Organic Uncle: Innovator Of Sustainable Agriculture 

Chandra Prasad Adhikari, also known as "Organic Uncle," hails from the serene village of Shreepur in Chitwan. Born into a family deeply rooted in farming traditions, Chandra Prasad's journey into agriculture began at a young age, and his commitment to the profession has only grown stronger over the years. By 2032 BS, he had already established himself as a dedicated farmer, but it was in the following years that he embarked on a transformative path.

Around 2048 BS, Chandra Prasad began noticing alarming trends in his agricultural endeavors. The increasing prevalence of pests and diseases, coupled with the deteriorating soil quality due to excessive chemical pesticide and fertiliser use, raised grave concerns. Recognising the harm inflicted upon both the environment and human health, he resolved to pioneer a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly practices. In 2049 BS, he took a bold step by eschewing chemical inputs and embracing the principles of organic farming.

This marked the beginning of his journey into organic agriculture. As his commitment deepened, Chandra Prasad established an organic agricultural production centre in 2058 BS, solidifying his dedication to promoting environmentally conscious farming practices. He firmly believes in the power of local innovation, which he defines as the art of simplifying and effectively solving existing problems. His innovative approaches have not only addressed pressing issues but have also set an inspiring example for the community.

One of Chandra Prasad's standout innovations is the creation of various organic fertilisers using locally sourced materials and waste resources. Techniques like vermicomposting, herbal composting, basket composting, and the rearing of black soldier flies have become integral to his sustainable farming methods. Vermicomposting, in particular, stands out as a simple yet effective technology that utilises earthworms to convert biodegradable waste into organic manure. Not only does this enrich the soil, making it healthier and more fertile, but it also enhances its water retention capabilities. Additionally, it safeguards earthworms from potential threats like insects, rats, and predators. Chandra Prasad's commitment to maximising resource utilisation extends to cattle farming. He has improved cattle sheds with drainage systems to collect urine, a valuable resource for crop protection and nutrition. Cattle urine, often overlooked, is a rich source of nutrients, with 60 per cent of emitted nitrogen contained within it, making it an excellent alternative to mineral fertilizers. He represents the spirit of local innovation in his steady dedication to sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. His journey serves as an inspiration for communities seeking alternatives that are not only technologically advanced and efficient but also kinder to the earth and its inhabitants. 

 Herbal Compost: Chandra Prasad's approach to herbal composting involves using various herbal plants from his garden. He constructs a three-tiered composting container, with the bottom layer featuring an iron grid with 1.5-inch holes. Over three to four months, as organic materials decompose in the upper layers, nutrient-rich manure accumulates in the lower section. This process not only facilitates effective waste management but also produces a valuable fertiliser that helps prevent diseases like nematode and damping. These herbal-based fertilisers prove highly effective when applied to nursery beds, nurturing healthy plant growth.

Basket compost

In regions like Terai, where bamboo and wood are abundant, Chandra Prasad employs a basket composting technique. Four bamboo or wooden poles are strategically positioned to create a basket-like structure. Layers of compost and mud are then preserved within this framework. This method serves as an efficient means of producing composted manure, suited to the specific needs of the Terai region.

Rearing BSF

Chandra Prasad recognises the potential of black soldier flies (BSF) as a valuable resource. He collaborates with organisations like the National Innovation Centre, Agriculture and Forestry University, and the Organic Agricultural Production Centre to rear BSF larvae. These larvae can be incorporated into fish and poultry feed as a protein source. Moreover, BSF larvae play a crucial role in decomposing organic waste and turning it into high-quality organic fertilizer. This approach not only addresses waste management challenges but also creates a sustainable source of protein, significantly contributing to reducing the need for imported protein supplements.

Preserving local seed

Chandra Prasad is deeply concerned about the declining practice of exchanging local seeds and the increasing reliance on imported seeds, which has adversely affected seed conservation in Nepal. He believes that preserving local seeds is essential for the country's agricultural self-sufficiency. In his quest to conserve local seeds, he travels extensively across Nepal, seeking out traditional crop varieties. He has spent substantial resources on this mission, amassing an impressive collection of 114 rice varieties from all over the country by 2077. To ensure the preservation of these vital genetic resources, he has contributed 110 of these varieties to the National Gene Bank at NARC, Khumaltar, Kathmandu. Chandra Prasad actively preserved seeds, including tomatoes, by hanging them on "pahadi kagaj" (papers with date notes). He devised a seed germination method that harnessed moisture from banana plant stems instead of using polybags and growbags.

Rice and fish farming

Chandra Prasad introduced a harmonious approach, combining rice and fish farming, yielding remarkable results. The common carp, which feeds on weeds and enriches the soil with its manure, boosted rice production by 10–15 percent. This innovation proved economically advantageous, with rice-fish farming reaping profits of Rs. 48,900 per hectare, compared to a mere Rs. 9,400 from rice cultivation alone. The substantial margin difference of Rs. 39,500 underscored the success of this integrated farming system. Ensuring a safe inlet and outlet system, Chandra Prasad has used a "V"-shaped structure to regulate water levels in the rice cum fish farming fields. Nets are strategically used to prevent fish from escaping during varying water levels, securing the fish within the paddy fields.

Rainwater harvest

Recognising the importance of rainwater, he established rainwater collection tanks on rooftops. This innovation facilitated efficient pond cleaning, aided fish gathering, and allowed for water flow to the pond without the need for energy consumption. Chandra Prasad experimented with various mulching materials, using plastic mulch during the winter and dry grass or crop residue in the summer. Mulching not only retained soil moisture but also improved its nutritional content while reducing weed growth. He ingeniously adapted traditional ploughs into new shapes to create ridges and raise beds, enhancing overall cultivation practices. To protect grains from insects and other animals during sun-drying, he designed a protective net using galvanised wire mesh. Chandra Prasad initiated organic pest management (OPM) in Shreepur village, later expanding it to Kalika Municipality through Action Aid Nepal. This approach was successfully implemented in the cultivation of sponge gourds. As a test, he ventured into organic sunflower cultivation, reaping substantial profits and promoting domestic tourism through organic gardening.

According to Chandra Prasad his farm has become a hub for knowledge exchange, attracting visitors from Nepal and abroad. Researchers, students, and enthusiasts come to learn and study the innovative farming techniques, he says. Collaboration with institutions like IAAS and AFU has promoted his impact. His efforts extend beyond farming as he promotes and documents local innovations and conducts training sessions, empowering young individuals to shape a better future. Through his platform, farmers, entrepreneurs, and youth find inspiration and support for their unique ideas.

(The author is currently pursuing M.Sc. Agriculture in Department of Agri-botany and ecology, IAAS, TU.)