Agriculture and Forestry Sector Overview

The Agriculture and Forestry Sector at NEST plays a critical role in improving the livelihoods of farmers through technical skill-based training and services. By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, community empowerment, and environmental conservation, the sector equips farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to improve their productivity and overall income. The sector also emphasizes women’s participation, with a significant percentage of female trainees involved in various programs.

Key Training Programs and Achievements

Fiscal Year 2068/69

In the fiscal year 2068/69, the Agriculture and Forestry Sector conducted 53 training events with a total of 1,383 participants, of which 54% were women. The majority of the trainees (96%) were farmers, reflecting the sector’s focus on addressing the needs of rural agricultural communities.

The sector’s key training programs for this year included:

• Home Gardening
• Commercial Vegetable Farming
• Local Resource Person (LRP) Development
• Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) Seedling Plantation and Utilization
• Improved Cook Stove (ICS) Installation
• Training Events Conducted:
  • 1 event of 15-day Local Resource Person (LRP) Agriculture Training
  • 18 events of Basic Agriculture Training for farmers from Dailekh and Dadheldhura districts, supported by Oxfam International Nepal
  • 7 events of Improved Cook Stove (ICS) Training in villages of Baglung, Dhading, Ramechhap, Gulmi, and Parbat, supported by Kaadoorie Agricultural Aid Association (KAAA), Kaski.
  • Additional specialized training in Seed Production, Bee Keeping, Ginger Cultivation, Onion Nursery and Plantation, Plastic House Technology, Soil and FYM Management, and Vegetable Production.

Farmers from remote districts such as Mugu, Dailekh, Dadheldhura, Solukhumbu, and Khotang participated in these programs. Many have successfully applied their learning to improve their home gardening techniques and promote traditional agriculture as small-scale businesses.

Fiscal Year 2067/68

In 2067/68, the sector expanded its reach, providing training to 911 participants, with 48% women and 96% farmers. Training programs focused on improving agricultural practices and the development of local resource persons.

• Training Events:
  • 35-day Village Agriculture Worker (VAW) Training
  • 3 events of 15-day Local Resource Person (LRP) Agriculture Training
  • Training on Home Gardening, Commercial Vegetable Farming, NTFPs, and Improved Cook Stove (ICS).

Farmers from the Mid and Far West Regions (e.g., Kailali, Kanchanpur, Kalikot, and Salyan) participated in these training events held in Pokhara. The skills and knowledge gained have been applied to small-scale agricultural businesses, particularly home gardening and traditional agriculture.

Fiscal Year 2069/70

The Agriculture and Forestry Sector continued its efforts in 2069/70, providing 34 training events to 884 participants, with 53% women and 96% farmers. The training programs this year focused on both traditional and modern agricultural practices, aiming to increase farmers’ capacity for sustainable livelihood improvements.

• Training Events:
  • Home Gardening
  • Commercial Vegetable Farming
  • Local Resource Person (LRP) Development
  • NTFPs Seedlings Plantation and Utilization
  • Improved Cook Stove (ICS) Installation
  • Specialized courses in Seed Production, Bee Keeping, Ginger Cultivation, Onion Nursery and Plantation, Plastic House Technology, Post-Harvest Management, Waste Management, Soil and FYM Management, and Entrepreneurship Development.

In partnership with Kaadoorie Agriculture Association (KAAA), Improved Cook Stove (ICS) training was conducted in Baglung, Dhading, Ramechhap, Gulmi, and Parbat. Many participants have successfully built ICS units in their households, leading to improved cooking efficiency and better health outcomes in their communities.

Impact of Training and Support

The training programs have had a tangible impact on the communities served. Many participants from remote and marginalized areas have successfully applied their new skills to improve agricultural productivity and create income-generating activities. Additionally, the sector’s emphasis on women’s participation has empowered local women to play a greater role in agricultural decision-making and business management.

• Key Benefits:
  • Increased adoption of modern farming techniques, such as Improved Cook Stoves, which reduce fuel consumption and promote better health.
  • The successful establishment of home gardens and small-scale agricultural businesses.
  • Enhanced knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to both local food security and economic growth.
  • Empowerment of women, particularly in rural areas, to take leadership roles in agricultural activities.

Future Directions

The sector is committed to expanding its reach by increasing the number of training events and diversifying its curriculum to include more advanced and market-oriented courses. The focus will continue to be on sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient practices, and business-oriented farming that aligns with local community needs.

NEST aims to strengthen partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and international donors to extend the reach of its programs and ensure a lasting impact on rural livelihoods.