Women Awareness Center Nepal
Agriculture
The sustainable agriculture program provides the basis for organic farming. The primary objective is to raise awareness of the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides while simultaneously demonstrating how to implement sustainable soil management (SSM) techniques. Farmers are now growing better produce, and as the benefits of organic agriculture are becoming better known, they are gaining financially from their higher quality products.
The program promotes organic farming through farmer-to-farmer training, farmer-led experimentation, informal demonstrations, and field visits. It provides more formal training in the areas of drip irrigation, water harvest tanks, organic and commercial vegetable farming, commercial vegetable marketing, compost making, farmyard manure (FYM) management, organic pest management and fodder cultivation. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to develop local leaders to serve as a model and resource for the surrounding farming community.
Not only does the program encourage women to take a more active role in agriculture, it also attracts men interested in improving their farming techniques, providing a space for women and men to work together. After participating in the program, some of the women farmers have begun their own commercial vegetable productions. Gender roles in the family and community are starting to change as women become successful entrepreneurs in the agricultural industry.
The program promotes organic farming through farmer-to-farmer training, farmer-led experimentation, informal demonstrations, and field visits. It provides more formal training in the areas of drip irrigation, water harvest tanks, organic and commercial vegetable farming, commercial vegetable marketing, compost making, farmyard manure (FYM) management, organic pest management and fodder cultivation. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to develop local leaders to serve as a model and resource for the surrounding farming community.
Not only does the program encourage women to take a more active role in agriculture, it also attracts men interested in improving their farming techniques, providing a space for women and men to work together. After participating in the program, some of the women farmers have begun their own commercial vegetable productions. Gender roles in the family and community are starting to change as women become successful entrepreneurs in the agricultural industry.
Laxmi’s story
demonstrates the impact that access to economic opportunities and formal training can have on a woman’s life and her standing in the community. Seven years ago Laxmi was given the opportunity to participate in a training on sustainable farming methods. Afterwards she started growing organic vegetables. At first people were reluctant to pay higher prices for her produce. She now has regular customers and is experiencing a high demand for her organic products. In addition, she sells improved farmyard manure (FYM) to the villagers at above-market prices because of their higher quality.
Laxmi has become a sustainable agriculture leader who conducts training for other women. She passed her Junior Technical Assistant (Agriculture) Exam, providing her with a formal qualification in spite of only having attended school up to class 6. As a result of her economic success, she has become an active and respected member of her community. Her family is supportive and proud of her independence.
demonstrates the impact that access to economic opportunities and formal training can have on a woman’s life and her standing in the community. Seven years ago Laxmi was given the opportunity to participate in a training on sustainable farming methods. Afterwards she started growing organic vegetables. At first people were reluctant to pay higher prices for her produce. She now has regular customers and is experiencing a high demand for her organic products. In addition, she sells improved farmyard manure (FYM) to the villagers at above-market prices because of their higher quality.Laxmi has become a sustainable agriculture leader who conducts training for other women. She passed her Junior Technical Assistant (Agriculture) Exam, providing her with a formal qualification in spite of only having attended school up to class 6. As a result of her economic success, she has become an active and respected member of her community. Her family is supportive and proud of her independence.