Situation, Initiatives and Policy in Support to Organic Rice in Nepal Jyoti Baidya

General Situation of Organic Rice Nepalese agriculture is central to national economy Rice, Nepal's Major agriculture product The rice cultivation in Nepal started about 1,300 years ago in Jumla, valley - well known local variety JUMLEE MARSI. Traditional rice i.e. organic, covers about 26% area of Nepal's hills and mountain territory. Growing realisation on the importance of organic farming Land as the primary factor of production, its ownership by the producer is key to enhance the agriculture production and productivity.

The Organic Rice Industry Rice as as prime crop of Nepal Covers 1.56 million ha with productivity of 3.06 ton/ha and total production of more than 50,00,000 tons annually - contributing 20% of the agricultural GDP to the country. Limited organic rice production practice in the Terai. In hills and mountain-traditional rice production practice. SRI hectares, 1247 farmers in organic farming. Production in about 46% of the agricultural area as well as employs 65.6% of the country’s population. Agriculture sector contributes 34 % of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Rice accounts for more than 20% of total Agriculture GDP in Nepal.

Initiatives Several I/NGOs has established learning resource centers and carried out : - organic agriculture action research, field studies on indigenous farming practices and local cultivars, developed training courses, and disseminated information and technologies to the farmers' and other relevant stakeholders. Nepal Permaculture Group (NPG) in collaboration with multi-stakeholders been implementing various programs through Networking with emphasis on policy formulation, research, advocacy and lobbying in the field of organic agriculture, sustainable development and perma- culture.

Though it is not fully grown industry, some practices of organic rice production present. The progressive farmers, I/NGOs, CBOs, research institutions such as: NARC, NARDEP, Agriculture department/district office and technical staff, food traders including farmer's cooperatives, organizations involved in organic certification and consumers as the major stakeholders in organic rice industry. The Government of Nepal currently drafting Agriculture Development Strategy of Nepal considered as important documents for the promotion of overall Agriculture Development in Nepal.

Issues and Challenges Issues of farmers on land rights Impact of climate change in the productivity and other resources related to efficient production Impact of food price volatility e.g. selling price and income of farmers

Prospects and Opportunities of Industry Favourable policies and laws to promote organic rice Effective extension services and inputs Capacity building of the small holders including women and youth farmers Value chain services eg. Formation of farmer's cooperatives, processing units and market links Public awareness campaigns Research on rice technologies, seed improvement and organic methods of pest and disease control. Market Opportunities Changing demand of the consumers – health and wellness at the local, national and international

Thank-you Presented By: Jyoti Baidya