Assessment of Food Security through Diversity Assessment of Rice Varieties and It's Adaptation in Kaski District, Nepal

Abstract

Diversity in agricultural crop and their varieties is a basis for sustainable food security. Rice being the major staple food of the country, its contribution to food security is immense. Thus to assess relationship of varietal diversity of rice and food security, a study was conducted in Puranchaur and Lahachok VDC of Kaski District. A total of 120 sample households (60 Puranchaur and 60 Lahachok) were selected at a random for the study. Pre-tested interview schedule was used along with direct observation, focal group discussion, key informant survey and secondary data from different sources in the study. Richness in rice varieties on count basis was found to be significantly higher in Puranchaur than in Lahachok. Similarly, Simpson index and Shannon index of rice varieties was found higher in Puranchaur than in Lahachok. There was significant positive linear relationship between Simpson index and food security. Similarly there was significant positive linear relationship between varietal richness and food security. The result from Logit regression analysis indicates that sex of the household head (p<0.05), total land holding (p<0.01) and family type (p<0.01) has significant impact on decision on diversifying crop varieties. Thus, policy should focus on local adaptation strategies formulation; diversifying crop varieties to improve food security.