Advances in image and video processing, Feb 10, 2021
This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, trade and income of small... more This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, trade and income of smallholder vegetables growers in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. We made a scenario-based situation analysis of pre-COVID (January to March 2020) and COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown (April to June 2020) situations. The study used a descriptive research design and employed multistage sampling techniques. One hundred forty-five vegetable growers were surveyed and six focus group discussions were carried out between May to July 2020 in the three municipalities-Chandragiri, Mahalaxmi and Changunarayan of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts respectively. The study showed that the income of smallholders' vegetable growers was decreased by 66.1 percent due to an increase in input price (16.9 percent), a decrease in output price (62.67 percent), and low farm productivity (9.3 percent) in comparison with the pre-COVID period. This paper has figured out the impact pathways that caused the income decline of vegetable growers. The primary constraints to smallholder producers were the absence of local aggregators followed by transportation barriers, limited market opening hours, and mobility obstruction and changed consumers' behavior due to lockdown. Majority of the farmers adjusted to the situations by selling their products at lower prices, free distribution to the local inhabitants, and composting and dumping the surpluses. The study concluded that this kind of analysis is necessary to develop resilient supply chains and extend appropriate support to the smallholder farmers who are critical actor to the supply chains.
Seed production of farmers preferred improved maize varieties under community based seed producti... more Seed production of farmers preferred improved maize varieties under community based seed production(CBSP) group initiated in the hills of Nepal under Hill Maize Research Project in 2000. Trained members of the community group produce improved seeds identified through participatory varietal selection procedures. Despite quantum jump in maize seed production, 14 tons by 7 CBSP groups in 2000 to 1,036 tons by 207 groups in 2012, seed marketing remained one of the challenges in HMRP districts. Main objective of this study was to analyze maize seed production trend and presowing seed contracts in hill districts under HMRP. Linear regression model showed seed production trend over the period 2000 to 2012 highly significant. Annual compounded growth rate of seed during the same period was estimated to be 34.36%. Pre-sowing seed contract in cereal crops in the hills of Nepal is a new initiative of HMRP IV. Analysis showed 63 formal contracts were signed for 170.45 tons of improved maize see...
Remoteness, poor infrastructures, labor shortages, small quantities of seed at the producer level... more Remoteness, poor infrastructures, labor shortages, small quantities of seed at the producer level and few private seed traders are inherent problems in maize seed production and marketing in the hills of Nepal. Farm-saved seed, including seed exchange and private sector supply are the main sources of improved maize seeds in Nepal. Using the primary data collected from 200 respondents across 20 hilly districts of Nepal, this paper analyzes marketing chains and the efficiency of marketing of improved maize seed along the supply chains. The results show five major maize seed marketing chains. Chain I involved producers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers; Chain II involved producers, collectors, wholesalers and consumers; Chain III involved producers, collectors, retailers and consumers; Chain IV involved producers, collectors and consumers; and Chain V involved producers and consumers. A total of 64.3 tons of improved maize seed was marketed through the identified chains...
Received: 19 January 2019 Revised received: 02 February 2019 Accepted: 14 February 2019 Rice is a... more Received: 19 January 2019 Revised received: 02 February 2019 Accepted: 14 February 2019 Rice is a major food crop for the people of the world. The role of rice is inevitable in the current and future global food security. It is the number one staple food crop in Nepal and contributes significantly to livelihood of majority of people and to the national economy. This article reviews global rice production scenarios; figures out global Mega Rice Environments (MREs) and based on these analyses, the authors developed Nepal’s Rice Production Environments (RPEs). The Asian countries dominate the global rice production. India has the largest area of rice cultivation. China is the world's largest producer of rice. Rice productivity is highest in Japan. Rice is cultivated in diverse agro-ecosystems. Rice environments are classified mainly based on land types (upland vs. lowland) and water regimes (irrigated and rainfed). The MREs of the world are classified into seven categories (Four ir...
This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, trade and income of small... more This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, trade and income of smallholder vegetables growers in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. We made a scenario-based situation analysis of pre-COVID (January to March 2020) and COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown (April to June 2020) situations. The study used a descriptive research design and employed multistage sampling techniques. One hundred forty-five vegetable growers were surveyed and six focus group discussions were carried out between May to July 2020 in the three municipalities- Chandragiri, Mahalaxmi and Changunarayan of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts respectively. The study showed that the income of smallholders' vegetable growers was decreased by 66.1 percent due to an increase in input price (16.9 percent), a decrease in output price (62.67 percent), and low farm productivity (9.3 percent) in comparison with the pre-COVID period. This paper has figured out the impact pathways that caused the...
International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, 2014
A farmer’s field trial comparing the conservation tillage, where tillage was avoided and previous... more A farmer’s field trial comparing the conservation tillage, where tillage was avoided and previous crops residues were kept and conventional tillage, where tillage was done and residues were removed from the field along with farmers practice of manual weeding and application of herbicides under maize-rapeseed based cropping system in the mid hills of Nepal was carried in collaboration with farmers during 2012 and 2013. Thus, three factors each having two levels was tested under randomized complete block design with five replications in each districts of Palpa and Gulmi. The effect of tillage methods and residue levels were not significant for yield and its’ contributing traits of maize and test weight along with seed yield of rapeseed. However, it was evident in the second year. The effect of herbicide over farmer’s practice of manual weeding on diameter and length of cob, test weight and grain yield of maize was obvious in both the years. The benefit cost ratio of 1.7 in convention...
Findings of study related to seed and seed initiatives in seven districts encompassing different ... more Findings of study related to seed and seed initiatives in seven districts encompassing different classes of seed systems have been explained. Source seed produced by public and private institutions in Nepal is illustrated to make proper analogue as to how seed systems could be made practically functional. SWOT analysis of important seed systems is compared in issues pertaining to seed systems in Nepal. Information received from the seed related stakeholders has been analyzed to draw the inference covering different seed system initiatives in Nepal. On the basis of scientific evidences collected from concerned stakeholders from cross section of study districts on various issues of seed, recommendations have been proposed to make effective seed systems by amalgamation of available seed production initiatives under single funneled seed system that could be implemented to sustain food security and enhanced productivity of crops in general and major food crops in particular in Nepal. Agr...
This is a follow-up study of two previous papers in this series in which we discussed the effecti... more This is a follow-up study of two previous papers in this series in which we discussed the effectiveness of participatory varietal selection (PVS) and community-based seed production (CBSP). In this paper we present from survey results the impact of new, improved varieties on food security of farmers who had previously participated in PVS or CBSP, or both. A total of 230 households from eight locations, representing different social classes (A, B, C), castes (Dalit, Janajati, BCTN; referring to Bahun, Chhetry, Thakuri and Newar) and gender (male-or female-headed households) were randomly surveyed to assess changes in household food security after the adoption of improved varieties. Use of improved varieties, on average, increased production by 50%, compared to the existing local cultivars (2.4 tha −1) and this was reflected in the improvement of food security by 1.6 months (24% increase) in the year for all farmers. Food security for maleheaded households increased from 7.4 to 9.1 months and for female-headed households from 6.4 to 7.9 months (by 23% in both). The average food security of all castes improved by 23%-31% but the increased food availability of the underprivileged castes of Dalits (from 5.1 to 6.4 months) and Janjati (from 5.8 to 7.6 months) from lower food security levels is more important than that for BCTN (from 7.5 to 9.2 months). Similarly, food deficit households (C and B) had higher food availability over the food surplus households (A). The results indicate that the targeted participatory approach can reverse the findings of past maize research and development efforts which benefited only the elite farmers.
This is a follow-up study of two previous papers in this series in which we discussed the effecti... more This is a follow-up study of two previous papers in this series in which we discussed the effectiveness of participatory varietal selection (PVS) and community-based seed production (CBSP). In this paper we present from survey results the impact of new, improved ...
Advances in image and video processing, Feb 10, 2021
This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, trade and income of small... more This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, trade and income of smallholder vegetables growers in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. We made a scenario-based situation analysis of pre-COVID (January to March 2020) and COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown (April to June 2020) situations. The study used a descriptive research design and employed multistage sampling techniques. One hundred forty-five vegetable growers were surveyed and six focus group discussions were carried out between May to July 2020 in the three municipalities-Chandragiri, Mahalaxmi and Changunarayan of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts respectively. The study showed that the income of smallholders' vegetable growers was decreased by 66.1 percent due to an increase in input price (16.9 percent), a decrease in output price (62.67 percent), and low farm productivity (9.3 percent) in comparison with the pre-COVID period. This paper has figured out the impact pathways that caused the income decline of vegetable growers. The primary constraints to smallholder producers were the absence of local aggregators followed by transportation barriers, limited market opening hours, and mobility obstruction and changed consumers' behavior due to lockdown. Majority of the farmers adjusted to the situations by selling their products at lower prices, free distribution to the local inhabitants, and composting and dumping the surpluses. The study concluded that this kind of analysis is necessary to develop resilient supply chains and extend appropriate support to the smallholder farmers who are critical actor to the supply chains.
Seed production of farmers preferred improved maize varieties under community based seed producti... more Seed production of farmers preferred improved maize varieties under community based seed production(CBSP) group initiated in the hills of Nepal under Hill Maize Research Project in 2000. Trained members of the community group produce improved seeds identified through participatory varietal selection procedures. Despite quantum jump in maize seed production, 14 tons by 7 CBSP groups in 2000 to 1,036 tons by 207 groups in 2012, seed marketing remained one of the challenges in HMRP districts. Main objective of this study was to analyze maize seed production trend and presowing seed contracts in hill districts under HMRP. Linear regression model showed seed production trend over the period 2000 to 2012 highly significant. Annual compounded growth rate of seed during the same period was estimated to be 34.36%. Pre-sowing seed contract in cereal crops in the hills of Nepal is a new initiative of HMRP IV. Analysis showed 63 formal contracts were signed for 170.45 tons of improved maize see...
Remoteness, poor infrastructures, labor shortages, small quantities of seed at the producer level... more Remoteness, poor infrastructures, labor shortages, small quantities of seed at the producer level and few private seed traders are inherent problems in maize seed production and marketing in the hills of Nepal. Farm-saved seed, including seed exchange and private sector supply are the main sources of improved maize seeds in Nepal. Using the primary data collected from 200 respondents across 20 hilly districts of Nepal, this paper analyzes marketing chains and the efficiency of marketing of improved maize seed along the supply chains. The results show five major maize seed marketing chains. Chain I involved producers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers; Chain II involved producers, collectors, wholesalers and consumers; Chain III involved producers, collectors, retailers and consumers; Chain IV involved producers, collectors and consumers; and Chain V involved producers and consumers. A total of 64.3 tons of improved maize seed was marketed through the identified chains...
Received: 19 January 2019 Revised received: 02 February 2019 Accepted: 14 February 2019 Rice is a... more Received: 19 January 2019 Revised received: 02 February 2019 Accepted: 14 February 2019 Rice is a major food crop for the people of the world. The role of rice is inevitable in the current and future global food security. It is the number one staple food crop in Nepal and contributes significantly to livelihood of majority of people and to the national economy. This article reviews global rice production scenarios; figures out global Mega Rice Environments (MREs) and based on these analyses, the authors developed Nepal’s Rice Production Environments (RPEs). The Asian countries dominate the global rice production. India has the largest area of rice cultivation. China is the world's largest producer of rice. Rice productivity is highest in Japan. Rice is cultivated in diverse agro-ecosystems. Rice environments are classified mainly based on land types (upland vs. lowland) and water regimes (irrigated and rainfed). The MREs of the world are classified into seven categories (Four ir...
This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, trade and income of small... more This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, trade and income of smallholder vegetables growers in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. We made a scenario-based situation analysis of pre-COVID (January to March 2020) and COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown (April to June 2020) situations. The study used a descriptive research design and employed multistage sampling techniques. One hundred forty-five vegetable growers were surveyed and six focus group discussions were carried out between May to July 2020 in the three municipalities- Chandragiri, Mahalaxmi and Changunarayan of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts respectively. The study showed that the income of smallholders' vegetable growers was decreased by 66.1 percent due to an increase in input price (16.9 percent), a decrease in output price (62.67 percent), and low farm productivity (9.3 percent) in comparison with the pre-COVID period. This paper has figured out the impact pathways that caused the...
International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, 2014
A farmer’s field trial comparing the conservation tillage, where tillage was avoided and previous... more A farmer’s field trial comparing the conservation tillage, where tillage was avoided and previous crops residues were kept and conventional tillage, where tillage was done and residues were removed from the field along with farmers practice of manual weeding and application of herbicides under maize-rapeseed based cropping system in the mid hills of Nepal was carried in collaboration with farmers during 2012 and 2013. Thus, three factors each having two levels was tested under randomized complete block design with five replications in each districts of Palpa and Gulmi. The effect of tillage methods and residue levels were not significant for yield and its’ contributing traits of maize and test weight along with seed yield of rapeseed. However, it was evident in the second year. The effect of herbicide over farmer’s practice of manual weeding on diameter and length of cob, test weight and grain yield of maize was obvious in both the years. The benefit cost ratio of 1.7 in convention...
Findings of study related to seed and seed initiatives in seven districts encompassing different ... more Findings of study related to seed and seed initiatives in seven districts encompassing different classes of seed systems have been explained. Source seed produced by public and private institutions in Nepal is illustrated to make proper analogue as to how seed systems could be made practically functional. SWOT analysis of important seed systems is compared in issues pertaining to seed systems in Nepal. Information received from the seed related stakeholders has been analyzed to draw the inference covering different seed system initiatives in Nepal. On the basis of scientific evidences collected from concerned stakeholders from cross section of study districts on various issues of seed, recommendations have been proposed to make effective seed systems by amalgamation of available seed production initiatives under single funneled seed system that could be implemented to sustain food security and enhanced productivity of crops in general and major food crops in particular in Nepal. Agr...
This is a follow-up study of two previous papers in this series in which we discussed the effecti... more This is a follow-up study of two previous papers in this series in which we discussed the effectiveness of participatory varietal selection (PVS) and community-based seed production (CBSP). In this paper we present from survey results the impact of new, improved varieties on food security of farmers who had previously participated in PVS or CBSP, or both. A total of 230 households from eight locations, representing different social classes (A, B, C), castes (Dalit, Janajati, BCTN; referring to Bahun, Chhetry, Thakuri and Newar) and gender (male-or female-headed households) were randomly surveyed to assess changes in household food security after the adoption of improved varieties. Use of improved varieties, on average, increased production by 50%, compared to the existing local cultivars (2.4 tha −1) and this was reflected in the improvement of food security by 1.6 months (24% increase) in the year for all farmers. Food security for maleheaded households increased from 7.4 to 9.1 months and for female-headed households from 6.4 to 7.9 months (by 23% in both). The average food security of all castes improved by 23%-31% but the increased food availability of the underprivileged castes of Dalits (from 5.1 to 6.4 months) and Janjati (from 5.8 to 7.6 months) from lower food security levels is more important than that for BCTN (from 7.5 to 9.2 months). Similarly, food deficit households (C and B) had higher food availability over the food surplus households (A). The results indicate that the targeted participatory approach can reverse the findings of past maize research and development efforts which benefited only the elite farmers.
This is a follow-up study of two previous papers in this series in which we discussed the effecti... more This is a follow-up study of two previous papers in this series in which we discussed the effectiveness of participatory varietal selection (PVS) and community-based seed production (CBSP). In this paper we present from survey results the impact of new, improved ...
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Papers by Nirmal Gadal