoe Zingiberaceae Rhizomes Insecticidal
20 Ginger lily Kewara, lily Hedychium coronarium J. Zingiberaceae Leaves Insecticidal
Koenig
21 Goat weed Gandhejhar Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. ‎Asteraceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
22 Honey Mahuwa Madhuca indica J.F. Gmel. ‎Sapotaceae Leaves Insecticidal
tree/Butter tree
23 Indian heynea Aankhataru Heynea trijuga Roxb. Ex Meliaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
wa Sims
24 Indian oleander Thulo Nerium odorum Aiton Apocynaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
karbir
25 Indian privet Simali Vitex negundo L. ‎Lamiaceae Leaves Insecticidal
26 Indian shot Sarbada Canna indica L. Cannaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
27 Ipil-ipil Ipil ipil Leucaena leucocephala ‎Fabaceae Leaves Insecticidal
(Lam.) de Wit
28 Iron wood tree Nageshwor Mesua ferrea L. ‎Calophyllaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
29 Jatropha Sajiwan Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae Insecticidal
30 Goose foot, Gandhe Chenopodium botrys L. Amaranthaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
bethe
Jerusalum-Oak
31 Jimson weed Dhaturo Datura stramonium L. ‎Solanaceae Leaves/fruits Insecticidal
32 Joint weed Bisuhari Persicaria barbata (L.) Polygonaceae) Stem and leaves Insecticidal
H.Hara
33 Lantana Dhungre Lantana camara L. ‎Verbenaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal

83
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

SN English Name Nepali Botanical Name Family Parts Used Value

Name
phul
34 Lemon Nibuwa Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Rutaceae Leaves and Insecticidal
fruits
35 Malabar nut Asuro Adhatoda vasica Nees Acanthaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
36 Mango Aanp Mangifera indica L. ‎Anacardiaceae Leaves Insecticidal
37 Marygold Sayapatri Tagetes patula L., Tagetes ‎Asteraceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal/
erecta L., Tagetes minuta L. Nematicidal
38 Marijuana/True Ganja Cannabis sativa L. Cannabaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
hemp
39 Marsh piper Pirre Hydropiper polygonum L. Polygonaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
Insecticidal
40 Mint Pudina, Mentha arvensis L. ‎Lamiaceae Leaves Insecticidal
babari
41 Neem Neem Azadirachta indica L. ‎Meliaceae Leaves, kernel, Insecticidal
stem
42 Nepal pepper Timmur Zanthoxylum armatum DC. ‎Rutaceae Leaves and Insecticidal/
fruits Bactericidal
43 Onion Pyaj Allium cepa L. ‎Amaryllidaceae Bulb and leaves Insecticidal

44 Papaya Mewa Carica papaya L. Caricaceae Seeds Insecticidal/

Fungicidal
45 Purple Mathejhar Cyperus rotundus L. ‎Cyperaceae Leaves Insecticidal
nutsedge
46 Pyrethrum Godawari Chrysanthemum Asteraceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
Cinerariifolium (Trevir.)
47 Royale's spurge Siundi Euphorbia royleana Boiss. Euphorbiaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal

48 Soap berry Rittha Sapindus mukorossi ‎Sapindaceae Leaves and Insecticidal

Gaertn. fruits
49 Sesame Til Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae Seedcake Insecticidal
50 Spicewood Siltimmur Lindera neesiana (Wall.ex Lauraceae Leaves and Insecticidal
Nees) Kurz fruits
51 Spiked ginger Kewara, lily Hedychium spicatum Sm. ‎Zingiberaceae Leaves Insecticidal
lily
52 Stinging nettle Sisnu Urtica dioica L. Urticaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
53 Sugar apple Sarifa Annona squamosa L. Annonaceae Leaves and Insecticidal
fruits
54 Sun hemp Sanai, Crotalaria juncea L ‎Fabaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
chhinchhin
e
55 Sweet flag Bojho Acorus calamus L. Acoraceae Rhizomes Insecticidal
56 Tasmanian blue Masala Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Myrtaceae Bark and leaves Insecticidal
gum
57 Thorne apple Seto Datura stramonium L. Solanaceae Insecticidal
dhaturo
58 Tiger's milk Khirro Sapium insigne (Royle) Euphorbiaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
spruce Trimen
59 Tobacco Lampate Nicotiana tabacum L. Solanacae Stem, leaves & Insecticidal
surti fruits
61 Tomato Golbheda Solanum lycopersicum L. Solanacae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
62 Turmeric Haledo Curcuma domestica Zingiberaceae Rhizomes Insecticidal
Valeton
63 Wild leek Chhyapi Allium ampeloprasum L. Amaryllidaceae Stem and leaves Insecticidal
64 Yam bean Kesour Pachyrrhizus erosus L. Fabaceae Seeds Insecticidal
Source: KC et al 2017, Neupane 2001, Neupane 2004, Bhandari 2007, CWDO 1997, Humagai 2011, Budathoki et al 1993,
Thapa 1994

84
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

Trap Crops
Trap crops are grown with special purpose to attract insects and pests and divert them from
attacking the main crop. Protection may be achieved either by preventing the pests from reaching
the crop or by concentrating them in certain part of the field where they can economically be
destroyed (Shelton and Perez 2006). The principle of trap cropping rests on the fact that virtually all
pests show a distinct preference to a certain crop stage. Farmers are being motivated to utilize trap
cropping because of the difficulties in cropping with the pest management through other means.
Some times the cost of chemical pesticides and the number of treatments required is very high and
unaffordable. In addition, the pests have often developed resistance to commonly used pesticides,
which requires some alternative control strategies. Additionally, the increasing sector of organic
farming also could exploit this strategy of pest control. Trap crops often attract natural enemies of
pest insects to the fields and concentrating them there to enhance naturally occurring biological
control. The essential features of the trap cropping are that the trap crop must be attractive to the
pest than the main crop, it should occupy small area as far as possible and it should be established
earlier or later or along with the main crop.

Table 10. Some trap crops used to manage insects/pests

Trap Crops Main Crops Pest Trapped Remarks
Chrysanthemum Filed beans Leaf minor
Castor or Sunflower Groundnut Hairy caterpillar
Marigold Potato, cabbage Nematodes, snails
Okra Cotton Bollworms 1:10 ratio
Sesame Cabbage / cauliflower Diamond back moth 2:25
Sesame Cowpea Bihar hairy caterpillar
Sunflower Tomato, chickpea Helicoverpa larvae 32 plants /katha
Sorghum Maize Corn stalk borer

Trap cropping has indicated great benefit in-terms of economic returns on an average of 10-30%
increase in net profits mainly resulting from reduced insecticide use and pest attack. Trap cropping is
a useful strategy in the management of several pests in various cropping systems. It offers significant
economic and environmental benefits and it can successfully integrated with cultural, biological and
chemical control methods.

Way Forward
• Though species are grouped into very useful groups, some species are underutilized,
therefore, needed to be conserved and utilized
• Need for use of landraces in crop improvement program especially legumes, oilseeds, millets
through breeding
• Research on diversified use of local crops for its promotion
• Crop improvement research on emerging industrial crops arecanut, rubber, coconut,
Jatropha, olive is still lacking and poor.
• Collaborative mechanisms for the acquisition of planting materials/ seeds need to be
strengthened
• Crop improvement program to address emerging needs of feed industries eg high oil content
soybean and maize. Increased use of landraces in crop improvement program
References
Acharya B, Dhakal SC, Pant SS, and Dhakal D. 2015 profitability and resource use in Efficiency of Coffee
production in Palpa district Nepal. In: Technical publication (thesis grant) National Agricultural Research
and Development Fund, Singh Durbar. Series 01:11-22
Ahmed SM, JW Grainge, WC Mitchel and JA Litsinger. 1984. Some promising plant species for use as pest
control agents under traditional farming system. In: Natural pesticides from the neem tree and other
tropical plants (H Schmutterer and KRS Ascher, eds). GTZ Press Eschborn, FRG, pp.565-580.

85
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

Bhandari DR. 2007. Organic Farming Book.

Bhatta MR, BK Joshi, KH Ghimire, M Khanal and T Pokhrel. 2017. Diversity and utilization of cereals and pseudo
cereals in Nepal. In: Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources in Nepal.
Proceedings of 2nd National Workshop, 22-23 May 2017, Dhulikhel; NAGRC, FDD, DoA and MoAD;
Kathmandu, Nepal; pp.197-216.
Budhathoki K, GB Gurung and DP Lohar. 1993. Vegetable crops: Indigenous knowledge and technology in the
western hills of Nepal Seminar paper 1992/93, Lumle Agricultural Research Centre, Nepal.
Campiglia ER, GC Paolini and R Mancunelli. 2009. The effects of cover cropping on yield and weed control of
potato in a transitional system. Field Crops Research 112(1):16–23.
Chaudhary RN. 2008. Winter oilseed crops report. In: Proc. of 27th National Winter Crops (Oilseeds)
Workshop, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, National Oilseeds Research Programme, Nawalpur,
Sarlahi, Nepal; pp.1-10.
Chaudhary, R. 2013. Genetic Variability in Large Cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) ARS, NARC,
Pakhribas: Pros 161-168.
CWDO. 1997. Kisan (April-July). Community Welfare and Development Organization, Balaju, Nepal
DoA. 1999. Prospects for olive growing in Nepal. Department of Agriculture, Fruit Development Division and
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Kathmandu. TCP/NEP/6713; p.70.
DoA. 2012. Study Report on Status of Areca-nut Cultivation and Processing Industries in Jhapa District.
Agribusiness Promotion and Marketing Development Directorate, Agribusiness Promotion Program
George CK, R Munakarmi and B Bijl. 2007. Advisory Services on Export Development of Priority Sectors: Sector
Study.
Ghimire ARS. 2016. Cotton in Nepal: Challenges and Opportunities. In: Cotton Technology Exchange Program
in SAARC Region (TR Gurung and FN Jahan, eds). SAC Dhaka; pp.117-127
Ghimire KH, B Bhandari, SB Gurung, NB Dhami and BK Baniya. 2017. Diversity and utilization status of millets
genetic resources in Nepal. Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources in Nepal.
Proceedings of 2nd National Workshop, 22-23 May 2017, Dhulikhel; NAGRC, FDD, DOA and MoAD;
Kathmandu, Nepal; pp.217-227.
GRP. 2014. Annual report of Ginger Research program, Kapurkot, Salyan.
Humagai SP. 2011. Local technologies of crop protection (in Nepali). In: Crop Protection Technologies
Collection. Regional Plant Protection Laboratory, Pokhara, Nepal; p.110.
ICI. 2010: World Program for the Census of Agriculture.
ICIMOD. 2015. Jholmol bio-fertilizer is a recipe for success on Nepal’s climate-smart farms. Climate News
Network, October 2015.
KC HB, RB Basant, G Sharma and BK Joshi. 2017. Pesticidal Plant Species: Diversity and Pest Management. In:
Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources in Nepal (BK Joshi, HB KC and AK
Acharya, eds). Proceedings, 22-23 May 2017 Dhulikhel; NAGRC, FDD, DOA and MoAD; Kathmandu, Nepal;
pp.419-424.
KC HB, BK Joshi, AK Acharya and K Aryal. 2017. Semi-domesticated plant genetic resources in Nepal. In:
Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources in Nepal (BK Joshi, HB KC and AK
Acharya, eds). Proceedings; pp.410-414.
Khatri BB, BP Luitel, S Ghimire and BK Joshi. 2017. Diversity and utilization of root and tuber crops genetic
resources in Nepal. In: Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources in Nepal (BK
Joshi, HB KC and AK Acharya, eds). Proceedings; pp.284-291.
Kumar R, G Maharjan, S Srivastava and S Sinha. 2014. Green manuring: A boon for sustainable agriculture and
pest management – A review. Agricultural Reviews 35(3):196.
MoAC. 2012. Study Report on Status of Areca-nut Cultivation and Processing Industries in Jhapa District.
MoAC, Agribusiness Promotion and Marketing Development Directorate; p.8
MoAD. 2015. Statistical information on Nepalese agriculture. Ministry of Agricultural Development, Nepal.
MoAD. 2017. Statistical information on Nepalese agriculture 2015-2016. MoAD, Kathmandu.
NCARP. 2017. National Commercial Agriculture Research Program, Pakhribas, Dhankuta, Nepal. Seminar paper
1992/93, Lumle Agricultural Research Centre, Nepal.
Neupane FP. 2001. Insects control through pesticidal plants (in Nepali). Sajha Prakashan
Neupane FP. 2004. Prospects of Botanical Pest Management in Nepal. Agricultural Research for Enhancing
Livelihood of Nepalese People. Proceedings of 2nd SAS-N Convention (BK Joshi, SL Joshi and KP Paudyal,
eds). 30 July - 1 Aug 2003, Kathmandu, pp.6-10.
Neupane RK, R Shrestha and R Darai. 2017. Food Legumes: Diversity, utilization and conservation status. In:
Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources in Nepal (BK Joshi, HB KC and AK

86
 Proceedings of a National Workshop on Working Crop Groups, Kathmandu

Acharya, eds). Proceedings of 2nd National Workshop,22-23 May 2017, Dhulikhel. NAGRC, FDD, DoA and
MoAD; Kathmandu, Nepal; pp.226-244.
NTIS. 2016. Nepal Trade Integrated Strategy. Ministry of Commerce and Supplies. Kathmandu
Ojha G. 1980. A brief history of the cultivation of cardamom in Nepal ( in Nepali).
Paneru RB, VR DawadiR, R Khanal and YP Giri. 2004. Effect of Different Doses of Bojo (Acorus calamus L.)
Rhizome Dust against Weevil on Stored Wheat Grains. Proceedings of 2nd SAS-N Convention (BK Joshi, SL
Joshi and KP Paudyal, eds). 30 July - 1 Aug 2003, Kathmandu; pp.168-173.
Poudel K, TP Gotame, BK Gupta, S Shrestha and T Akhtar. 2017. Diversity and Utilization of Sugar, Beverage
and Fibre Crops in Nepal. In: Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources in
Nepal (BK Joshi, HB KC and AK Acharya, eds). Proceedings of 2nd National Workshop, 22-23 May 2017,
Dhulikhel; NAGRC, FDD, DOA and MoAD; Kathmandu, Nepal; pp.348-357.
Sharma U. Rubber plantation in Nepal. http://slideplayer.com/slide/2620320/
Shelton AM and B Perez. 2006 Concept and application of trap cropping in pest management. Annual Review
of Entomology 51:285-308
Sherchan DP, B Emmett, P Stevens and FL Sinclair. 2003. Farmers' Perception and Reaction to Various Green
Manure Species: Results of a Participatory Research Conducted in Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts. In:
Agricultural Research for Enhancing Livelihood of Nepalese People (BK Joshi, SL Joshi and KP Paudyal,
eds). Proceedings of 2nd SAS-N Convention, 30 July - 1 Aug 2003, Kathmandu 2004; pp.97.
Shrestha A, Shrestha R, Seralathan KK and BT Oh 2017. Green Manuring Plant Species in Nepal: Diversity and
Distribution. In: Proceedings Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources in Nepal
(BK Joshi, HB KC and AK Acharya, eds); pp.415-420.
Thapa RB. 1994. Indigenous knowledge of the pest management in Nepal: A review. Journal of the Institute of
Agriculture and Animal Science 15:1-18.
Wheatley C, GJ Scott and S weisema.1995. Adding value to root and tuber crops. A manual on product
development. Centro International de Agricultura (CIAT), Cali, Columbia.

|l-------l|l-------l|

87

View publication stats