NLRP II in 2024's 1st Quarter

Exploring Better Potato Farming: A Trial with Local Varieties and Pest Solutions (On-farm research on climate change on Tharu Potato)

In our recent agricultural initiative in Rajapur-06, Mahuwa, Bardia, we have conducted a trial involving three local Tharu potato varieties. Each variety was carefully selected for its unique characteristics, and the trial included 25 farmers. We implemented three different treatments, with each treatment replicated three times to ensure reliable results. One of the main challenges in potato cultivation is the presence of red ants and white grubs, so we incorporated botanicals into the treatments to help mitigate pest infestations. Additionally, we introduced the use of Trichoderma to combat soil-borne fungal diseases, which not only helps with pest control but also increases yield. To thoroughly assess the impact on yield, we added three additional plots next to the original ones. These plots were strategically compared to traditional farmer plant spacing, with variations of up to 10 percent. This diversified approach aims not only to address widespread pest issues but also to optimize plant spacing for an overall improvement in potato yield. 

Essential Tools: Advancing Farming Practices

Six lead farmers in Jhapa, seven lead farmers in Banke and seven in Kanchanpur were supported with essential tools such as pipes, mulching plastic, plastic tunnels, knapsack sprayers, rose canes, plastic barrels, and motors to support their farming activities. These tools will help ensure that crops receive water supply, protect against unfavorable weather, and enable precise application of fertilizers and pesticides, enhancing overall mechanization and productivity of the farm. 

Community Nursery Management Training

Community nursery management training held from 1-3 January 2024: A 3-day event on Community Nursery Management was organized in Beluwa Bardiya with the participation of 26 attendees, including 8 staff members and 18 farmers. The aim was to provide capacity building on nursery planning, management, and propagation of various fruit trees, fodder, and plants, encompassing sexual propagation through seed and asexual propagation through grafting, cutting, layering, and budding. 

Cultivating Agricultural Resilience through Plant Clinic and Soil Test Campaign 

The plant clinic and soil test campaign was organized on 9th February 2024 in Panchapuri Municipality, Surkhet. The collaborative initiative aimed to provide valuable agricultural support to farmers in Surkhet. The event brought together staff from Caritas Nepal and the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP) to offer essential services and guidance to local farmers. During the plant clinic session, experienced agricultural technicians were on hand to diagnose and address plant diseases, pest infestations, and nutrient deficiencies. Farmers received recommendations and advice specific to their crop health needs. Simultaneously, the soil test campaign provided farmers in Ghusel, Lalitpur, and Panchapuri with the opportunity to assess the fertility levels of their soil. By collecting soil samples from participating farmers’ fields and conducting analysis, the campaign generated comprehensive soil health reports.

Training provided to Goat Rearing farmers: Enhancing Their Skills

In Kankai, Ward 2, a two-day Enterprise Development Training on Goat rearing was conducted on February 1-2, co-financially supported by Kankai Municipality. 27 people participated in this event, including 11 beneficiaries from Caritas Nepal and other participants from the IPM group. This training aimed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed for successful goat rearing. Also, regular enterprise meetings are conducted in all our working districts with the enterprise groups. During these meetings, the members exchange learnings, conduct planning, and discuss feedback and suggestions. Likewise, 21 goat rearing farmers in Kanchapur were trained on goat farming on March 22.

Empowering Cooperative Leaders Through Cooperative Management Training

The three-day cooperative management training program aimed to equip participants from various cooperatives in Kaski, Lalitpur, Nawalpur, Bardiya, and Illam with essential skills and knowledge to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their cooperative operations. The training covered topics like cooperative governance, financial management, and strategies for membership, engagement, and conflict resolution. It also focused on improving service delivery and implementing efficient management systems to enhance the cooperatives’ overall performance. Additionally, a formulation of cooperative policy was done, and guidelines for the policy were drafted in Divyajyoti Agriculture Cooperative in Devchuli 1, Nawalpur. Furthermore, a cooperative review meeting was conducted in Sihahutar Women Saving and Credit Cooperative in Ghusel, Lalitpur, where cooperative activities were reviewed, and action plans were made.

Empowering Women Leaders: Three-Day Training on Leadership, Social Protection, and Safeguarding Guidelines

A 3-day Women Leadership, Social Protection, and Safeguarding Guideline Training program was held from 2 to 4 February at NCRC in Gaidakot, Nawalparasi. The training was facilitated by Ms. Sabita Pokhare and CN program staff and attended by 21 cooperative leaders and staff, all of whom were women, from 12 cooperatives. The program focused on various topics, including women’s leadership, social issues, integrating gender-based violence prevention into cooperative objectives, leadership skills, cooperative management, GESI guidelines, and complaint handling. During group discussions on social activities and leadership, participants actively shared their practices and insights. 

Legal Rights and Referral Procedures in Addressing Gender-Based Violence

A training session on legal rights and referral procedures related to gender-based violence was conducted on February 21, 2024, in Baijnath-1, Banke. There was a total of 25 participants, including 4 girls, 14 women, and 7 men. Throughout the session, comprehensive information was provided to the participants about the legal rights of individuals, particularly women and girls, who are victims of GBV. This included an overview of relevant laws and regulations, such as domestic violence laws, sexual harassment laws, and laws protecting the rights of women and children. The training also emphasized the importance of referral procedures in ensuring that survivors of GBV receive appropriate support and assistance.  

 Community Empowerment through Establishment of Help Desk and Orientation on Complaint Handling

On February 19, 2024, a help desk was established in the Chisapani Agricultural Cooperative Ltd, Banke with the participation of 33 people. The Help Desk serves as a crucial resource center aimed at providing assistance and support to community members in need. Additionally, the Chisapani Police Office provided information on suicide prevention during this event. After the Help Desk was established, an orientation session on the complaint handling system was conducted on February 23, 2024, in Ward No. 1 of Baijnath Rural Municipality. 37 participants attended this session, reflecting the community’s active engagement in addressing local/social issues.  

Empowering Child Club Members: Leadership and Club Management Training Across Five Districts

A two-day leadership and club management training was conducted for child club members in Banke, Kaski, Dailkeh, Bardia, and Jhapa. The training benefited 150 children, equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge in communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, strategic thinking, and team building. The training also provided practical tools and strategies for handling challenging behaviors, promoting positive relationships, and creating supportive environments to effectively run the club. 

  Orientation Program on Basic Child Rights and Protection Provided to Parents and Teachers in Bardiya and Illam

An orientation program on Basic Child Rights and Protection concluded at Rajapur 6, Bardiya, and Rong, Illam respectively. The orientation was conducted for the members of the School Management (SM) and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Manpur Ma.Vi. Rajapur. A total of 66 participants were aware of the rights of a child and legal protection protocol in Nepal. 

Promoting Holistic Development in School Through Extracurricular Activities

A total of 383 children participated in extracurricular activities that took place in the schools of Banke, Dailkeh, Kaski, Kanchapur, Lalitpur, Bardia, Jhapa, and Illam, respectively. These activities are conducted once a week each month, helping children to be proactive, and creative, develop their motor skills, and work on healthy competition. This event focused on children from grades 1 to 8, and activities such as artwork, sports, debates, and poetry competitions were conducted. Exceptional students were honored with stationery materials like notebooks and pens. Some districts organized a volleyball competition as part of their regular extracurricular activities, while others focused on spelling, poetry, drawing, and handwriting competitions. The first edition of the wall magazine was also published in Kanchapur.

Basic Sanitation Training in Five Schools Across NLRP-II Districts

The Basic Sanitation Training and Materials Handover Program took place in five different schools within our NLRP-II working districts, including Kaski, Nawalpur, Lalitpur, Jhapa, and Bardia. The program included cleaning the school area, and a practical session on hand washing steps involving the participation of children, teachers’ clubs, and cooperative board members. Additionally, dustbins and soap were provided to each school.