Hope for upland rice farmers in Nepal
This video, produced by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI; irri.org ) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD; http ), provides highlights of how research in the uplands of Nepal is helping poor farmers reduce hunger and poverty through increased rice yields and increased production of vegetables for cash incomes. Script: Snow capped mountains, green valleys, peaceful rivers, and rich culture. This is Nepal.not only a feast for the eyes but also home to thousands of upland and lowland farmers who depend on rice for their food need. Many of these farmers are economically and socially marginalized, and are often the poorest. Traditionally, Nepalese hill farmers rely on rice production for subsistence. Most of them grow traditional varieties. The average rice yield in Nepal has been around two and a half tons per hectare. Upland rice farming is highly labor-intensive and taxing, especially for women. Besides their household chores, women do most of the farm work such as taking care of animals, weeding, drying, and milling. The lack of new modern varieties, quality seeds, and better crop management technologies, and limited access to public services, are just some of the many concerns of upland farmers. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD; ifad.org ) provided funding to the International Rice Research Institute to implement a project in Nepal. The project is called Managing Rice Landscapes in the Marginal Uplands for <b>...</b>
