In northern Dhading, we recently conducted two successful training events focused on establishing and managing home gardens. These sessions brought together one farmer from each of our 38 farmer groups across all 12 wards.
Training Focus: Building Nutrition-Rich Home Gardens
The training, facilitated by Mr. Nabaraj Neupane, emphasized the integration of diverse agricultural and livestock components to create sustainable, nutrition-rich home gardens. Key topics included:
- Vegetables and Fruits: Techniques for cultivating a variety of crops to enhance dietary diversity.
- Nutritious but Neglected Crops: Reviving lesser-known crops with high nutritional value.
- Beekeeping and Goat Rearing: Incorporating livestock and pollinators for added income and agricultural support.
- Mushroom Cultivation and Seed Production: Introducing alternative farming practices to boost productivity and income.
- Ornamental and Medicinal Plants: Promoting high-value crops for additional market opportunities.
By combining these practices, farmers can not only meet their household nutritional needs but also generate income by selling surplus produce.
Hands-On Training: Making Jhol Mal
Participants also received practical demonstrations on preparing jhol mal, an eco-friendly organic fertilizer and biopesticide made by mixing cow dung, urine, water, and locally available plants. This training highlighted the benefits of jhol mal in:
- Enhancing soil fertility and health.
- Promoting sustainable pest control without chemical inputs.
- Reducing farming costs and supporting environmental sustainability.
Collaboration and Support
The event which took place in Gangajamuna Rural Municipality (January 25–26, 2025) and Khaniyabas Rural Municipality (January 23–24, 2025 part of the RELIEF Project in collaboration with local governments. Local government representatives, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer, and Ward Chairperson, actively participated in the events. They observed the training sessions and expressed their appreciation for the model’s practical and community-focused approach.
Climate-Resilient Farming Through the RELIEF Project
The RELIEF Project, implemented by ADRA Nepal in partnership with PRAYAS Nepal, awith funding from Canadian Foodgrain Bank and ADRA Canada, aims to address food security challenges in the area. One approach is to equip farmers with climate-resilient agricultural practices and technologies. By adopting sustainable approaches, farmers are better prepared to adapt to the impacts of climate change, increase their production, and diversify their incomes.
A Path to Sustainable Livelihoods
The combination of home gardens, innovative agricultural techniques, and eco-friendly practices like jhol mal empowers farmers to enhance both their nutrition and income. Initiatives like this underline the importance of sustainable farming in building resilient rural communities and combating the challenges posed by climate change.
