Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal

Anu Joshi Shrestha

doi:10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an action research project to identify and analyze a flood resilient value chain option for families of migrant workers in flood affected areas in six Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Udayapur district in Nepal. The best option was cultivation of green peas, with crop productivity increased using urine-biochar prepared on farm as an organic fertilizer and soil improver. The paper describes the value chain selection process and comparison of the effects of different fertilizers on vegetable crops. The yield of fresh pea pods from plots treated with urine-biochar plus Farm Yard Manure (FYM) was more than twice that with Nitrogen Phosphorus Potash (NPK) only, and close to three times that with FYM only (farmers' control). The yields of a range of vegetables increased markedly in plots treated with urine-biochar. Analysis of the value chain indicated that farmers would benefit most by marketing to large buyers or direct to supermarkets in the capital through a farmers’ association. Suggestions are made for future actions both country-wide (promotion of biochar-based organic fertilizer as a priority) and locally (strengthening the pea value chain).

Highlights

There is a significant gap between current and potential agricultural production in Nepal
The fertilizer supply problem is occasionally further aggravated by unofficial blockades and strikes
The research was carried out between November 2015 and May 2016 together with the Nepal Institute for Development Studies (NIDS) and migrant workers' families in six village development committee areas (VDCs) in Udayapur District – Hadiya, Jogidaha, Sunderpur, Tapeswori, Thoksila, and Risku (Figure 1). These Village Development Committees (VDCs) were selected as they are vulnerable to floods from the Koshi River and the majority of households cultivate vegetables

Summary

Introduction

There is a significant gap between current and potential agricultural production in Nepal. The low levels of productivity are the result of several factors including a high level of subsistence farming, low level of access to and adoption of suitable improved technologies (both on farm and post-harvest), poor availability of inputs (planting material, improved breeds, fertilizer, feed, plant and animal health protection, irrigation, electricity, finance), and limited investment in the agricultural sector [1]. One of the major problems in Nepal is that farmers have poor access to chemical fertilizers. Nepal imports all of its chemical fertilizers but the supply is not sufficient to meet the demand. Application of poor quality fertilizer results in lower than anticipated impacts on crop productivity and profitability [2, 3]. The imported fertilizers are expensive and prices are rising, which further limits access, especially for poor farmers. Even where the supply and quality of fertilizer is sufficient, application tends to create

Methods

Results

Conclusion