Lecture 9

Organic pest management: Principles

Organic Crop Production
The term “organic” describes production systems that optimize natural processes and avoids the
use of harmful synthetic pesticides to manage the pests. In organic systems, the goal is to alter
the production system so that pests do not find plants, are managed by natural enemies
(biological control), or their damage is kept to a minimum. Vigorous, healthy plants are more
able to withstand damage caused by the pests. Therefore, healthy soil and plants are the
foundation of organic production. Successful organic pest management usually requires “re-
designing” and managing the farm or field (i.e., agro-ecosystem) so that a variety of natural
processes and specific actions by the farmer minimize pests and their damage. Described here
are general principles of pest management in organic production.
A. Strategic approach
Ideally, managing pests in organic production involves a thorough understanding of the farm
ecosystem so that it can be manipulated in a way that it is self-regulating in terms of pests. The
following principles are the key to a viable approach to organic pest management.
1. Know the organisms and ecosystem: Organisms include crop(s), major pests and beneficial
organisms including plants, animals and microbial communities. Knowing the life cycles of each
of them: peak growing period of the crops, vulnerable growth stage regarding pest attack and
yield reduction; relationships among organisms; and effects of physical environment on them are
very important and sound knowledge on these aspects of an agri-ecosystem is the half solution to
the problem. Now the job is monitoring the pest populations and keeping good records on what
is happening.
2. Develop a healthy system: Based on the knowledge obtained through observation, develop a
farming/cropping system through judicious combination of suitable components that favors crops
and beneficial organisms and disfavors pests.
3. Maintain diversity: Diversity generally promotes stability, resilience, and agro-ecosystem
health. Above ground as well as below ground diversity are important in regulating populations
of pests that occur in these different environments (e.g., flying insects and foliar diseases in the
above ground environment; nematodes and root diseases below ground). Maintaining diversity
has both economic as well as ecological benefits.
4. Multiple tactics: Use of single tactic usually won’t suffice in either the short or the long run. It
needs tactics covering all the possible, but permissible by the organic standard, means
complimentary to each other- integrated approach.
B. Tactical Approach
We can broadly classify tactics into four categories: Genetic tactics, biological tactics,
cultural tactics and chemical tactics. First of all the tactics should be based on the knowledge
acquired as mentioned above. Knowledge about the potential pests and beneficial organisms
informs our decisions about which tactics we may employ in a given situation. The first three
categories are generally compatible with one another (with a few specific exceptions) and with a
truly ecological approach to pest management. However, chemical pesticides are generally less
compatible with organic and ecological approaches. While some organically acceptable
chemicals are quite safe, not all of them are. Because of their potential negative impacts on
beneficial insect populations, the environment and human health, many organically acceptable
chemicals should be used sparingly and as a last resort.

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1. Genetic Tactics: There are genetic differences within a crop species for susceptibility to pest. Plant
breeders and farmers, can select strains or varieties that are less susceptible. The resulting genetic
resistance or tolerance is most commonly used with managing pests, which is the safest means to
manage the production and is completely compatible with other tactics. However, availability of
such variety and cost to grower for introducing resistant varieties may incur additional burdain.

2. Biological Tactic or Biological Control (BC) is the pest management approach to manage one
organism (pest) by using one or more other organisms.
BC of arthropods (insects and mites): Managing insects by this method is more common
than managing pathogens and weeds. There exist three broad groups of “beneficial organisms”
Predators (individual predators consume more than 1 prey individual); parasitoids (parasitize not
more than 1 host, alone or with other individuals); and pathogens (microbes which infect hosts
and cause disease). The practical way of getting the insects managed may be by naturally present
beneficial organisms and by enhancing the environment to favor (e.g., insectary plants, artificial
foods, no harmful sprays) the natural enemies or predators. Purchasing or collecting the
beneficial organisms and releasing them in the population of targeted insect pests are also being
practiced. Some common predatory arthropods include ladybird beetles, lacewings, syrphid flies,
carabid beetles, minute pirate bugs, nabid bugs, big-eyed bugs, and spiders. Spiders, for example,
are becoming popular for biological control of brown plant hopper (BPH) in rice, nowadays, in
many Asian countries. Some spiders seem to be fairly effective for this purpose, particularly, the
early generations of the pest in rice fields, which have not been sprayed with insecticides before
the appearance of any immigrant population. A number of families of spider are active to prey
upon their enemies.
Parasitoids (sometimes called parasites) do not usually eat their hosts directly. Adult
parasitoids lay their eggs in, on, or near their host insect. When the eggs hatch, the immature
parasitoids use the host as food. Many parasitoids are very small wasps and are not easily
noticed. Tachinid flies are another group of parasitoids. They look like large houseflies and
deposit their white, oval eggs on the backs of caterpillars and other pests. The eggs hatch, enter
the host, and kill it.
Pathogens are disease-causing organisms. Just as many other organisms get sick, so do
the insects. The main groups of insect disease-causing organisms are insect-parasitic bacteria,
fungi, protozoa, viruses, and nematodes. Biological control using pathogens is often called
microbial control. One very well-known microbial control agent that is available commercially is
the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Because not all formulations of Bt are approved for
use in organic systems, it is important to check with the certifier. Several insect-pathogenic fungi
are used as microbial control agents, including Beauveria, Metarhizium, and Paecilomyces.
These are most often used against foliar insect pests in greenhouses or other locations where
humidity is relatively high. Nuclear polyhedrosis (NPV) and granulosis (GV) viruses are
available to control some lepidopteran pests (moths and butterflies). Insect-parasitic
(entomopathogenic or insecticidal) nematodes in the genera Steinernema and
Heterorhabditis infect soil-dwelling insects and occur naturally or can be purchased. This
method is effective primarily of soil borne pathogens. Soil microbial diversity is key (rotation
helps here) to this approach. Composts: may contain many beneficial microbes to help control
disease; especially in potting mixes. Commercialized microbial products, though relatively rare,
seem to be increasing. As with all biological control agents, it is especially important to match
the correct microbial control agent with the correct pest in order for them to be effective.
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3. Cultural tactics: Wide variety of management tactics that disfavor pests and favor crops &/or
beneficial organisms are in practice which are compatible with all other tactics. However, this
may cost extra money, but worth the “investment” in later costs being averted. The following are
the major cultural tactics generally followed by the organic farmers.
a. Sanitation: mainly consists of preventing initial contamination and cleaning up of
contaminated areas, plants, equipments, and even composting pits and raw materials for it.
b. Physical Exclusion: includes keeping the pest out of the crop and save it from possible
infection/infestation by constructing greenhouse (sometimes inside certain pests may thrive) and
in fields - row covers protect from insects and diseases they transmit (e.g., viruses), and some
vertebrate pests (e.g., rabbits)
c. Crop Rotation: breaks pest life cycle (this is one reason to know life cycles). This is most
effective in soil borne diseases and nematodes and many other soil borne pests. One should make
sure that rotation crops are “non-hosts” (and host weeds are not allowed to grow). Rotate the
crops of different families with different nature-e.g. cereal with legume.
d. Timing: grow crop during optimum season, which allows rapid healthy growth and pests have
less impact.
e. Planting Methods: use transplants to avoid very vulnerable seedling stage in the field,
overplant and take the risk of some seedling losses (in case of vegetables).
f. Water and soil/plant nutrition management: many diseases (soil and foliar) are favored by
water: avoid irrigation practices at the time when it favor disease; good soil management favors
crops & beneficial microbes; therefore disfavors soil diseases; and balanced plant nutrition’ helps
crops resist pests. For example, avoid excess N, Ca, K nutrition of crop. soil nutrition and foliar
sprays (e.g., sea products, compost teas, Gitimal) may be used. Depending upon the method
used to produce them, compost teas contain a diverse mix nutrients and microorganisms; many
farmers use compost teas to disfavor pests by improving the nutrient balance of the crop,
modifying the microbial community dynamics of plant surfaces (e.g., leaves), or other
mechanisms.
4. Pesticide (including insecticides, acaricides, fungicides): is the last resort and should be used
very cautiously as even organically acceptable chemicals may be detrimental to workers,
consumers, beneficial insects and the environment. Organic farmers must be concerned with the
regulatory criteria set by the national government and also, if product is to sell outside, the
criteria set by the recipient organization. Some internationally allowable pesticides are Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt), pyrethrum, insecticidal soaps, diatomaceous earth, azadirachtin, horticultural
oils, and insect-parasitic (entomopathogenic) nematodes and fungi.
Disease management for organic field crop production should focus on several aspects
including host resistance, site selection, exclusion, crop rotation, cultivation, and plant disease
diagnosis. It is unlikely that all diseases can be avoided by utilizing any one of these
management strategies alone. However, the damage of many plant diseases can be greatly
reduced by the integration of these practices. Some of the products that can be used in managing
diseases as pesticides include sulfur, lime, copper, or combinations of two or more. It is
important that the product you use is certified for use on organic operations.
Managing weeds in organic systems uses many of the same techniques as conventional
(inorganic) systems, but relies much more on nonchemical control strategies. To plan an
effective weed management program in organic systems, historical pest problems, soil
management, crop rotation, machinery, markets, weather, time and labor should be considered.

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Adjusting weed control strategies based on these factors and observing and avoiding potential
problems is a big part of staying ahead of weed problems. The primary methods for managing
weeds in organic systems are the use of cultural and mechanical weed management strategies,
which primarily focus on prevention, crop rotation, crop competition, and cultivation. Chemical
weed control is not allowed in organic crop production systems. However, non synthetic
(natural) post emergence herbicides contain plant-based ingredients including eugenol (clove
oil), cinnamon oil, citrus oil, lemongrass oil, and others, and act as nonselective contact type
herbicides. The need for the use of herbicides derived from plant or animal sources should be
explained in the grower’s Organic System Plan and the farmer must obtain permission from their
organic certifying agencies to use these materials.
Lecture 10

Organic pest management: Practices

Organic pest management is not a new practice for Nepalese farmers because they were
and are practicing many non chemical means of managing pests such as manual (sanitation and
hand picking for e.g.) and cultural methods (use of crop rotation, resistant varieties, appropriate
planting time, water management, use of well decomposed compost, mix cropping, etc), with the
help of various locally available plants and their derivatives. However, the use of many of the
sophisticated inputs such as microbial preparations and fabricated botanical pesticides are not
common among most of our farmers. They have vast knowledge on manual and cultural methods
but most of them do not have knowledge on biological method, as it is perceived now. Neither
they have sufficient know how about the predators community. Organic and IPM farmers are
now becoming familiar with many of the techniques and do use all the safe means, from hand
picking to the use of fungal preparations to minimize the damage. Some of the marketed
products, like various pheromone traps (Spodolure, Helilure, DBMlure, etc) are being common
in farms especially in cucurbits. Various preparations based on such fungi like Trichoderma spp,
Beuveria, Metarhizium anisopliae, are also available in the market and few farmers are trying
them. Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) is becoming popular among the framers in controlling
pod borer as it can be prepared in farmers’ fields. Similarly, Zibatu, a special preparation
consisting of a group of microbial population (developed by Nepalese scientists) and EM
(effective microorganism, Japanese formula, prepared in Nepal) for both pest and nutrient
management are also available in the market, and are common in some localities. The following
table enlists the various techniques that farmers are commonly using for pest management.
Table 1. Common practices adopted by the farmers to manage the pests without chemical
SN Insect Pests Control measures
1 Leaf folder Leaf folder removed with the help of thorns of bayer (Ziziphus)
Borer, grasshopper, Neem, urine and cow dung, irrigation
2 rice/mealy bug, blast
3 Gundhi bug Clothes soaked with urine & containing dung placed in field
Borer, rice ear head bug, Cultural operation, water management
4 sheath blight
Mealy bug, rice ear head Destroying infected plants, irrigation, insect trap
5 bug and termites
6 Gundhi bug Gandhe paso
Mealy bug, rice ear head
7 bug and termites Destroying infected plants, irrigation, insect trap
8 Leaf folder By breaking rolls or folds by thorns
Leaf folder, borer and rice
9 ear head bug Thorn treatment, drying the water in field

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 10 Borer Beauvaria bassiana @ 5gm/lt
11 Fadke Field drainage
12 Various Pests Light trap
13 Leaf folder Various plant extracts
14 Borer and leaf folder Mustard cake
15 Root rot Spraying cows' urine mixed with water; mix with neem water
16 Mealy bug Irrigation
Rice ear head bug and
17 borer Light trap

Although many farmers are not familiar with biological pest control, the notion has entered into
research through the collection, multiplication and redistribution of gall making fruit fly
Cecidochares utilis for the suppression of banmara (Eupatorium adenophorum) weed as the first
biological control program implemented in Nepal in early 1990s. Subsequently, Aphelinus mali
(Haldeman) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was introduced from France for the control of apple
woolly aphid Eriosoma lanigerum (Hussman) (Homoptera: Aphididae). Curinus coruleus was
introduced from Thailand for the control of Leucaena leucocephala psyllid (Heteropsylla
cubana), Cotesia plutellae and Diadegma semiclaussaum were introduced from AVRDC,
Taiwan for the suppression of diamond back moth Plutella xylostella. Some biological control
agents have also been exported from Nepal. Systematic surveys of indigenous biological control
agents of two important pests, Helicoverpa armigera and Rhynchocorris humeralis began in
1992 at Lumle Agricultural Centre. Trichogramma chilonis was reared at Lumle Agricultural
Research Centre as well as Entomology Division, Khumaltar. Unidentified species of egg
parasitoids were observed from Chitwan attacking Litchi bug, Tessaratoma papillosa.
Microbial pesticides are naturally occurring organisms which include bacteria, fungi, protozoa or
viruses eg. BT (Bacillus thuringiensis, (Plant protectant pesticides or plant incorporated pesticide
PIP), Baculoviruses, NPV (nuclear poly hederosis virus), etc. Bt crops or bacterium incorporated
crops such as cotton, tobacco, maize, rice is available in many countries. Baculoviruses are
promising agent for the control of insects of order Lepidoptera (Butterflieds and moths),
Hymenoptera (Sawflies) and Coleoptera (Beetles). Spray of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPV)
of Helicoverpa armigera (H) or Spodoptera litura (S) @ 250 larval equivalents are very
effective tools to manage the Helicoverpa sp. or Spodoptera sp. respectively. Fungi based
(Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana) biopesticides are also been used and
occasionally in Nepal. Metarhizium anisopliae attacking white grub have been isolated and
manufactured for field experimentation purposes, and is being commercialized. Verticillum
lecani was found infective to corn aphids. Similarly, entomogenus fungi, Isaria sinclavii was
tested and applied to control sugarcane grass cicada. Entimophthora spp. was reported to be
highly pathogenic to the tiger moth, Creatonotos gangis and the green leaf hopper.
Indigenous strains of Fungi Trichoderma spp. have been isolated and some of the species
have shown promises as a potential biological control agent of several soil borne diseases. Works
on the isolation of indigenous strain of Bacillus thuringiensis has been initiated. Fungal pathogen
Paecilomyces funosoroceus were isolated from aphids and red ants at Lumle. Many species of
spiders have been identified in rice fields and are claimed to be insect controller. However, there
is hardly any evidence of application of these bio-control agents in the farmers’ fields. Most
farmers are unable to distinguish pest insects from their natural enemies and same is the case
with the hover flies (important aphid predator) and fruit fly (serious cucurbit pest). There may be
difficulty in identifying ladybird beetles and Epilachna beetles. Identification of the diversity of

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potential biological control agents in each crop environment through exploratory studies is the
first step towards understanding and promoting biological control agents. Once identified,
natural enemies can be conserved, their roles defined and their efficiency enhanced by adopting
one or more of the practices such as pesticide avoidance, use of selective botanicals, provision of
food, shelter or alternative hosts, etc..
Experienced farmers are having quite fair knowledge on the locally available plants with
pesticidal values in their different modes of use and the targeted pests. It is estimated that there
are about 2400 plants with pesticidal value and among them 425 plants are found in Nepal, and
farmers are widely using most of them for the purpose. The common plants being used for the
managing the pests are neem (Azedirachta indica ), garlic (Allium sativum), pudina (Mentha
arvensis), ginger (Zingiber officinalis), turmeric (Curcuma domestica), tite pati (Artemesia
alatum), marygold(Tagetes patula),timur (Xanthoxylum alatum), asuro (Adhatoda visica), tulasi
(Ocimum sactum), bakaino (Melia aderachata), papaya (Carica papaya), sisnu (Urtica dioica),
Tobacco (Nicotianum tobacum), pire ghas (Polygonum hydropeper), sarifa (Annonaa squamosa),
sital chini (Moringha oleifera), onion (Allium cepa), siundi (Euphorbia royaleana), sajiwan (
Jatropha curcus), simali (Vitex nigundo). Among these plants; about 80 % work as repellant,
11.5 % antifeedant, 6% sterilant, 2 % biocidal and 0.5 % as poisonous. Unfortunately, the
knowledge about these plants are dissipating as the old generation passes away and new
generation seems not interesting in such skills. Pervasive import of chemical pesticides,
detraction of young generation from agriculture, loss of plant diversity, and lack of written
document about these plants are the major reasons for this misfortune. However, due to growing
knowledge about the serious negative impacts of synthetic pesticides on human and environment
health, the interest on these plants are increasing both globally and locally. In recent years some
commercial products mainly based on neem such as nimaban, nimarin, multineem, biomultineem
are also available in the market but they are imported ones. Although they me be good, however,
they are not at the easy reach of common farmers neither they use these marketed pesticides
frequently. Quality of the products and time of application are of crucial consideration in using
such imported products. “Fresh home made preparations are more effective”, say farmers.
Many research works have also been done verify the farmers’ practice using various plant
materials against different insect pests and nematodes. Among the tested plants, sweet flag
(Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Boke timur (Xanthoxylum armatum) and rape
seed (Brassica compestris var. toria) have provided good control of grain weevils (Sitophilus
spp, Bruchus spp and Callosobruchus chinensis). The following table gives a picture of farmers’
experience in the use of locally available plant materials for managing the common insect pests.
Many research works still have to be done to generate authentic data base pertaining to the
efficacy of the plants, mode of action, chemistry involved, appropriate preparation concentration
and, so on, to come with concrete recommendation to make the use of these locally available,
cheap and safe materials wider and practical. The following table gives the glimpse of farmers
experience on the use of these plants.

Table 2.Some examples of the farmers experience on managing the pests with botanicals
SN Pest Plants used Remarks
1. Grain Weevils Sitophilus Sweet flag (Acorus calamus), Neem, ( Azediracha Good
spp. , Bruchus sps. and indica), Boketimur ( Xanthoxylum armatum), rape Control
Callosobruchus chinensis seed (Brassica compresris var toria)
2. Vegetable crops (Cole Asuro (Justicia adhtoda), Simali (Vitex negundo), Mixed
crops Neem, bakaino, (Melia azederach), pyrethrum sps, results

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 (cauli,cabbage,Rao) Siltimur (Lindera neesiana), Pyrethrum
urnip, onion, beans, (Chrisanthemus cinerariafolium), tobacco
brinjal, (Nicotiana tabacm)elderberry (Sabacus sp), Boke
timur (Xanthoxylum armatum), Mmentha
(Mentha arvensis), Gandhe (Ageratum
conyzoides), Hemp (Canabis sativa), Lemon
(Citrus lemon), Custard apple (Annona reticulata),
and Sopa berry Rittha (sapindus marginatus)
3. Root knot (Meloidogyne Green leaves of Neem, bakaina, Sunhemp, Good
javanica) of Okra (chlorolaria juncia) Dhaincha (Sesbania acculiata) result
4. Red Ant, Potato Mulching with Dhurse ( Buddleia asiatica),Asuro Good
Titepti ( Artemisia vulgaris) , Khirro Result
5. Coffee (Stem borer) Marigold, Bakaina/Neem leaves, garlic and Good
linseed oil prevention
6. Black rot of coffee and Siundi (Euphorbia royaleana) Sajiwan ( Jatropha Good
citrus (Fungus) curcus) Besar ( Curcuma domestica) and water prevention
7. For sucking insects Giti mal God result
8 Aphids (Brevicoryne dry wood ash in the early morning, Wood ash Good
brassicae) of crucifers soaked in water (1:4) for 12 hours filtered and result
and legumes mixed with soap water and sprayed.
9 Most of the insects Cow urine Good
result
10 Root knot ( Meloidogyne Green leaves of Neem, bakaina,Sunhemp,( Good
javanica) of Okra chrotolaria juncia) Dhaincha ( Sesbania acculiata) result

Lecture 11

Livestock integration in organic farming

Integration of animals and crops in the farm is an age old tradition in Nepal and it an integral
part of Nepalese farming system. This integration forms the basis of organic agriculture as
livestock is the main source of organic manure. Organic farming largely excludes the synthetic
inputs- fertilizers, pesticides, growth promoters, and genetically modified organisms (GMO's).
This system focuses on biological processes such as composting and other measures to maintain
soil fertility, natural pest control and diversifying crops and livestock. Organic agriculture gives
priority to long -term ecological health, such as biological diversity and soil quality, contrasting
with chemical based conventional farming, which concentrates on short -term productivity gains.
Integration of crops and livestock is often considered as a step towards sustainable agricultural
production because of the associated intensified and efficient organic matter and nutrient cycling.
Residues of the different crops represent the main on-farm source of organic matter and
nutrients. Management of crops residues in our region is closely associated with their utilization
in animal feeding. An advantage of integration of livestock and crops is the added value derived
from crop residues (especially those of legumes) in terms of animal products and incomes.
However, to maintain the system in the long term it is necessary that nutrients should be added to
the field through the manure. Most livestock products in mixed farming systems are derived
from animals that are fed on local resources such as pastures, crop residues, fodder trees and
shrubs: and by products from village industries such as oil cakes, bran, broken rice etc. After the

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harvest a part of the crop residues like straw, stubble and other byproducts from the threshing
floor tends to be freely accessible to all livestock. Livestock can enhance farm output by
intensified recycling of nutrients by utilizing straws, crop residues, fodder etc and in turn
produce dung and urine as a soil improver. The use of these resources saves money and recycling
of residues, otherwise as waste, and by products within the farming system keeps the system
clean.
The use of dung and urine excreted by cattle, pigs, chickens and other animals for crops
is an established tradition in our farming system. Dung and urine contain several nutrients such
as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and the solid fraction contains organic matter that is
important to maintain soil structure and fertility. The amount and quality of urine and dung
produced depends on the type of animal, its size and the type of feed as well as on the
management of the farmers. One large animal of 300 kg live weight has an average feed intake
of 2.5 per cent dry matter of its live weight. Within an average digestibility of 55 percent, the
animal will produce 1232 kg of dung every year. Similarly, a small ruminants weighing about 35
kg has a feed requirements of 3.5 percent dry matter of its live weight daily, consume 320 kg dry
matter. The average digestibility of the feed estimated at 60 percent. Hence, one small ruminant
produces around 128 kg of dry matter faces per year. Based on this observation converting all
age groups of large ruminants into livestock unit, cattle and buffalo produce around 8894
thousand t dung per year. Similarly, total small ruminants (sheep and goat) produce around 564
thousand t dung. Thus the total production of dung by the ruminants in Nepal is around 9458
thousand t. The nitrogen that can be obtained from the total decal material of the ruminants is
estimated to be around 216 thousand t. However, most of our livestock management systems do
not in line with this as 46% of manure is lost in grazing away from the farm, it has been
estimated that even if the animal numbers in the hills of Nepal were halved, manure production
would remain almost what it is at present, provided that it is collected and utilized properly.
Therefore stall-feeding could result in full collection of dung. In such case feeding materials may
be the problem. The nutrient content and dry matter percentage of manure varies according to the
quality of feed and method of handling and storage. Dry matter content of cow dung on lush
pasture can be less than 15 percent but in sheep and goat on dry forage it can be higher than 50
percent. The amount and proportion of nitrogen excreted depend on animal diet. The urine and
solid dung of animals fed highly digestible diets with a lot of protein contain much more nitrogen
and, therefore, are more susceptible to nitrogen losses than excreta from diets containing greater
amounts of roughage.
Much of the urine nitrogen is lost via ammonia volatilization. Where animal management
tend towards increased stall-feeding, the composting of fresh manure will have to play a greater
role in minimizing nutrient losses. Pits or heaps that capture feed refusals, manure and urine and
household waste need to be designed to minimize nutrient losses. In various systems big
ruminants like cattle, buffalo and small ruminants like sheep and goat are kept overnight in pens
in the compound throughout the year, and the manure they Produce is transported to the fields
during the dry season. However, droppings from small ruminants are sometimes used separately
because manure from small ruminants takes longer to have an effect on crop yields than cow
dung, but once it has started the effect lasts for several years. Mixing with low quality biomass,
i.e. with straws, leftover grasses, livestock bedding materials and dry leaves, can reduce the
nitrogen losses from the dung. The greener leaves still contain much nitrogen themselves and
they are less capable of capturing surplus nitrogen from urine and dung.

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Integration of livestock in organic farming at component level
Grass land system: With the steady increase in demand for food products, the tendency of
people grew towards the cultivation of best land for cereal crops and only unproductive and
marginal lands are given to the production of fodder, if not at all. However, importance of fodder
production in fertile lands with higher productivity to feed livestock is also being recognized
gradually. Such system of farming helps maintain soil productivity. Therefore in order to obtain
sustainable growth of agriculture production, grassland farming is considered to be a good
culture wherein crop and livestock production are built around the grassland areas. The grassland
areas include land devoted to the culture of forage grasses and legumes grown alone or in
combination, where farming takes into account of soils, plants, animal and their interrelationship.
The grassland agriculture differs from other types of farming chiefly with respect to the emphasis
placed on grasses and legumes. The benefits of the system are as follow:
Feed for livestock: forage produces best and cheapest summer and winter feed for livestock.
With an increasing number of forage species and strains, "all year green forage production" can
be made to meet the demand of ever increasing number of livestock. In such farming, there is
always a reserve of forage at hand at all times in the form of unused pasturage, of hay of grass
silage. Such reserve will bridge such emergencies as a severe winter, a late spring, a summer
drought or a partial crop failure. This is one of the keys to successful grass-fed livestock
management.
Manuring the soil: the pasture crops (grazed and harvested) absorb soil nutrients from various
layers of soil, which are utilized by the livestock and partly convert into valuable manure for the
field crops. There is also good quality sod resulting from the growth of a grass legume
combination. Legume adds nitrogen to the soil through the process of symbiotic nitrogen
fixation, which is a direct source of plant food for later grain crop. Grasses and legume add
organic matter to soil. Legumes are tap rooted and decay rather quickly and the sod effect is from
the fibrous grass roots, which are capable of sponging up nitrogen furnished by legumes. This
may increase the yield of crop per unit of land, which follows on rotation. But legume crops that
are grown in the field need to be inoculated with commercial preparation of Rhizobia to ensure
maximum yield with high quality. The amount of nitrogen fixed by annual legume crops is often
50-250kg/ha per year. The amount of nitrogen fixed by a perennial legume is possibly higher.
Improving soil conditions: A high quality grass legume sod provides better soil drainage.
Legume penetrates the sub-soil and improves the drainage, but the fibrous grass root literally
permeates the plow layer and gradually diminishes in quantity with depth. Therefore, adequate
use of forages is the key to improve soil internal drainage and thereby making the soil better for
the production of other crops in rotation.
Agro forestry system: in this system food crops are grown in alleys formed by hedgerows of
trees and shrubs, preferably legumes. For this purpose, fast-growing species such as Leucaena
leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium, etc. can be used. The hedgerows are pruned regularly to
obtain fodder for livestock, some fuel wood and mulching materials. Since the root of the plant
penetrates deeper into the soil, it recycles nutrients leached to deeper soil levels. The alley
cropping system can sustain or even improve soil fertility and crop production. Alley cropping is
being developed with different tree species and crops focusing of several uses of the by-products
from the trees. Selection of the trees and crops underneath should be done in such a way that
they do not compete each other – an important consideration in the system.
Use of drought power: the use of draft power enables farmers to integrate livestock and crop
production and permits the exploitation of the potential of cattle kept on subsistence farms.

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Experience shows that there is direct relationship between the level of energy use, human, animal
or fossil, and level of production per unit of land. In fossil energy driven system, the relatively
high-energy use explains the relatively high productivity. However, there are organic integrated
systems in which virtually no fossil energy is used, which in terms of overall production, are at
least as productive as modern system, but have less negative impact on environment and may be
socially more acceptable.
Integrated Livestock Production System: integration of livestock, fish and crops is a good
example of successful organic farming and has proved to be a sustainable system. Planting
banana around the fish ponds is being popular among the farmers in Chitwan. Livestock
droppings and feed wastes can be poured directly into the pond, where they produce zooplankton
and bacteria that are protein rich feed for fish. Livestock manure can also be used to fertilize
grass, which also constitute feed for fish. Vegetables can be irrigated from the fishponds, and
their residue and by-products can be used for feeding livestock. Livestock excreta can also be fed
to the fish in mixed form with some organic ingredients like soybean meal, rice bran, mustard oil
cake, ground nut cake etc. The diet with 29% poultry litter is found to perform better than the
fish meal based control diet in terms of growth. It is reported that 30% poultry litter can be
included in the complete diet of omnivorous / herbivorous fish. Poultry manure meal can safely
and economically used to substitute 20% of soybean protein in the diet containing 30% protein
without significant retardation of growth. The dung and urine produced in the stall is transferred
to cultivated land, and this requires a long time, apart from human labor. There is also a loss of
nutrient and its quality decreased. Therefore in-situ manuring, i.e. by tethering animals directly
in the fields, is an important strategy developed by mountain farmers over the ages, in which
ruminants' play a crucial role.
Lecture 12

Organic livestock production

Livestock is an important component of Nepalese farming system contributing to rural
livelihood and national economy substantially. Apart from being an integral part of the rural
agricultural system, this sector is being commercialized very fast especially through dairy
farming, poultry industry, piggery and goat farming. Generally the productivity of our local
breeds both in term s of meat and milk is poor. To increase their productivity cross breeding of
native livestock with the exotic breed is in increasing trend. These crossbred livestock are fed
with different inorganic nutrients, growth promoters like antibiotics as feed additives. Beside
this, large amount of drugs are used for the treatment of various diseases in animals, and
insecticides are used for controlling external parasites. The livestock products obtained from
such farming practices may contain the residue of chemicals, and have unnatural taste and is
harmful to human health. Due to this, along with an increasing health consciousness, the
consumers are being attracted towards organic livestock product; hence the demand of organic
products is increasing. Any organic farming is a legally defined and is under regular quality
assurance system. Therefore, it is important to identify best practices in organic livestock
production in all operations from production to marketing to ensure the health of the animal as
well as of their end products. The following basic principles are to be followed while considering
organic livestock production to put into action.
Organic principles strive to enhance the naturalness of the lives of the stock, and the
harmony between individuals in the flock or herd and the physical, climatic and human
environments in which they are kept. The health of herds and their performance are optimized by

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careful attention to the basic principles of livestock husbandry, such as selection of an
appropriate breeds, appropriate management practices and nutrition, and avoidance of
overstocking. Young-stock receives an adequate supply of colostrums at birth and should remain
with their mothers for as long as possible thereafter. Stress should be minimized at all times. Use
of chemicals or veterinary drugs and livestock by products except milk as raw materials for
feedstuff should be avoided. Use of herbal medicines for the treatment of the sick animals is
essential. Organic inputs can be used even for the control of external parasites. For example, the
extract obtained from the mixture of tobacco leaves, titepati leaves, salt and water at a ratio of
1:1:0.33:10 is proved to be very much effective for killing the external parasites including the
ticks of cattle. Stock densities shall be appropriate to animal species, feeding, health, nutrients
balance, and environmental impact. Livestock breeding shall be natural to minimize stress and
prevent diseases. Herbivorous animals should have access to pasture for grazing and other
animal species should have access to open-air exercise or to the traditional farming systems with
access to pasture, providing an appropriate welfare for the animals. Dairy animals should be
allowed to exhibit their native behavior and consume a meaningful amount of their feed from
grazing on pastures. They including other ruminants should be put out on pasture for the entire
growing season, but for not less than 120 days. It also requires that the animals receive at least
30% of their feed, or dry matter intake (DMI), from pasturing. In addition, organic livestock will
be required to have access to the outdoors year-round with the exception of temporary
confinement due to environmental or health considerations. Stock born or from the parents that
are managed according to the organic production system should be kept. To change the breed for
supporting the demand of market, new improved breeding stock born from natural methods need
to be obtained.

Feed stuff shall not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products. Raw
materials or substances shall be permitted according to national legislation on animal feeding and
shall not be against the organic livestock principles. A substantial proportion of dry matter in the
daily rations of herbivores shall be composed of roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage but
feeding with silage alone throughout the life span is not permitted. Fresh water should be
accessible and available for livestock at all times. Feeding materials used as mineral, vitamin, or
pro-vitamin can only be used if they are of natural origin. If shortage, or in exceptional
circumstances, synthetic substances may be used with full details of their origin and production
processes. Feeding materials of plant origin from uncertified organic sources can only be used,
under the conditions that they shall not be produced or prepared by using any chemical
treatments. Uses of synthetic nitrogen or non-protein nitrogen compounds are prohibited. The
feeding of mammalian material to ruminants is not permitted, except milk. Binders, anti-caking
agents, emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, surfactants, coagulants, antioxidants, coloring agents,
flavor agents, and appetite stimulants can be used but only from natural sources. Antibiotics,
medicines, growth promoters or any other substance intended to stimulate growth or production
are prohibited.
The animal health management shall be applied according to animal species and breeds.
Medical herbs, indigenous technologies shall be applied for animal treatment. If the management
practices or permitted drugs cannot control the diseases, the use of other veterinary drugs can be
applied if necessary with clear withdrawal period under supervision of a qualified veterinarian.
Where the epidemic diseases occur and existing permitted treatment or management practice
cannot control or treat the diseases, in cases required by law, vaccination of livestock, use of

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therapeutic use of necessary veterinary drugs are permitted and withdrawal period extended two
folds of the manufacturer’s instruction is strictly observed. Any surgical operation shall be
practiced for animal safety and welfare. All appropriate medications must be used to restore an
animal to health when methods acceptable to organic production fail..
Have an open-air exercise area for animal. Natural Breeding shall be applied, if necessary,
artificial insemination technique may be allowed. Temporarily confined in the housing during
certain periods, for their health, safety or to prevent from destroying the water resources,
environment, plant and soil is permitted. Poultry shall be reared in open-range conditions and
have free access to open-air exercise area. The free range stocking density shall be suitable to
prevent degradation of the soil fertility and over-grazing of vegetation. The housing of calves in
individual boxes and the tethering of livestock are not permitted without the approval of the
certification body of organic livestock production system. Waste from farm areas shall be
appropriately managed to avoid soil and water degradation, nitrates and pathogenic bacteria
contamination of soil and water and optimize recycling of nutrients. Manure and compost
application rates shall be appropriate to avoid pollution. Livestock management, disease
prevention and treatments shall be recorded. At the beginning of the conversion period, feedstuff
shall be composed of at least 70% of organic sources for ruminants and 65% for non-ruminants,
calculated on a dry matter basis.
A vast national animal population reared in remote parts of the country has not been
exposed to modern veterinary care and vet medicines. It means Nepalese farmers have been
practicing organic production system as their traditional practice but not have been identified and
certified as organic producers to get the premium price of organic produce. Classical examples
are mutton, chevon, fibre produced from migratory sheep and goats, chicken meat from
backyard poultry, yak cheese, milk and milk products (ghee, chhurpi) and dry meat from remote
hills and mountains. However, due to lack of commercialization in remote regions farmers are
not getting reasonable return for their produce. Initiating the certification system and the
promotion of such products would benefit the large number of producers in those regions. For
this, national livestock population could be categorized into: i) intensive commercial production
system, and ii) extensive organic production system.
Farmers of either system can get the benefit of their produce as the premium price of the
organic produce could match up the market price obtained from the intensive production system.
Animal population uncovered by regular veterinary care could also be converted to organic
production system following the adoption of specified conversion period. Livestock production
in remote areas, away from the veterinary centre, is basically the organic. However, the lack of
authentic data on existing production system and its proper documentation is making the system
deprived of recognition. Establishment of an authorized body, and setting the mechanism, in the
country which will deal with all regulatory provisions for organic production and declare the
produce as organic is imperative. Identification of the market and marketing network within and
outside of the country for these specific organic products is of an urgent need. Establishment of
the organic certification system and mechanism and obtain international recognition for the
products and networking for their promotion is important for organic livestock development in
the country.
The country can be divided into different geographical zones and potential zone can be
identified for specific products. Some of the products that can initially be identified for the
organic production are yak cheese, local chicken etc. So far farmers belonging to nearby urban
areas are able to use the production inputs like pesticides, fertilizer etc, but the majority of farmer

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who live in the remote areas use only the organic inputs in their farming practice, hence they
harvest all the organic products. The only thing that is locking is its certification. So there is a
high possibility of inclining farmers towards the use of only organic inputs to produce organic
farm products. This may be achieved through better advice regarding the value of organic
farming, massive training program and building linkage with market. Since the price of the
organic food is much more higher that the conventional product, farmers can fetch better price in
the market. But the farmers should be ensured that they could get the certification of their farm
product easily. There it in a high time to develop national standard of organic livestock
production and to adopt production practices accordingly.
Before starting the organic livestock production intended for marketing, the following
important policy issues need to be addressed at the national level.
 Thorough study of trends and opportunities in organic livestock production
 Barriers to organic livestock production and means for remedies
 Farm level practices on animal health and quality aspects of organic livestock production
 Meeting organic livestock standards at international level (IFOAM/WTO standard).
 Structure and analysis of niches market with quality issue and price comparisons
 Animal health and food safety in organic livestock production systems
 Inspection and certification systems for animal health and welfare

Lecture 13

Organic standard and certification

Historical perspective
1924 Rudolf Steiner’ Lecture on Agriculture: basis of organic products
1924 Demeter Biodynamic Label founded
1946 Soil Association founded in UK started
1967 Soil Association publishes the first organic standard
1972 Founding of IFOAM
1974 Oregon State (USA) adopts legislation
1979 First Californian Organic food act adopted
1980 IFOAM Basic standards published
1985 France adopts legislation
1990 Organic Food Production Act Passed in USA
1991 EU Regulation 2091/92 adopted
1992 Establishment of the IFOAM accreditation program
1999 Codex alimentarious guideline adopted & EU Organic Livestock regulation published
2000 Japanese organic regulation published &US national organic standards published
2002 US National Organic Programme in force
2008 Nepalese organic standard published

Definition: Organic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and
other organic agricultural products based on the set of production standards for growing, storage,
processing, packaging and shipping. In general, any business directly involved in food
production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, food processors, retailers
and restaurants. In organic certification an independent third party gives a written assurance that
a clearly identified process has been methodically assessed and that products comply with certain
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standards. Set of production standard may vary from country to country and generally involve
the following
 Whether or not human sewage sludge is used as fertilizer in cultivation of the product
 avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs and prohibited Substances
(e.g. fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc.), genetically modified organisms,
irradiation, and the use of sewage sludge;
 use of farmland that has been free from prohibited synthetic chemicals for a number of years
(often, three or more);
 keeping detailed written production and sales records (audit trail);
 maintaining strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products;
 undergoing periodic on-site inspections.
Organic certification addresses a growing worldwide demand for organic food. It is intended to
assure quality and prevent fraud, and to promote commerce. While such certification was not
necessary in the early days of the organic movement, when small farmers would sell their
produce directly at farmers' markets, as organics have grown in popularity, more and more
consumers are purchasing organic food through traditional channels, such as supermarkets. As
such, consumers must rely on third-party regulatory certification. For organic producers,
certification identifies suppliers of products approved for use in certified operations. For
consumers, "certified organic" serves as a product assurance. Certification is essentially aimed at
regulating and facilitating the sale of organic products to consumers. Individual certification
bodies have their own service marks, which can act as branding to consumers—a certifier may
promote the high consumer recognition value of its logo as a marketing advantage to producers.

Methods
Third Party certification: in this system a separate body exists between the producer and
consumer as certifying agent with certain standard developed by the trading organization or the
country and product or the farm is certified following the specific procedure. This is the common
system in organic market. To certify a farm, the farmer is typically required to engage in a
number of new activities, in addition to normal farming operations:
 Study the organic standards, which cover in specific detail what is and is not allowed for
every aspect of farming, including storage, transport and sale.
 Compliance — farm facilities and production methods must comply with the standards,
which may involve modifying facilities, sourcing and changing suppliers, etc.
 Documentation — extensive paperwork is required, detailing farm history and current set-up,
and usually including results of soil and water tests.
 Planning — a written annual production plan must be submitted, detailing everything from
seed to sale: seed sources, field and crop locations, fertilization and pest control activities,
harvest methods, storage locations, etc.
 Inspection — annual on-farm inspections are required, with a physical tour, examination of
records, and an oral interview.ncy or the country
 Fee — an annual inspection/certification fee depending on the agency and the size of the
operation.
 Record-keeping — written, day-to-day farming and marketing records, covering all
activities, must be available for inspection at any time.
In addition, short-notice or surprise inspections can be made, and specific tests (e.g. soil, water,
plant tissue) may be requested. For first-time farm certification, the soil must meet basic
requirements of being free from use of prohibited substances (synthetic chemicals, etc.) for a
number of years. A modern farm must adhere to organic standards for this period, often two to
three years. This is known as being in transition or conversion period. Transitional crops are not
considered fully organic. Certification for operations other than farms follows a similar process.
The focus is on the quality of ingredients and other inputs, and processing and handling
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conditions. A transport company would be required to detail the use and maintenance of its
vehicles, storage facilities, containers, and so forth. A restaurant would have its premises
inspected and its suppliers verified as certified organic.
Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS): Participatory Guarantee Systems are locally focused
quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders
and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange. PGS represent
an alternative to third party certification, especially adapted to local markets and short supply
chains. They can also complement third party certification with a private label that brings
additional guarantees and transparency. PGS enable the direct participation of producers,
consumers and other stakeholders in:
 the choice and definition of the standards
 the development and implementation of certification procedures
 the certification decisions
Participatory Guarantee Systems are also referred to as “participatory certification”.
Internal control system (ICS): is a documented quality assurance system that allows the external
certification body to delegate the annual inspection of individual group members to an identified
body/unit within the certified operator (IFOAM). The main objective is to facilitate the process
of certification through keeping eyes on the growers’ activities, whether they are in compliance
with the standard or not. It reduces the expenditure as it is done in farmers’ group.

Alternative certification options

The word organic is central to the certification (and organic food marketing) process, and this is
also questioned by some. Where organic laws exist, producers cannot use the term legally
without certification. To bypass this legal requirement for certification, various alternative
certification approaches, using currently undefined terms like "authentic" and "natural", are
emerging. In the US, motivated by the cost and legal requirements of certification, the private
farmer-to-farmer association, Certified Naturally Grown, offers a "non-profit alternative eco-
labeling program for small farms that grow using USDA Organic methods but are not a part of
the USDA Certified Organic program, for example. In the UK, the interests of smaller-scale
growers who use 'natural' growing methods are represented by the Wholesome Food Association,
which issues a symbol based largely on trust and peer-to-peer inspection. Both of these are not
legally certified. In Nepal also such provision should be made through building trust between the
producer and consumer in order to popularize the organic product and their efficient marketing at
local level.

Organic Certification in Nepal

There is no any formal governmentally mandated certifying body in Nepal. However, there are
some organic certifiers trained internationally and serving the international organic trading
agencies following their standard. The process of certification is in implementation in such
commodities as tea, coffee, honey, apple and herbal product. Recently Organic certification
Nepal (OCN) has been established and is functioning. One way that national standards of organic
farming and reliable certification in Nepal could be beneficial is when it comes to export
potential. Farmers who are committed to entirely organic practices on their land think that
independent third-party certifications have been largely unattainable to them for financial
reasons as international certification programs usually require substantial funds. Without the
legitimating of any formal recognition of their adherence to organic standards they considers
themselves “self-certified”, stressing the importance of genuine implementation of easier method
to build trust over a costly certification. Easy organic certification programs in Nepal could help

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farmers to legitimize their sustainable businesses and potentially alleviate the high costs
associated with international certifications as deterrents of official recognition.

At present the following products are being certified by various certifying bodies
Certifying Agency Certified Products Districts

OCN Apple, milk, buckwheat Jumla, Nuwakot, bhaktapur, Doti

and honey

OCN and ACT, Thailand Coffee Kaskii, Plapa

NASA, Australia Tea, coffee and herbs Ilam, Panchthar, Dhankuta, Gulmi, Lalitpur

IMO, India Tea, Herbs Chitwan, Gorkha, Ilam

One Cert, America Coffee Palpa, Syangja, Lamjung

Lacon, Germany Herbs

Eco Cert ,France Herbs Nawalparsi

Lecture 14

Marketing of organic products and Nepalese Context in relation to WTO

What are certified organic products?

Certified organic products are those which have been produced, stored, processed, handled and marketed in accordance with
precise technical specifications (standards) and certified as "organic" by a certification body. Once conformity with organic
standards has been verified by a certification body, the product is afforded a label. This label will differ depending on the
certification body but can be taken as an assurance that the essential elements constituting an "organic" product have been met
from the farm to the market. It is important to note that an organic label applies to the production process, ensuring that the
product has been produced and processed in an ecologically sound manner. The organic label is therefore a production process
claim as opposed to a product quality claim.

What is behind an organic label?

The label. An organic label indicates that a product has been certified against specific organic standards. The label carries the
name of the certification body and the standards with which it complies, (e.g. EU 2092/91). To the informed consumer, this label
can function as a guide. Certification bodies evaluate operations according to different organic standards and can be formally
recognized by more than one authoritative body. The label of a given certification body, therefore, informs the consumer on the
type of standards complied with during production and processing as well as on the type of recognition granted to the
certification body. Many certification bodies operate worldwide, most of which are private and originate in developed countries.

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International voluntary standards. At the international level the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (the inter-
governmental body that sets standards for all foods) has produced international Guidelines for Production, Processing, Labelling
and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods to guide producers and to protect consumers against deception and fraud. These
guidelines have been agreed upon by all member states of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The private sector's equivalent to
the Codex Alimentarius guidelines is the International Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing, created by the
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements - IFOAM. Codex Alimentarius and IFOAM guidelines include
accepted management principles for the production of plants, livestock, bees and their products (IFOAM makes provisions also
for fibres, aquaculture and non-wood forest products); for handling, storage, processing, packaging and transportation of
products, and a list of substances permitted in the production and processing of organic foods. These guidelines are regularly
reviewed, particularly the criteria for permitted substances and the process by which inspection is carried out and certification
held.

National mandatory standards. The Codex Alimentarius and IFOAM guidelines are minimum standards for organic
agriculture, intended to guide governments and private certification bodies in standard setting. As such, they can be considered as
standards for standards. Governments can use these texts to develop national organic agriculture programmes which are often
more detailed as they respond to specific country needs. Most national standards (e.g. EU countries, Japan, Argentina, India,
Tunisia, USA), are specified in regulations which are legally binding.

Local voluntary standards. In some countries (e.g. Germany), individual certification bodies may produce their own
standards which can be more stringent than the regulation in force, usually in response to specific consumer
demands. Although these are not legally enforceable, private certifiers may be more restrictive than is required by
law.

Accreditation. Accreditation is a procedure by which an authoritative body evaluates and gives formal recognition
that a certification programme is in accordance with the standards of the authoritative body. For organic agriculture,
certification bodies can apply the voluntary international standards and/or the national mandatory standards and be
accredited by the related "authority". At international level, the International Organic Accreditation Service. (IOAS)
accredits certification bodies according to IFOAM Accreditation Programme criteria by delivering the "IFOAM
Accredited" logo (click here to read more aboutIFOAM Accreditation Program). IOAS is an independent NGO which
ensures global equivalency of certification programmes and attempts to harmonize standards, whilst taking into
consideration local differences. It must be noted that membership of IFOAM by certifying bodies does not constitute
IOAS accreditation. At national level, governments or national accreditation bodies accredit certification bodies
operating in their country, if their country has an organic agriculture legislation. Both private and public bodies adhere
to the International Organization for Standardization basic standards for accreditation of certifiers (ISO 65) in addition
to their specific requirements.

For further details on national certification bodies, consult your own government. The IFOAM website provides
information on becoming A Certifying Body, together with the IFOAM Basic Standards And Accreditation
Criteria.

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 Lecture 15

Development of Organic Farming in Nepal

Nepal is not in a position to completely reject the use of synthetic agro-chemicals, especially the
inorganic fertilizers, in view of the large demand of the increasing population for food
commodities. Systematic phase out of the use of agro-chemicals and synthetic fertilizers along
with the increased use of organic manures, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, reduced tillage, etc.
may prove to be advantageous in this direction. It will facilitate the farmers, researchers and
policy makers for strategic shift towards organic. Promotional works should be launched in
pocket areas identified suitable. At present, the country lacks a systematic research and
development program in respect of sustaining agriculture through organic farming practices. The
following priority areas for research and development to come up with the package of practices
in the area of organic farming in Nepal are imperative.
 NARC and other concerned agencies should prepare the research framework for developing
organic farming technologies making it as the country's research mainstreaming.
 NARC should revise its research priority and its focus should be on development of
technology based on local resources taking due care of the marginal farmers.
 Establishment of National Center for Organic Agriculture (NCOA) will be useful in
undertaking and coordinating basic research on organic agriculture.
 Development of bio-pesticides (eg. Neem, Sisnoo, etc) and use of bio-agents especially, under
IPM systems need to be promoted.
 Linkage between the Ministry of Agriculture, NARC, IAAS/AFU/HICAST and related
I/NGOs need strengthening in developing organic farming packages and transfer of
technology
 IAAS should develop and teach the advances courses on organic farming and farming for
practices in marginal areas.
 Farmers using good quality organic manure, bio-pesticides, bio-fertilizers and green manuring
crops should be encouraged.
 A strong rural-urban partnership in recycling and use of urban organic wastes in agriculture
should be established.
 Establishment of model organic farms, share their experiences, organizing workshops,
conferences, and lectures to create awareness about organic farming should be initiated.
 Indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides needs to be discouraged.
 Strong quality control mechanisms are needed to avoid hazardous chemical residues in feeds,
fodder, food products and milk.
 Marketing infrastructure for organically produced commodities should be established in
national level and a viable linkage with international market is important.
 Organizations like INSAN, NPG and other related agencies should share their experience.
 At last but never the least, a strong commitment from the government side to develop and
implement a long-term concrete and pragmatic policy for the promulgation of organic farming
of a paramount importance.
The technological and economic feasibility of organic farming will certainly influence its wide
adoption and promotion. Coupled with this, the need for alternate farming systems, in view of
emerging environmental problems, increased dependency on external inputs, rapid degradation
of land, forest and water resources, energy constraints, is a felt need in Nepalese agriculture in
general and adoption of organic farming practices, in particular. In the present day of high
awareness about degradation of earth's natural resources at an alarming rate and man's quest to
survive and keep his planet green and healthy, Nepal also should go in favor of world-wide
adoption of organic farming systems.

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