BIO: Boost the Income in Horticulture – Increasing organic agricultural income and supporting horticulture for the survival of farming families in Dandatole village, Sindhupalchok District, Nepal

WHERE 

Nepal, Bagmati Province, Sindhupalchok District, Helambu Rural Municipality.
 

CONTEXT

The project is implemented in the Sindhupalchok District, specifically in the Dandatole ward of Helambu Rural Municipality. This community, whose livelihoods depend heavily on agricultural production, was severely affected by the 2015 earthquake. The project was designed in 2020, based on a needs assessment that identified a strong need to support the increase of agricultural production to meet daily food requirements, promote the production of marketable surpluses, and address the impacts of climate change. The project will conclude in June 2024, with a projected per-capita income increase of at least 20% for beneficiaries within three years of completion, along with the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural models across the entire ward (at least 554 familie

OBJECTIVES

General objective
To contribute to the recovery and strengthening of health and education services in Yamethin District, Mandalay Region, by supporting the resilience of communities affected by the earthquake and ensuring access to essential services for vulnerable populations.

Specific objective
To promote organic vegetable farming and increase water availability. To strengthen the development of a short agricultural supply chain.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

• Construction of 30 soil cement tanks.
• Installation of 120 drip irrigation systems.
• Installation of 120 bamboo plastic tunnels for horticulture.
• Training on off-season vegetable production and distribution of seeds and equipment.
• Implementation of 2 nurseries and management training.
• Training and support on the preparation and use of biopesticides and manure management.
• Organisation of beneficiaries into 4 farmer groups.
   

RESULTS

Water availability for irrigation during the dry season increased: 30 soil cement tanks constructed and 49 drip irrigation systems installed in 2023. New tools and techniques for organic farming introduced: 49 plastic tunnels installed for off-season vegetable production, 6 training sessions delivered, 408 crop calendars printed and distributed, 2 nurseries installed with related training; 6 training sessions on biopesticides and natural fertilisers delivered; 4 farmer groups formed. New income-generating opportunities created through agricultural marketing.

BENEFICIARIES

Direct: 120 farming families, totalling 480 people.
Indirect: approximately 2,448 individuals living in the wards indirectly involved in the activities.

PARTNERS

ARSOW Nepal

PROJECT FUNDED BY

Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Italy