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Attitudes of Fruit and Vegetable Farmers towards Organic Farming in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Author

Listed:
  • Dilip Nandwani

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University, John A Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209, USA)

  • Dinesh Jamarkattel

    (Agriculture Knowledge Centre (AKC), Lalitpur 44700 APO, Nepal)

  • Khem Raj Dahal

    (Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur 44613 APO, Nepal)

  • Ritikshya Poudel

    (Agriculture Knowledge Centre (AKC), Lalitpur 44700 APO, Nepal)

  • Suman Giri

    (Small Farmer Development Bank (SKBBL), Kathmandu 44600 GPO, Nepal)

  • Toya Nath Joshi

    (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu 44600 APO, Nepal)

Abstract

Organic farming is increasingly popular among the farmers of Kathmandu valley. However, the organic growers have been facing issues in production, organic certification, and product marketing. To date, little is known about the challenges faced by the organic growers in Kathmandu valley. This study aimed to explore the status of organic farming, attitudes of farmers towards organic farming, their suggestions for improvement, and strengthening the value chain of organic products. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Lalitpur, Nepal during December 2019 with 37 organic growers directly or indirectly involved in organic farming. The results showed that organic growers face challenges in marketing and institutional recognition. Challenges in product certification and marketing were reported by 45.95% of the total interviewed organic growers while following organic practices (transitional organic). Our study suggested that reducing the cost of production through easy access to organic inputs like organic seeds, fertilizers, and biopesticides are highly desired by the growers. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) or group certification along with collective marketing could be the policy implications to address the issues. Organic farming in Kathmandu valley is limited to a niche market; however, due to increasing consumer demand for safe, fresh, and local food, the popularity of organic products is extending to other regions within the country.

Suggested Citation

  • Dilip Nandwani & Dinesh Jamarkattel & Khem Raj Dahal & Ritikshya Poudel & Suman Giri & Toya Nath Joshi, 2021. "Attitudes of Fruit and Vegetable Farmers towards Organic Farming in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:7:p:3888-:d:527896
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