Improving Organic Farming Practices for Training of Trainers in Nepal under the Farmer-to-Farmer Program

Growing interest and public perception in organic farming in Nepal is on the rise due to environmental pollution, food safety concern and excessive use of farm chemicals in crop production. The practice of sustainable organic farming is not a new for the farming community, however, organic agriculture as a new movement is recent and since then, efforts to provide advance knowledge in the organic farming among the farmers by various organizations including non-governmental are continuous. This paper presents extension report from a volunteer assignment conducted under Farmer to Farmer program in Napal for training of trainers in organic agriculture education. A face to face classroom and hands on training for faculty, research assistants and students was conducted. The aim was to integrate and strengthen organic agriculture curriculum and organic farming practices in crop production. Several training sessions delivered on organic seeds, vegetable transplants, integrated pest management, soil health and organic certificate requirements. Field sessions conducted at the organic farms in various locations and consultation on organic composting methods, vegetable gardening and production issues discussed.  The future impacts of the project are that faculty who received the training would replicate the training to farming community, improve and develop organic farming technologies, teaching tools and assist Government in formulating policy issues. Organic industry and market is too small in Nepal. Political commitments, improved production, marketing incentives and institutionalization of Nepalese organic movement are key factors to further enhance organic sector in Nepal.