Nepal: Cultivating green thumbs in Katmandu

Two models of urban and peri-urban agriculture are suitable for Nepal. The first is small to medium farms in urban and peri-urban areas. The second is household farming—home, backyard, kitchen garden and rooftop farming

Excerpt:

Arun GC is an officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Katmandu Post
13-02-2019
(Must see. Mike)

Urban and peri-urban agriculture can have profound impacts in Nepal. First, it generates additional employment and directly contributes to poverty reduction. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, garden plots can be up to 15 times more productive than rural farming, and one square metre can produce around 20 kg of food per year. Second, urban and peri-urban agriculture reduces long transportation chains, which subsequently reduces several negative externalities.

Third, rapidly urbanising cities such as Kathmandu are producing a significant amount of biodegradable waste. This waste is becoming a nuisance for municipal administrations. Urban and peri-urban agriculture can offer a solution to that—composting.

Vermicomposting or any kind of composting produces fertiliser and organic matter for urban and peri-urban agriculture and innovative solutions for urban waste management. Finally, urban and peri-urban agriculture supports food and nutrition security in urban landscapes, especially for the urban poor. It can be achieved by bi-forked sources. Increased income from urban and peri-urban agriculture enhances the purchasing power of the urban poor and offers fresh and nutritious food at a cheaper price.

Two models of urban and peri-urban agriculture are suitable for Nepal. The first is small to medium farms in urban and peri-urban areas. The second is household farming—home, backyard, kitchen garden and rooftop farming. Urban gardening and planting fruit trees along roadsides and riverbanks are other examples of urban and peri-urban agriculture. Municipalities can plan urban and peri-urban farming according to the needs of city dwellers.

Household farming is slowly gaining momentum. In Kathmandu, people are setting up small hydroponic units to produce green leafy vegetables. More importantly, small kitchen gardens and rooftop farming is not a new concept for us. However, inputs for such miniature farms are always an issue. Seeds, fertilisers and plant protection measures are not readily available for these small farming units. There is a glaring policy void regarding urban and peri-urban agriculture in Nepal. The transformation of agriculture institutions in the federal context and staff adjustment has broken service delivery systems. Urban and peri-urban agriculture is one strong strategy for sustainable and smart cities. Therefore, a lucent policy with an appropriate level of priority is urgent.

Read the complete article here.

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