Karnali launches sustainable agriculture campaign

By Raju Lamichhane,Rukum West, Jan. 3: A province-wide campaign to promote sustainable (batabaraniya) agriculture has been launched in Karnali Province. 

The campaign was launched with an aim to address the challenges faced by agricultural sector of the region, despite its designation as an organic province. 

The Social Service Study Centre has initiated the campaign across the province, citing the lack of adequate policies, programmes, and funding in the sector.

Speaking at a programme organised here at Musikot, Rukum West, Prashant Rawat, sustainable agriculture coordinator of the centre, announced that the campaign would extend across all ten districts of Karnali Province. 

He emphasised the need to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science and technology to preserve the environment and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. 

Using local resources to protect and promote agriculture would enhance food security and encourage eco-friendly agricultural methods, said Rawat. 

The campaign also highlighted that many farmers are discouraged from farming due to a lack of supportive policies, which has led to a decline in production and increased reliance on pesticide-laden foods.

Stakeholders from Rukum West have raised concerns about the current state of agriculture. 

They pointed out issues such as declining agricultural production, reduced interest in farming, and the widespread use of pesticide-laden food, attributing these problems to a lack of adaptation to local contexts.

Pal Bahadur Khadka, president of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rukum criticised existing policies for being neither environment-friendly nor supportive to farmers. 

He stressed the importance of actionable policies and investments that directly address farmers’ challenges.

Rabindra Bista, operator of organic agriculture mart, underscored the need to identify and recognise the genuine farmers. 

He expressed concerns over the misuse of the organic label for pesticide-laden products, which he said is undermining agricultural production. 

Bista also called for government efforts to align agriculture with market demand, local needs, and climate conditions.

Likewise, municipal agricultural department heads emphasised the need for directives from higher authorities to promote sustainable agriculture. 

Jagdish Nakal, ward chair of Sani Bheri Rural Municipality-3, advocated for greater farmer participation in local policies and rewarding those practicing sustainable farming. 

He also suggested providing subsidies for native crops based on land availability.

Bhimraj Oli, district chairperson of the NGO Federation, stated that the sustainable agriculture system conserves soil, environment, and human health, while being based on circular systems, ecological processes, and biodiversity suited to the local environment. 

He emphasised that this system not only enhances production but also has a positive impact on environmental and social sensitivities, making environmental agriculture essential for the sustainability of the overall production system.

Oli emphasised that sustainable agricultural systems not only improve production but also positively influence environmental and social sensitivities, making them essential for overall sustainability.