Background
Annapurna Rural Municipality is surrounded by Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality on the east, Myagdi district on the west, Manang District on the north and Parbat district and Pokhara Metropolitan City on the south with a total area of 417.74 km2 (161.29 sq mi) and the total population of 23,565 individuals according to Nepal census 2011 (2068 BS). The population density of this Rural Municipality is 56.411/km2 (146.103/sq mi). This rural municipality is divided into 11 wards. This rural municipality lies 4528 feet above sea level.
Phoolbari is a peak in Annapurna, Myagdi, Gandaki Pradesh. It is situated nearby to the village Ghorepani and the hamlet Matheni. This is the very far from the community. This area is especially camp area. There is no any settlement area.
Ramche village is one of the villages of Myagdi district bordering with Kaski district to the east and Parbat to the south. It is very far from the Pokhara., Nepal imports over half of its 700,000-tonne of annual demand for fertiliser, but increasingly Nepali farmers face fertiliser shortages, which in turn decreases the profitability of their farms. The global shortage of fertiliser is further deepened by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Farmers are also highly vulnerable to climate change due to climate variability, increased pests and disease, and climate-induced hazards like floods, drought, hailstorms and erratic rainfall.
There are a number of trainings that will be covered under this initiative:
There is a need for adequate fertiliser and pest management to improve productivity and enhance the livelihood of the farmers. Vermicomposting, the use of earthworms to convert organic waste into fertiliser, can be a sustainable option to produce organic compost utilising locally available agriculture/livestock and food waste. Vermicomposting significantly boosts agricultural productivity and promotes environmentally friendly farming practices. Additionally, the earthworms used in the process will reproduce rapidly, offering opportunities for further use, such as feeding to livestock, fish, or even humans, or being sold in the market. A group of 17 farmers will be selected to participate in this training, which will include both theoretical and practical sessions to ensure participants fully understand the vermicomposting process. The training will be organized to provide an easy-to-follow approach: one day will focus on theoretical learning, while the second day will be dedicated to hands-on practical experience.
During the training, the participants will be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to begin rearing vermi-worms. Each farmer will receive black plastic and worms, along with information sheets to support their learning. This training is expected to generate significant enthusiasm for organic farming among the participants, as they will be introduced to the benefits of using organic fertilizers over harmful chemical alternatives. They will also learn that organic fertilizers derived from worms are not only safer for human health but also require less water compared to chemical fertilizers, making them a more sustainable option for farming.
The upcoming organic farming training program will be designed to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge about the importance, challenges, and opportunities of organic farming. Seventeen participants are expected to attend the training. During the program, the participants will have the opportunity to share their current crop production practices and the techniques they apply on their farms. It is anticipated that most participants will be using pit composting and animal dung for fertilization, as many of them tend to keep buffaloes, goats, or chickens at home. The dung from these animals will be used to prepare compost, which will help enhance the productivity of their farms.
The training will also offer valuable insights into the economic prospects and nutrient benefits of improved varieties of vegetable crops. The session is expected to play a crucial role in attracting farmers to sustainable organic farming practices while expanding their knowledge. A practical demonstration will be conducted, with a plot set up in Phoolbari and Ramche villages to showcase organic farming methods.
The trainer will provide clear instructions on how to prepare compost using the double-digging technique in the field. A small plot will be dug to a depth of two feet using double digging. At the bottom of the pit, corn branches and other hard materials will be spread to serve as manure for up to five years. A layer of soil will then be added on top. Above that, plants and weeds will be layered to produce nitrogen for the soil and plants. Dry leaves will be spread on top of the soil to contribute carbon and phosphorus, both of which are essential for plant and soil health. Finally, ashes will be sprinkled on top of the soil to complete the process.
The Bio-pesticides Preparation Training will be designed to provide participants with knowledge about preparing bio-pesticides using locally available herbal resources. The training will place a strong emphasis on a practical learning approach, where farmers will gain hands-on experience in bio-pesticide preparation through demonstrations conducted by experts.
Local farmers will learn to prepare bio-pesticides using natural pest-controlling plants such as China berry, Artemisia (Mugwort), garlic, pepper, aloe vera, nettle, Malabar mut, century plant, and Lantana. The liquid extracts from these plants will be mixed and placed in sprayers for application. This training will instill confidence in local villagers, showing them that organic vegetable farming and bio-pesticide production can help restore livelihoods and economic stability. Farmers will be convinced that bio-pesticides made from locally sourced herbal resources can be more effective and environmentally friendly compared to chemical pesticides.
In the near future, a greenhouse tunnel construction training program will introduce local farmers to the use of greenhouse tunnels, a type of structure designed to extend the growing season of crops. These tunnels consist of a metal frame with a plastic covering and are known by various names. There are two main types: low tunnels and high tunnels. Both are similar in function, offering protection for crops while enhancing their growth potential.
The greenhouse tunnels will help shield crops from harsh environmental factors such as intense heat, winds, excessive rainfall, and hailstones. They will support both soil-based and hydroponic farming systems, giving farmers the flexibility to grow crops in season, regardless of weather conditions.
The high tunnel greenhouse, in particular, will allow farmers to extend their growing season by producing in-ground crops for a longer period each year. These structures will provide much-needed protection for plants during extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, cold temperatures, frost, snow, and excessive rainfall.
The upcoming greenhouse tunnel construction project will aim to provide a safe and productive environment for growing both seasonal and off-seasonal vegetable crops. This initiative will ensure that the community can cultivate crops year-round, regardless of the weather conditions.
Additionally, the greenhouse tunnels will serve as an educational demonstration for tourists visiting the camp during trekking seasons. Tourists will have the opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices, the benefits of greenhouse technology, and how these tunnels can support local agriculture. This project will not only improve the agricultural capabilities of the community but also enhance the experience for tourists, offering them a unique glimpse into the integration of eco-friendly farming with the local way of life.