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MAIZE SECTOR ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGY
NEPAL AGRICULTURAL MARKET DEVLOPMENT PROGRAMME (NAMDP)
2016
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................... 1 List of Figures .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Glossary/ terminologies .......................................................................................................................................... 4 1. Background .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Sector Description .......................................................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Basic information .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1.1 International context .................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2 National context ........................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Sector Dynamics .................................................................................................................................. 12
2.2.1 Sector Map ................................................................................................................................. 12
2.2.2 Dynamics of the Core Functions ................................................................................................. 13
2.2.3 Dynamics of the Support Functions ........................................................................................... 22
2.2.4 Rules, Regulations and Government Programmes ..................................................................... 29
Analysis ........................................................................................................................................................ 32 3.1 Problems in the core functions and underlying constraints ............................................................... 32
3.2 Opportunities and sector drivers ........................................................................................................ 36
Rationale for working in the sector: summary analysis ............................................................................... 38 Strategy for Change ..................................................................................................................................... 41
5.1 Prioritisation and selection of constraints to be addressed ............................................................... 41
5.2 Vision of change .................................................................................................................................. 42
5.3 Intervention Areas and Pathways to Systemic Change ....................................................................... 42
5.4 Sustainability Analysis ......................................................................................................................... 53
List of Figures
Figure 1: Sector Map of Maize in Nepal ............................................................................................................... 12 Figure 2: Dynamics of core function in the Ramechhap District .......................................................................... 14 Figure 3: Dynamics of the core function in Okhaldhunga .................................................................................... 15 Figure 4: Dynamics of the core function in Dailekh .............................................................................................. 17 Figure 5: Dynamics of the core function in Jajarkot ............................................................................................. 18 Figure 6: Core function dynamics in Surkhet Distric ............................................................................................. 19 Figure 7: Demand supply scenario of maize in the national context ................................................................... 21 Figure 8: Flow of maize grain in Nepal ................................................................................................................. 22 Figure 9: Dynamics of maize seed in the project district ...................................................................................... 23 Figure 10: Constraint Tree .................................................................................................................................... 32 Figure 11: The three lens of rationale for working the maize sector ................................................................... 38
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List of Tables
Table 1: World Status of maize harvested hectare, production and yield and their in % ...................................... 7 Table 2: Production of Maize in 2013 ..................................................................................................................... 8 Table 3: Hectares of Maize in 2013 ........................................................................................................................ 8 Table 4: Productivity of Maize in 2013 ................................................................................................................... 8 Table 5: Area coverage, production and yield of maize in Nepal ........................................................................... 9 Table 7: Maize import and export status for last 53 years at the interval of 5 years’ periods in Nepal............... 11 Table 8: Number of maize varieties released and registered in Nepal and their yield range, including the Nepalese hybrids (SQCC, 2072) ............................................................................................................................ 24 Table 9: Fertiliser application by farmers ............................................................................................................. 25 Table 10: Distribution of land ............................................................................................................................... 27 Table 11: Trend of Maize production ................................................................................................................... 39
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Abbreviations
AIC Agriculture Input Company Ltd.
ADS Agricultural Development Strategy
CA Conservation Agriculture
DADO District Agriculture Development Office
DAG Dis-advantaged group
EM Effective Microorganisms
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
FYM Farm Yard Manure
Ha Hectare
IS Improved Seed
LLP Low lift pump
Msl Mean Sea Level
MT Metric Tons
NARC National Agriculture Research Council
NGOs Non-Government Organisation
NSB National Seed Board
OP Open pollinated
STCL Salt Trading Company Ltd.
SQCC Seed Quality Control Centre
TLS Truthfully levelled Seed
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Glossary/ terminologies
Bari land: Refers to the un-irrigated rain fed terraces
Conservation Agriculture
Conservation farming is any system or practice which aims to conserve soil and water by using
surface cover (mulch) to minimise runoff and erosion and improve the conditions for plant
establishment and growth. It involves planting crops and pastures directly into land which is protected
by a mulch using minimum or no-tillage techniques. CA is a concept for resource-saving agricultural
crop production that strives to achieve acceptable profits together with high and sustained production
levels while concurrently conserving the environment. CA is based on enhancing natural biological
processes above and below the ground. Interventions such as mechanical soil tillage are reduced to
an absolute minimum, and the use of external inputs such as agrochemicals and nutrients of mineral
or organic origin are applied at an optimum level and in a way and quantity that does not interfere
with, or disrupt, the biological processes. CA is characterized by three principles which are linked to
each other, namely:
• Continuous minimum mechanical soil disturbance.
• Permanent organic soil cover.
• Diversified crop rotations in the case of annual crops or plant associations in case of perennial
crops
Effective Microorganism (EM)
Effective Microorganisms (EM) are mixed cultures of beneficial naturally-occurring organisms that can
be applied as inoculants to increase the microbial diversity of soil ecosystem. They consist mainly of
the photosynthesizing bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes and fermenting fungi. These
microorganisms are physiologically compatible with one another and can coexist in liquid culture.
There is evidence that EM inoculation to the soil can improve the quality of soil, plant growth and yield
(Kengo and Hui-lian, 2000). EM works by getting the natural processes to function, the way nature
intended by stimulating biological activity in the soil and plant. Using EM will improve crop and pasture
yields and enhance fertiliser performance.
Good Agricultural Practices
Good Agricultural Practices are "practices that address environmental, economic and social
sustainability for on-farm processes, and result in safe and quality food and non-food agricultural
products" (FAO COAG 2003 GAP paper)
A multiplicity of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) codes, standards and regulations have been
developed in recent years by the food industry and producers’ organizations but also governments
and NGOs, aiming to codify agricultural practices at farm level for a range of commodities. Their
purpose varies from fulfilment of trade and government regulatory requirements (in particular with
regard to food safety and quality), to more specific requirements of specialty or niche markets. The
objective of these GAP codes, standards and regulations include, to a varying degree:
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• ensuring safety and quality of produce in the food chain
• capturing new market advantages by modifying supply chain governance
• improving natural resources use, worker’s health and working conditions, and/or
• creating new market opportunities for farmers and exporters in developing countries.
These four 'pillars' of GAP (economic viability, environmental sustainability, social acceptability and
food safety and quality) are included in most private and public sector standards, but the scope which
they actually cover varies widely.
Khet land: Refers to the irrigated flat cultivated land
Productivity
Productivity is commonly defined as a ratio between the output volume and the volume of inputs. In
other words, it measures how efficiently production inputs, such as labour and capital, are being used
in an economy to produce a given level of output. Agricultural productivity is measured as the ratio of
agricultural outputs to agricultural inputs (often measured per unit of land for crops)
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1. Background
Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme (NAMDP) is a bilateral initiative between the
Government of Switzerland and the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Nepal. Under the Swiss
Agency for Development and Cooperation’s (SDC) Nepal Agriculture Growth Initiative (NAGI), NAMDP
aims to sustainably improve livelihoods of rural smallholders, especially disadvantaged groups and
women-headed households, through participation in commercial agriculture and ‘interconnected
markets’. The objective framework of NAMDP is based on a long-term vision of thriving and inclusive
agriculture markets that develop the comparative advantages for import substitution and export
growth and thus contribute to poverty reduction.
NAMDP- Phase 1 is a three years and ten months (March 2016 - Dec 2019) project being implemented
by a consortium of Swisscontact (as the lead) and the Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy
Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED). NAMDP follows Market System Development
(MSD) approach (also known as ‘Making Markets Work for the Poor’/ ‘M4P’ approach). NAMDP is
expected to produce tangible, visible and measurable impact in a number of commodity markets/
value chains and cross-sectors. The program, during the 1st half of Phase 1, will be concentrated in
two spatial clusters in Nepal; the Eastern cluster including Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga and Khotang
districts, and the Western cluster including Surkhet, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Kalikot, and Achham districts.
During the 2nd half of Phase 1, the programme will expand to other important and promising road
corridors; these may include parts of the Terai region.
NAMDP- Phase 1 covers initial 8 months’ preparation period (March to October 2016) and about three
years’ implementation period (November 2016 to December 2019). One of the objectives of the
preparation period is to conduct detailed assessments of the sectors and cross sectors identified in
the draft Programme Document. The maize sector is one of the sectors assessed.
For the purpose of this study secondary information received from the national statistics yearbook,
yearly information booklet from District Agriculture Development offices and from other relevant
publications was analysed. Primary information was collected from the different actors like farmers,
traders, local agro-vets, agriculture service centres in the project districts and key government
agencies through individual surveys, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The
primary and secondary information on the demand and supply scenario, actors involved in the sector,
relationship between the actors were then analysed to come up with a comprehensive picture of the
sector dynamics.
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Sector Description
2.1 Basic information
2.1.1 International context
Maize, also known as corn, is one of the most ancient species cultivated in the world. The history of
maize domestication dates back to 10,000 years ago in Mexico.1 Since then, it has been grown in
several open pollinated, hybrid and genetically engineered varieties. Maize has become the most
important industrial crop in the world. It has been extensively used for food, feed and fodder. FAO
estimates that it will be the number one cereal crop by 2020.
Table 1 below shows the world maize data for the last 53 years from 1961 to 2014 at an interval of 5
years. The statistics is based on the FAO database of 15 June 2016. The table indicates that the
cultivated area for maize has been experiencing an increasing trend. However, the yield of maize has
been experiencing decreasing trend until 1981-85 but has been increasing remarkably at an increasing
rate since then.
1 ASPB (American Society of Plant Biologists). 2008. Maize (corn) may have been domesticated in Mexico as early as 10,000 years ago. Science Daily. Accessed online on June 15, 2016 (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080627163156.htm).
Duration at 5
yrs interval
Area
harvest in
Ha
Production
in MT
Yield in
MT/HA
Trend of Area
Harvested
Trend of
Production
Trend of
Increased
Yield
1961-65 2,460,111 4,244,705 1.73 Base Year Base Year Base Year
1966-70 3,065,303 3,962,543 1.29 24.60% -6.65% -25.08%
1971-75 3,144,273 3,968,776 1.26 2.58& 0.16% -2.36%
1976-80 3,400,392 3,599,249 1.06 8.15% -9.31% -16.14%
1981-85 3,939,600 3,924,470 1.00 15.86% 9.04% -5.89%
1986-90 4,244,000 5,273,400 1.24 7.73% 34.37% 24.73%
1991-95 4,422,000 6,280,330 1.42 4.19% 19.09% 14.30%
1995-00 4,728,900 6,775,990 1.43 6.94% 7.89% 0.89%
2001-05 4,848,000 7,870,161 1.62 2.52% 16.15% 13.29%
2006-10 5,030,280 9,218,843 1.83 3.76% 17.14% 12.89%
2011-14 4,445,430 8,529,168 1.92 -11.63% -7.48% 4.69%
Table 1: World Status of maize harvested hectare, production and yield and their in %
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Table 2: Production of Maize in 2013
Table 2 presents the top 10
countries based on the quantity
of maize produced per year in
2013. USA is the highest maize
producer, producing 354 million
tons and contributing 35% of total
maize produced in 2013. USA is
closely followed by China, Brazil,
Argentina, Ukraine, India, Mexico,
Indonesia, France and Canada
producing about 80% of the total
production of maize in the world.
Table 3: Hectares of Maize in 2013
Table 3 presents the top 10 countries based
on number of hectares involved in maize
cultivation in 2013. USA and China were
found to be the top two countries in terms
of hectares under maize cultivation (USA
with 35.5 million Ha and China with 35.26
million Ha). They dominate around 39% of
the total hectares under maize cultivation in
the world as per 2013 statistics. USA and
China is followed by other countries like
Brazil, India, Mexico, and others as seen in
Table 3. Together, these countries occupy
around 70% of the total maize coverage
area in the world.
Table 4: Productivity of Maize in 2013
Table 4 shows the top ten countries based on the
yield per hectare in tons. The Saint Vincent is the
highest yield receiving country, producing 24.9
tons/hectares followed by Israel, Jordan, Kuwait,
UAE, Tajikistan, Qatar, Netherlands, Greece and
Belgium. These countries are receiving yield of 11.2
tons to 24.9 MT per hectare.
Interestingly, the top ten countries with the highest
area coverage for maize production fail to establish
themselves among the top ten countries with high
maize yields.
World Rank Country’s Name Million Tons % of World
1 USA 353.70 34.79
2 China 217.73 21.41
3 Brazil 80.54 7.92
4 Argentina 32.12 3.16
5 Ukraine 30.95 3.04
6 India 23.29 2.29
7 Mexico 22.66 2.23
8 Indonesia 18.51 1.82
9 France 15.05 1.48
10 Canada 14.19 1.40
Sources: FAOSTAT
World
Rank Country
Million
Hectares (Ha)
% of
World
1 USA 35.48 19.26
2 China 35.26 19.14
3 Brazil 15.32 8.23
4 India 9.50 5.16
5 Mexico 7.10 3.85
6 Nigeria 5.20 2.82
7 Argentina 4.86 2.64
8 Ukraine 4.83 2.62
9 Tanzania 4.12 2.24
10 Indonesia 3.82 2.07
Sources: FAOSTAT
World Rank Country MT / Hectares
1 Saint Vincent 24.86
2 Israel 22.56
3 Jordan 20.10
4 Kuwait 20.00
5 UAE 20.00
6 Tajikistan 15.08
7 Qatar 12.00
8 Netherlands 11.52
9 Greece 11.50
10 Belgium 11.15
Source: FAOSTAT
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Another interesting fact observed has been that the gulf countries are able to achieve high yield of
maize which may be due to long duration of sunshine, application of optimum dosage of fertilisers
and application of proper irrigation with the irrigation facilities developed by the countries.
The major maize consuming countries are USA and China. There has been continuous increase in the
consumption of maize mainly owing to increase in demand from the meat and starch sector. There is
a growing requirement of maize from the poultry sector, which uses corn as its main feed ingredient.
USA is also the first among the major exporters of maize, followed by Argentina and Brazil. It
dominates the international trade of maize as an exporter. The recent growth of Chinese middle class
has meant a growing demand for meat and poultry with a consequent significant increase in its use of
maize by China; according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture. China has
transformed into a net maize importing country. India, the primary exporter of maize to Nepal,
produced 23.3 million MTs of maize in 2013.
2.1.2 National context
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the second biggest staple food crop after rice in terms of area and production
in Nepal and the principal food, feed, fodder, fuel crop and source of energy in the hills. It is widely
grown in all the three agro zones of Nepal: Terai and Inner Terai (below 900 msl), the mid-hills (900-
1800 msl) and high hills (above 1800 msl). It is considered a good crop for small landholders and grown
for food, feed and fodder. These days it has become one of the most important industrial crop for
poultry feed in Nepal.
Table 5 below provides information on the cultivated area, production and productivity of maize and
their changes from 1961 till 2014 presented in different periods at interval of five years. It excluded
the last period (i.e. 2011-14) comprising of only 4 years. The table shows that area under maize
cultivation has increased from 0.44 million Ha in 1961-65 to 0.89 million Ha in the period 2011-14,
thereby increasing by more than 100 percent. On the other hand, production has increased from 0.85
million tons in 1961-65 to 2.13 million tons during the period of 2011-14, which is 151 percent.
However, the yield of maize has not increased in that pace. It has increased by only 24% from 1.94 ton
per Ha in 1961-65 to 2.4 ton per Ha during 2011-14. Table 5: Area coverage, production and yield of maize in Nepal
54 Years
grouped into
periods of five
years
Annual Maize
Cultivated Area
(Thousand Ha)
Average Annual
Maize Production
(Million Tons)
Seed in
Million Tons
Seed Rate
Kg/Ha
Yield
Ton/Ha
1961-65 437.0 0.84894 0.00868 19.86 1.94
1966-70 432.4 0.79251 0.00826 19.10 1.83
1971-75 449.6 0.79376 0.01239 27.55 1.77
1976-80 446.9 0.71985 0.00956 21.39 1.61
1981-85 536.7 0.78489 0.01079 20.10 1.47
1986-90 706.3 1.05468 0.01413 20.00 1.49
1991-95 769.9 1.25607 0.01546 20.08 1.63
1996-00 801.6 1.35520 0.01638 20.43 1.69
2001-05 834.2 1.57403 0.01880 22.54 1.89
2006-10 868.5 1.84377 0.02080 23.95 2.12
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2011-14 889.0 2.13229 0.02375 26.72 2.40
Table 6: 5-years trend of maize production in Nepal
Table 6 illustrates that the production in last five years
experienced slight changes in regards to changes in area
of maize production. The productivity has remained
stagnant in the last few years.
Source: MoAD 2014/15
As one of the major cereal crops, maize is being produced in almost every district in Nepal with all the
different geographical conditions. In terms of topography, Nepal can be divided into three major
geographical zones; Terai, Mid-hills and High mountains. Terai region is located in the southern belt
of Nepal featured with plain land and adequate irrigation facilities below 900 msl. The mid hills
comprise the middle strip of land which is in the range of 900 to 1800 msl. The high hills or mountain
regions are located in the northern part of Nepal which is featured with high mountains above 1800
msl. Maize is produced in all the three regions. However, more than 70% of the total maize, 1.62
million MT, is produced in the Mid-hill region with an area coverage of 676 thousand hectares of land.
Around 20.5% maize, 468 thousand MT, is produced in the terai districts with an area coverage of 161
thousand hectares. The remaining 8.5% maize is produced in the high mountain region in more than
90 thousand hectares of land.
Maize is mostly being grown with subsistence farming. The major season for growing maize in Nepal
is the summer season. As irrigation is not available in the majority of the cultivable land so farmer
grows maize with rain-fed condition. Where irrigation facilities are available, there farmer also grow
maize in the spring season. This is a recent trend in the Terai region to grow maize in the winter season
with hybrid seed and proper irrigation facility.
The yield of maize in Nepal is very low compared to the neighbouring maize producing countries. As
per the statistical year book of 2013-14, the highest yield has been found in the Terai region, 2.9 MT
per hectare, whereas, the yield in the mid-hill region was found to be 2.39 mt/ha. The yield has been
found lowest in the high mountain region, 2.16 mt/ha.
Nepal had a good history of exporting agricultural products including maize to other countries until
few decades ago. However, the trend has changed with the emergence of growing poultry feed
industry.
Fiscal Year Area (Ha) Production (MT)
2067/68 876 1855
2068/69 906 2068
2069/70 871 2179
2070/71 859 1999
2071/72 928 2283
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Table 6: Maize import and export status for last 53 years at the interval of 5 years’ periods in Nepal
The table besides provide the
information on export and import of
maize in Nepal for the five-year
average since 1966. Maize import has
started in early 90s and since than the
export has started diminishing. The
volume of maize import is increasing
over the years as the poultry feed
industry is growing at a pace of 11%
per annum. Key informant interview
with the feed mills and large
importer, it has been revealed that
Nepal imported around 254,000
metric tons of maize from India in the last year, 2015.
Duration in 5yrs
Interval
Annual Imported
Quantity in Tons
Annual Exported
Quantity in Tons
1966-70 - 1,587
1971-75 - -
1976-80 - 2,967
1981-85 359 9,051
1986-90 2,782 3,670
1991-95 164 360
1996-00 3,565 60
2001-05 9,127 46
2006-10 56,309 210
2011-13 195,630 8
Total 38,277 1,633
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2.2 Sector Dynamics
2.2.1 Sector Map
Figure 1: Sector Map of Maize in Nepal
Farmer in Mid-hill districts
Farmer in Terai Districts
Importer imports maize from India
Local Trader
Local Trader
Local Market in Mid-hills
Wholesaler
Farmer in Rural areas
Poultry Feed Mills
Research andDevelopment (NARC)
Certification (NSC)
Industrial Quality Standard
Trade and Custom excise
Seed & Fertilizer Policy
Feed mills association
Seed FertilizerCrop Extension
Service
Financial service
Post harvest related serviceIrrigation
Co
re F
un
ctio
ns
Sup
po
rtin
g Fu
nct
ion
sR
ule
s &
R
egu
lati
on
s
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2.2.2 Dynamics of the Core Functions
To understand the dynamics of the core functions of maize sector, the secondary information has been
received from the national statistics yearbook, yearly information booklet from District Agriculture
Development office and from other literature. Primary information has also been collected from the
different actors like farmers, traders, local agro-vets, agriculture service centre in the field specially in the
project districts through individual survey, key informant interview and focus group discussion. Analysing
both primary and secondary information on the demand and supply scenario, actors involved in the
sector, relationship between the actors; the project has tried to draw the comprehensive picture of the
sector dynamics.
2.2.2.1 Dynamics of the Core Functions in the Eastern Cluster
In the first half of Phase 1 the project is mandated to work in the three districts in the eastern cluster,
namely Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga and Khotaang in the first half of Phase 1. Primary information has been
collected for the two districts, Ramechhap and Okhaldhunga and the core function dynamics of maize
sector for the eastern cluster has been drawn based on the information from these two districts.
a. Core Functions in Ramechhap District
In terms of area under maize cultivation, the district is quite advance compared to other neighbouring
districts. Maize is the number one crop in Ramechhap which is grown in 22,780 ha of land which comprises
48% of the total cultivable land with an annual production of 57405 MT. (Source: DADO Report 2070/71).
It is grown in all the different kinds of available cultivable land. The major category of cultivable land in
Ramechhap is Bari land which comprises 38,000 ha, 80% of the cultivable land. This Bari land is completely
dependent on the rain, so only one crop can be grown here in a year. Maize is the major crop grown in
Bari land during rainy season due to its suitability.
There are 9408 ha of Khet land available in Ramechhap with irrigation facilities which occupies 20% of the
total cultivable land (Source: DADO Report 2070/71). Out of total Khet land, year round irrigation is
available only in 3,100 ha of land where farmers are growing mainly rice Source: DADO Report 2070/71)
Besides rice, some other crops like wheat, potato and maize are also being grown by the farmers. In the
remaining 6,400 ha of khet land, where irrigation is available during rainy season accessing water from
neighbouring seasonal falls and canals, rice and maize are being grown (Source: DADO Report 2070/71).
As irrigation is partially available in khet land, so farmers are currently growing maize in spring season in
Khet land.
A small patch of land on the bank of the Tama-koshi river has year round irrigation facility which comprises
only 523 ha of land. During the field visit, it has been revealed that farmers have started growing hybrid
maize recently during spring season in those land which is unique for the district. There is an interesting
story of how hybrid maize cultivation has been started in that village. One of the farmers from that locality
went to visit his relatives in Terai district and saw them growing Hybrid maize. Looking at the yield of
hybrid he got very interested and collected hybrid seed from there and grew it in his village. He also took
advise on input dosage and other cultivation technique from his relatives and cultivated accordingly.
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Copying his practice, in the following year other neighbouring farmers have also started cultivating hybrid
maize in that locality. Last year, they have got a yield of up to 14 metric tons per hectare which is very
high compared to that of the local varieties in Ramechhap.
Figure 2: Dynamics of core function in the Ramechhap District
In the year 2070/71, farmers grew maize in 22,800 ha of land, however it was difficult to differentiate how
much land was khet and bari under maize production all across Ramechhap (DADO). With an average yield
of 2.6 MT/ha, a total of 60,000 MT maize was produced in the last year (DADO). All the produced maize
was used for homestead consumption, either as feed for the animal or as food for human consumption.
Farmer predominantly use their produced maize as feed for their animals (70-80%). Only a small portion,
10-20% of their total production, are being used as food for their own consumption.
Some farmers who have surplus volume of maize sell those to the neighbouring farmers or to the local
market by themselves. There are some small traders available in the district who collect maize either from
the farmers’ house or from the local weekly market. The local traders usually trade this maize in different
weekly market within the district to meet the unmet demand of the farmers for their household purposes.
From the field investigation, it has been confirmed that all the locally traded maize are being consumed
locally for homestead purposes.
During the field survey, it has also been found that price of maize in the local market was higher than that
in the Terai region and neighbouring districts, which confirms that maize produced in Ramechhap does
not go out of the district.
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DADO statistics show that Ramechhap is importing a huge volume of maize either from the neighbouring
Terai districts to meet its unmet demand of maize for homestead purpose (food and feed). A total of
40,000 MT maize was brought in from other districts.
There are three local feed mills located in Manthali, which were established recently to cater to the
increasing demand of feed from the rising poultry industry. They mainly produce smash feed for layer
poultry farm, goat farm and pig farm. As the major ingredient in the feed is maize, so they require a good
volume of maize year round. The current demand of maize from these feed mills are 400 MT per year.
Though their requirement is negligible compared to the volume of local production but they source entire
volume of 400 MT from the Terai region or from India through suppliers as because they don’t get it locally
available.
b. Core Function in Okhaldhunga District:
Compared to Ramechhap, acreage of maize in Okhaldhunga is less due to the nature of the district. Maize
was grown in 13226 ha of land that comprises 51.5% of the total cultivable land, 23870 ha. (Source: DADO
report 20170/71). Due to its high adaptability, maize is grown in all the different kinds of arable land.
Similar to other hill district, the major category of cultivable land in Okhaldhunga is Bari land which
comprises 17,200 ha, 71% of the cultivable land. As the Bari land is completely dependent on rain, so only
one crop can be grown here. Farmers mostly grow maize in Bari land during rainy season due to its
suitability.
Figure 3: Dynamics of the core function in Okhaldhunga
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Considerable area of khet land is also available in Okhaldhunga, 6,900 ha, which occupies 29% of the total
cultivable land. Out of total Khet land, year round irrigation is available only in 2,300 ha of land where
farmers are growing mainly rice. Besides rice, some other crops like wheat, potato and maize are also
being grown by the farmers in the year round irrigated land. In the remaining 4,600 ha of khet land farmers
grow rice and maize, where irrigation is available during rainy season accessing water from neighbouring
seasonal falls and canals (Source: DADO Report 2071/71). Farmers are growing maize in spring season in
Khet land with seasonal irrigation facilities.
With an average yield of 2.1 MT/ha, a total of 26,000 MT maize was produced in the year 2070/71 (Source:
DADO Report 2070/71). Almost all the produced maize was used for homestead consumption, either as
feed for the animal or as food for human consumption. Farmer predominantly use their produced maize
as feed for their animals (70-80%). Only a small portion, 10-20% of their total production, they are using
as food for their own consumption.
Some farmers who have surplus volume of maize sell those to the neighbouring farmers or to the local
market. Some small traders have also been found in the district who collect and trade maize locally in the
weekly market. However, it has been found that only a small volume of maize is being supplied to the
neighbouring Solukhumbu district by the traders. During the field survey, it has also been found that price
of maize in the local market is even higher than that in the Terai region and neighbouring districts, which
confirms that maize produced in Okhulduna is not sufficient to meet its demand.
DADO statistics show that similar to Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga is also importing substantial volume of
maize from the neighbouring Terai districts to meet its unmet demand of maize for homestead purpose
(food and feed). A total of 14,600 MT of maize was brought in from other districts.
2.2.2.2 Dynamics of the Core Functions in the Western Cluster
In the first half of Phase 1 the project has a mandate to work in the five districts in the Western cluster,
namely Dailekh, Kalikot, Jajarkot, Surkhet and Aacham. Primary information has been collected for the
three districts during the subsector assessment, Dailekh, Sukhet and Jajrkot. The dynamics of the core
function in the Western cluster has been drawn analysing the information from these three districts.
a. Core Function in Dailekh district
In terms of area under maize cultivation, the district is least developed compared to the neighbouring
districts in the Western cluster. The major category of cultivable land in Dailekh is Bari land which
comprises 25,766 ha, 74.69 % of the cultivable land (DADO, 2071/72). Maize is grown in Bari (upland)
during summer season only which completely depends on rain. Beside maize the farmer also grows wheat,
millet, buckwheat, barley and some winter vegetables.
Khet comprises of 8,731 ha, 25.30 % of the total cultivable land in Dailekh with irrigation facilities.
However, year round irrigation is available in 2,511 ha of land where farmers grow mainly rice (DADO,
2071/72). Besides rice the farmers also grows wheat, barley and gram. Farmers do not grow maize where
year round irrigation is available.
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During the field visit, it was revealed that majority of the farmers are using the local varieties and improved
varieties of seed (Manakamana-1,3,5, Arun-2, Deuti, Poshilo). None of the farmers were found growing
hybrid maize. They don’t have any idea about the commercial growing of hybrid maize.
Figure 4: Dynamics of the core function in Dailekh
In the last year, farmers grew maize in 20,150 ha of land (DADO, 2071/72) all across Dailekh district. With
an average yield of 1.9 MT/ha, a total of 39,292 MT maize was produced in the year 2071/72. All the
produced maize was used for homestead consumption, either as feed for the animal or as food for human
consumption. Farmers predominantly use their produced maize as feed for their animals (80-90%). Only
a few portion, 10-20% of their total production, are used as food for their own consumption. Some
farmers sell the produced maize in the local market and buy rice. Farmers usually sell to the neighbouring
farmers. Maize is also used to feed the mule in high mountains. From the field investigation, it has been
observed that only a small percentage of maize is being supplied to the wholesaler in Surkhet, which is a
trading hub, from where maize goes to the feed mills in Dailekh.
b. Core Function Dynamics in Jajarkot district
The major category of cultivable land in Jajarkot is Bari land which comprises 14,136 ha, 85% of the
cultivable land (DADO, 2070/71). Maize is grown in Bari (upland) during summer season only which
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completely depends on rain-fed. Beside maize the farmer also grows wheat, millet, buckwheat, barley,
etc in Bari land.
Khet comprises of 2,562 ha, 15% of the total cultivable land in Jajarkot where irrigation facilities are
available to some extent. The land where there is year round irrigation is available, farmers grow mainly
rice (DADO, 2070/71). Besides rice the farmers also grows wheat, vegetables, potatoes and spring maize.
During the field visit, it was revealed that majority of the farmers are using the local varieties and improved
varieties of seed to grow maize (Deuti, Manakamana). Only few farmers were found growing hybrid
variety of maize for the taste and all season availability. They don’t have any information on commercial
growing of hybrid maize. Even if few were aware of hybrid then they had problems on irrigation facilities
for growing hybrid maize.
In the last year, farmers grow maize in 8,266 ha of land (MoAD, 2070/71) all across Jajarkot district. With
an average yield of 1.2 MT/ha, total of 10,539 MT maize was produced in the year 2070/71. All the
produced maize was used for homestead consumption, either as feed for the animal or as food for human
consumption. Farmers predominantly use their produced maize as feed for their animals (80-90%). Only
a few portion, 10% of their total production, are being used for their own consumption.
Figure 5: Dynamics of the core function in Jajarkot
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Some farmers sell maize in the local market on demand for feeding to mule and buy rice. Farmers usually
sell to the neighbouring farmers. There are some local traders who buy maize from the farmers to sell in
the local weekly market. A small volume of maize has been found to be supplied to the traders or
wholesaler in Surkhet, from where the wholesaler supply maize to the feed mills in Terai district.
c. Dynamics of Core Function in Surkhet District
Surkhet has three distinct geography (Topography) viz, Mahabharat Range, middle plains valleys & hills
and Churia range. Mahabharat Range being high mountains is not at all suitable for agricultural activities.
Churia range is completely occupies by forest. So, crops are grown mainly in middle plain valleys and hills
with a total cultivable land of 37,444 ha.
In terms of area under maize cultivation, the district is quite advance compared to other neighbouring
districts. Maize is the third largest crop in Surkhet after rice and wheat. Maize is the major crop grown in
Bari land. Beside maize, mustard and potatoes are grown and sometimes the land is left fallow.
Figure 6: Core function dynamics in Surkhet Distric
Khet land with year round irrigation occupies 10,479 ha land (DADO, 2070/71). The major crop grown in
Khet land is rice. Besides rice, some other crops like wheat, potato and spring maize are also being grown
by the farmers. Khet land with seasonal irrigation facility is 12,288 ha. Total keht land is 14600 ha. Bari
land is 22,844 ha.
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During the field visit, it was revealed that majority of the farmers are using improved varieties (Arun-2,
Rampur Composite, Deuti, Poshilo-1, Manakamana-3).
In 2071 farmers grew maize in 16,100 ha of land all across Surkhet (DADO, 2070/71). With an average
yield of 2.38 MT/ha, a total of 38,243 MT maize was produced in the year 2071. The produced maize was
used for homestead consumption, either as feed for the animal or as food for human consumption. The
surplus volume of maize is sold to the local traders.
The maize traders collect maize from Jajarkot, Dailekh Sylan, and Rukum and sells to feed industry in
eastern part (Narayanghat, Bhairahawa, Nepaljung, Chitwan) of Nepal. Around 2-4 quintals of maize is
sold to local consumers for animal consumption. Demand of white colored hybrid maize is high in Pokhara
and Narayanghat for mule feeding.
2.2.2.3 Dynamics of the Core Functions in the National Context
Maize is one of the most important crop in Nepal. Maize is grown almost everywhere in Nepal, in all the
topographic regions; Terai region, mid-hills and high mountains region. In the last year a total of 2.28
million MT maize was produced in Nepal, of which 70% was produced in the mid-hill region. Terai region
contributed to 20% of the total supply of maize nationally while in high mountains only 8.6% maize was
produced in the last year. Yield is very low compared to the other maize producing countries in the region.
The national average yield is 2.45 MT per ha, which is highest in the Terai region with an average yield of
2.9 Mt/ha. Yield in the mid-hill region is 2.39 Mt/ha.
Maize is a traditional crop grown for food, feed and fodder. Maize demand has been constantly growing
by about 5% annually in the last decades (Sapkota and Pokhrel, 2010). The demand for maize as food is
has decreased over the years because of the changing food habit. Inhabitants in the mid-hills, in general,
are leaning towards rice. Young generation in that locality prefer rice over maize as staple food. Currently,
the per capita maize consumption in Nepal is 98 g/person/day (Ranum et al., 2014). Therefore, total
quantity of maize required as food for human consumption is around 1 million mt per year.
The locally produced maize is mostly being used to feed the cattle, buffalo, goat, pig, country chicken etc.
in rural areas of Nepal. From the field investigation, it has been found that around 70-80% of produced
maize is used for animal consumption while only 20-30% is being used for human consumption. So,
comparing the field investigation with the secondary information, even being very conservative, it can be
roughly estimated that around 2 million MT maize is required to feed the animals as raw or grinding maize
in the rural areas.
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Figure 7: Demand supply scenario of maize in the national context
The major industrial use of maize in Nepal is in the poultry feed mill industry. Key informant interviews
with the poultry feed mills owner and the member of the feed mill association revealed that about 0.8
million mt. of feed is produced annually by the feed industries in Nepal (114, registered in NFEA). Maize
being the major ingredients of feed, which comprises 60% of the total ingredient by volume, the current
requirement of maize from the feed mill industry alone is 0.48 million MT. However, to run the existing
poultry industries in Nepal at full capacity, there is a need of about 6.46 million mt. feed (Govind et al.,
2015), which stands for about 3.88 million MT of maize required annually from the feed industry. Current
production of feed is not sufficient for the industry. Nepal imports around 10-20% of ready feed as well.
Moreover, the demand for ready feed for the poultry and cattle industry is increasing at the rate of 11%
per annum. The increasing demand of poultry feed is evident from the fact that in the last two years, 4
new feed mills have been established and two more are now under construction only in Biratnagar. Thus,
the demand for maize is shifting from food to feed for livestock and poultry. For food, new types of maize-
based products such as soups, vegetables, edible oils are in demand but at a very low scale.
Maize supplied from the local sources to the feed mills are not sufficient for its total requirement. Hence,
a substantial volume of maize is also being imported from India. Findings from the key informant
interviews with the feed milers and maize suppliers revealed that around 50% of the total requirement of
maize from the poultry feed mill industry is met from the import.
Accumulating demand from all the different segments, the current national demand of maize stands for
about 3.3 million MT. On the other hand, the production during 2014 was 2.283million mt. Hence, the
deficit is around 1 million mt which is mostly being met by importing from India. According to the official
import records of 2014/15, a total of 0.29 million MT maize has been imported in the last year, which
indicates that a significant volume of maize is also being imported informally. The figure below shows the
flow of maize grain in the national context of Nepal. In the mid-hill and high mountains region, maize is
used mainly for homestead purposes; human consumption and animal feed. There is hardly any use of
maize for industrial purposes in those regions. Though maize is produced, as a major crop, in large area
of land in the mid-hills and high mountains but the production is not sufficient to meet, even, their own
Farmer in Mid-hills (1,617,911 MT /70.1%)
Farmer in Terai (468,025 MT /20.5%)
Importer imports maize from India(254,000 MT)
Local Trader
Local Trader
Local Market in Mid-hills
Wholesaler
Farmer in Rural areas(1 million MT as Food2 million Mt to feed animals)
Poultry Feed Mills(480,000 MT)
Farmer in Mountains (197,286 MT/ 8.64%)
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demand. Hence, these regions import maize from Terai region. The mid-hill districts also supply a small
quantity of maize to the high mountain region.
Field investigation shows that the eastern cluster of Terai supplies maize to the western cluster of Terai,
and mid-hills and high mountains of eastern cluster after meeting their own demand. Import from India
through eastern cluster, throughout the year, fulfils the local deficit. From the western cluster of Terai,
maize is moving to the mid-hills and high mountains of western cluster. A very low volume of maize is
coming from mid-hill district in the west, like Surkhet, to the Terai region in western cluster. It is needful
to mention that major usage of maize for industrial purposes is taking place in the eastern, western and
central cluster of Terai region as well as in the valley of Katahmandu-Patan-Bhaktapur. In the western side
as well import of maize from India fills the gap between domestic supply and demand.
2.2.3 Dynamics of the Support Functions
Seed
In both the eastern and western cluster, farmers are using open pollinated local variety or improved
variety of seed. Majority of the farmers in the project location use improved variety of seeds. However,
around 10% farmers are still using local variety of seed. Those who are using local variety of seed, use the
Figure 8: Flow of maize grain in Nepal
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retained seed from previous year’s production year after year. The farmers who use improved variety of
seed, they also use retain seed from previous years’ production. Once in 5 to 10 years, farmers buy
Improved variety of Truthfully labelled seed from DADO and Agro-vet. It has been found that only some
progressive farmers replace seed once in 3 years. DADO sell maize seed to the farmers at 50% subsidized
rate.
Figure 9: Dynamics of maize seed in the project district
Figure 9 above shows how the maize seed is being produced and supplied to the farmers. DADO has
agreement with some of the enlisted trained seed producer groups in the districts. DADO provides
foundation seed to the seed producing farmer group at 50% subsidised price to produce maize seed. Using
the foundation seed, farmer get a total yield of 2 tons per ha from which they can screen only 0.2 to 0.3
ton of seed, i.e., only 10-15% of the total production becomes seed. Farmer group sell the seed to DADO
at Rs 60 -70 per kg.
DADO then supply the improved variety of seed to the individual farmers or farmer groups at 50 to 70%
subsidized rate. In the western cluster, it has been found that farmers also sell seed to the agro-vet or
private company besides DADO to get quick money. However, the private company or agro-vet cannot
Hybrid seed
Retain seed
Improved Variety of Maize seed
TLS/IS Maize seed50% subsidy
Foundation seed50% subsidy
DADO Seed Producing Farmer Group
Agrovet
Private Company
Maize Farmer
Agrovet
Private seed companies
producing hybrid seed
Distributor
Importer imports
hybrid seed
Intrusion of hybrid seed informally through indian
border
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sell the seed to the farmers directly because of the subsidy that the farmers are receiving on price when
purchasing seed from DADO. Hence, eventually all the seed supplied to the farmers is channelled through
the DADO.
Improved seed has become popular among farmers as its yield is relatively higher (1.67 times more) than
the local seeds. About 91.5 % of the total cultivated area was covered by improved OP variety seed
contributing 94.7% of total maize production of the country (APSD, 2014). The improved variety of maize
seed production was found to be increased from 163mt in 2001 to 2,627mt in 2015.
Farmers hardly use any hybrid variety of seed in the mid hill districts. Only in few cases, it has been found
that farmers are using hybrid seed buying it from distant market. Though a good number of hybrid variety
of seed is available and becoming popular in the Terai region but most of the farmers in the mid-hill region
do not know about hybrid maize. Local private seed companies are producing hybrid variety of seed.
Besides, importers are also importing hybrid varieties of seed. All the hybrid variety of seeds are
commercially channelled to the farmers through distributors and agro-vets. The maize seed import has
been increased from 225mt in 2010/11 to 787mt in 2013/14.2 Currently, there are around 100 seed
importers in Nepal who import cereals, vegetables and other crop seeds. A high volume of hybrid maize
seed is also being imported into the Nepal market from the nearby markets in India through improper
channel.
The table below shows the number of OP and Hybrid seed variety available in Nepal. A total of 59 varieties
of maize seed are available currently.
Table 7: Number of maize varieties released and registered in Nepal and their yield range, including the Nepalese hybrids
(SQCC, 2072)
SN Description Open pollinated varieties Hybrid varieties
1 Released by NSB 21 3
2 Registered by NSB 1 34
Total 22 37
Productivity range (mt/ha) 1.5-6.08 5.14-12
In the table above, the yield potential of OP variety and Hybrid varieties are given. Though the table shows
the yield potential of OP varieties range from 1.5 to 6.08 MT/ha but during the field investigation, the
highest yield found was 3 MT/ha. Only farmers in some parts of Ramechhap were found using hybrid seed
who got yield in the range of 5 to 14 MT/ha.
2 A paper on Cereals Seed Value Chain Study in a Validation Workshop presented by MountDigit Technology P. Ltd., Dhobidhara,
Lalitpur on 14 July 2016.
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Fertiliser
Historically, Nepal has had a low level of fertiliser application. Fertiliser application in maize farming
specially in hill districts are even poorer. The practice of chemical fertiliser application in maize farming
by the farmers in eastern and western cluster are given below.
Fertiliser application by farmers:
Table 8: Fertiliser application by farmers
Fertiliser
Eastern Cluster Western Cluster
Average (Kg/ha) Average (Kg/ha)
Urea 77 50
DAP 38 0
Potash 8 0
FYM 20,000 18,000
Source: NAMDP Field Survey June/July 2016
During the field investigation, information on fertiliser application has been collected from few farmers in
both the clusters. The field findings indicate that the practice of fertiliser application seems better in the
Eastern cluster than in the Western cluster. Poor application of nitrogen is the principal limiting factor to
maize production, but other nutrient deficits, especially phosphorus and potassium, are also important.
Century long traditional farming practice, limited knowledge about fertiliser application and nutrient
management, and unavailability or timely availability of chemical fertiliser are contributing to the poor
application of chemical fertiliser in maize farming. The Agriculture Input Company Ltd. has been
supporting farmers in providing fertiliser at subsidy, however, farmers in the hills have been facing
problems in availing the fertilisers on time. Previously, fertilisers were supplied by Agriculture Input
Company Ltd, Salt Trading Company Ltd. and private sector, however, the role of private sector since
2009/10 was found to be unrecorded.3
Farmers are heavily relying on farm Yard Manure (FYM) to cultivate maize in mid hill regions. It has been
found during the field investigation that volume of FYM applied in maize farm ranges from 18000 to 20000
KG. The quality of FYM is a concern. Due to improper management of manures and FYM, most of the
nutrients are lost through the direct sunlight, and leaching. On an average 50 million MT manure (dung
and urine) is produced from cattle each year, which should be enough for the available cultivated land in
Nepal if used at the rate of about 20 MT per ha.4 In addition, an equal amount of manure can be available
from goat, pigs, sheep, and poultry. Moreover, farm yard manure (FYM) can also be produced. Limited
technical knowledge of farmers and weak extension services provided by DADO and other stakeholders is
3 MoAD. 2013/14. Statistical Information of Nepalese Agriculture. Government of Nepal, Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD), Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal. 4 Information taken from the Facebook of a retired Senior Agri. Expert of the Government of Nepal. Accessed on https://www.facebook.com/madan.rai.39750 on July 21, 2016.
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preventing the best us if FYM. If manures and FYM can be properly utilised, poor and improper use of
chemical fertiliser can be compensated.
Crop Protection
Crop protection is required to reduce the losses due to biotic factors such as insect-pest, rodents, snails,
diseases, etc. Mostly, Agrovets and DADO are responsible to supply agrochemicals to protect crop plants
in the districts. Agrochemicals used as pesticide in Nepal are imported from India, China and other
countries. Among imported agrochemicals in Nepal, around 80% is used in vegetable production.5 Farmers
use pesticides only if they see any disease or pest attack in their crops. In case of pest attack, farmers take
advice from agricultural service centre or from agro-vet on issues like what to apply, how much to apply
etc.
Incidence of biotic factors: Incidence of biotic (field cricket/stem borer/white grubs/ear rot/loose
smut/grey leaf spot/Downey mildew/leaf blight/stalk rot/weeds) is a problem in maize cultivation
in these clusters though not affected very frequently. Due to lack of technical knowledge on how
to deal with pests and diseases and susceptible varieties to biotic problems can be particularly
destructive in reducing yield. These problems are slightly different with particular districts.6
Incidence of abiotic factors: Incidence of abiotic (drought/hailstorm/wind/soil acidity/soil
erosion/lodging/declining soil fertility) is a great problem in maize cultivation. Moreover, soil
exhaustion is also critical in reducing farm income. Hence, use of limited quantity of fertilisers,
lack of proper crop rotation practices with legumes, soil erosion/sliding/surface run off during
rainy season, deforestation, are some factors which loss soil fertility in hills and mountains. Lack
of soil fertility leads to decrease in the yield of maize.
Pesticides are sold by the local agro-vets, who source it from the distributor in neighbouring market hubs.
Sometimes the company also supplied pesticides directly to the agro-vets shop. Pesticide Registered
Office under the Department of Agriculture is the sole organisation to control quality of agrochemicals in
Nepal. Each agro-vet has to take the certificate to trade agrochemicals in Nepal. Currently, there are more
than 150 agrovets in the NAMDP target districts.
Irrigation
Irrigation is crucial for successful maize cultivation. Based on the available database of different districts,
it showed that irrigation facilities play a great role to increase the cropping intensity and yield. Based on
the availability of irrigation, the cultivated land can be categorized into different types shown in the table
below. Distribution of land category as per the irrigation facilities in the different NAMDP target districts
are shown in Table 10.
5 Kathmandupost. 2014. Govt monitoring use of pesticides in veggie, fruits. Accessed on
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2014-07-10/govt-monitoring-use-of-pesticides-in-veggie-fruits.html on July 19,
2016.
6 DADOs. 2070/71. Annual Agricultural Development Programme and Statistical Book. District Agricultural Development Offices (DADOs), Okhaldhunga, Khotang, Surkhet, Jajarkot, Dailekh and Kalikot, Nepal.
Page | 27
Table 9: Distribution of land
Districts Bari land
(Rainfed) Ha.
% of total land
irrigated
Khet Land (With
Seasonal irrigation
facility) Ha.
Khet Land (with Year
round irrigation facility)
Ha.
Ramechhap 37994 18.48% 6299 3109
Okhaldhunga 17265 36.82% 6479 2312
Khotang N/A 26.45% 4886 3230
Dailekh 25766 27.67% 6766 2412
Jajarkot 14136 10.09% 2562 4966
Kalikot N/A 13.39% 2845 2409
Aachham N/A 18.06% 6535 3660
Surkhet N/A 32.78% 12276 10449
Source: DADO Reports 2070/71
Bari land is located in hilly slope and depends completely on rain. Due to sloppy surface, water cannot
stand in bari land. Only one crop can be grown in Bari land in a year. As can be seen from the table above,
it occupies almost 80% of the cultivable land in the project districts.
Khet land can be located both in hilly slope or in the valley. In the hilly slope, with terrace based surface,
irrigation water can stand in the khet land. In this kind of khet land irrigation is provided from the spring
or nearby canal which remains available only during and immediately after the rainy season.
Khet land with year round irrigation facilities are mostly located in valley closer to rivers, khola, irrigation
canal or reservoir. Farmers irrigate those land using Low lift pump (LLP) or traditional methods. Few
farmers borrow or rent irrigation pump from the neighbouring farmers. There is hardly any commercial
irrigation service provider or pump supplier available in the project location.
Extension Service
Farmers require information on cultivation technique, seed variety, seed rate, dosage of fertiliser,
frequency of irrigation, pest or disease control, dosage of pesticide etc. to grow maize properly. They also
in need information on shelling, drying and other post-harvest related issues to reduce the post-harvest
loss. Farmer also needs market and price related information to plan his production and selling.
Farmers in the project districts hardly
get these information as access to the
information source is either missing or
insufficient. Agriculture service
centres which can provide credible
information to the farmers on
cultivation technique related issue
lack the capacity and are in limited
number to cater to a large number of
farmers.
Agricultural Service Centre
Agro-vet Neighbouring
farmer
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Farmers receives information on pest and disease control as well as on dosage of pesticides from the
neighbouring agro-vets. Farmers also receives information from the neighbouring farmers. However, the
quality of information is questionable as they do not have sufficient technical capacity to provide the
farmers with right advice on all occasions.
Some on-going projects and local NGOs are also providing extension service to the farmers but on an ad-
hoc basis.
Post-harvest
Proper post-harvest handling of maize is crucial to minimise losses of maize. The poor post-harvest
handling of maize is affecting farmers in Nepal, particularly in hilly regions. There are three major post-
harvest related functions; namely, shelling, drying and storing.
Shelling: Farmers shell grains from maize cob mostly using hands. It requires huge labour
involvement to de-shell maize using hands. Some manual Sheller model is available in the targeted
location but it also requires as much labour as it requires shelling with hand. There are no
mechanical Shellers available in the project location. Currently, with their subsistence farming, as
they are dealing with small volume of maize at a time, it is manageable shelling with hands. But
once farmers get involve in commercial farming of maize and sell bulk volume of maize at a time,
it will be very difficult to shell maize without mechanical shelling.
Drying: the major harvesting season of maize coincides with the rainy season, hence it becomes
a crucial issue to dry maize during the rainy season. High moisture content of maize increases the
risk of aflatoxin and other fungal attack. Majority of the farmers rely on sun for drying maize and
they dry out their maize/seed on bare grounds, dirty surface exposing it to dust and stones. Sun
drying of maize on the open ground also increases the chance of pest attack and quality
deterioration.
Storing: Farmers usually store their maize inside their house either on the floor or hang maize
cobs in the ceiling. The farmers store their maize in their living rooms which are not aerated. Those
who produce substantial volume of maize do not have sufficient space inside their house to store
maize. So they keep the maize outside hanging on bamboo bar under the open sky. Due to
improper storage, the attack of rat, other pest and fungal attack might incur loss to the farmers.
Trading
In Nepal, both formal and informal traders participate in maize (seed/food/feed) trading, but most are
informal, unregistered and unregulated. The trade has many different facets. Mainly in maize trading,
there are collectors, wholesalers and retailers in Nepal.
Most of the small farmers in the rural areas take some part of their surplus maize either to barter with
other commodity at their community or directly sell to the local market or the agents/brokers of the
wholesalers. The sale of maize at this level is often triggered by a specific family cash requirement (school
fees, a funeral, a wedding, or a land dispute) rather than being part of a longer-term commercial strategy.
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The agents/brokers work to connect external large-scale buyers/wholesalers to local farmers. They utilise
knowledge of their local region to locate maize, negotiate price with farmers, and assemble sufficient
quantities of maize for the principal buyers. They don't need any type of storage facility. They only help
to reduce the burden of buyers and farmers in terms of time and cost.
No broker for maize trading outside the districts were found during the field study in the project districts
in the Eastern and western clusters. Due to the limited quantity of maize production, all the collection of
maize grain and seed is managed by the local traders and/or cooperatives. The collected maize in the
Eastern cluster was completely sold at the local market, whereas in the Western cluster, some of it was
also sold to the wholesalers in Nepalgunj. The cooperatives perform the role of agents. They sell maize
grain and seed either to large millers or process it and sell to the retailers. They also sell to the local end
users. They have strong facilities own/rented and credit facilities.
Finance
Farmers need money to purchase seed, chemical fertilisers, agrochemicals, and labour. Usually farmers
invest in a crop from the savings from the previous crop. In most cases, savings are not sufficient enough
to invest in the crop properly. Hence they need additional financing which they cannot access currently.
There is no formal financial institute providing loan to the farmers with simple terms and condition.
However, cooperatives provide finance to the farmers though in limited scale.
2.2.4 Rules, Regulations and Government Programmes
Research and Development
National Agriculture Research Council (NARC) is a government research council with a network of research
stations to conduct research on agriculture related issues. NARC conducts research on different aspects
of agriculture. It identifies the existing problem in the agriculture and find tries to identify possible
solutions. A wing of NARC conducts research to develop new varieties of maize seed and to identify good
agriculture practices appropriate for specific variety in specific agro-ecological/climatic condition.
Successful research findings of NARC are then promoted to the farmers to improve their cultivation
practices through extension service provided by DADO. However, the needs, priorities and demands of
the farmers for improved farming thus remain unmet by the available extension work force in the country.
Registration of seed
The National Seed Board (NSB) and Seed Quality Control Centre (SQCC) are the responsible authority for
the release and registration of seed for all kind of agricultural crops. The National Seed Policy, 2056 has
given permission to the public and private sector to develop new varieties of seed for any crop, which is
also highlighted in the Seed Vision 2013-2025. NSB certifies and registers any new variety of seed
developed, multiplied or imported either through public or private sector, upon testing the quality and
performance of the variety in the local agro-climatic condition. In maize, NSB has released 23 open
pollinated (OP) varieties and 3 hybrids, and registered 32 hybrids and 1 OP maize varieties developed in
other countries. It also denotes any existing varieties if it does not perform well in the field condition.
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Industrial Quality Standard
There is no quality standard defined for the maize traded in the local market. However, the poultry feed
mill industry which is the major industry for maize has some quality parameters defined. As they prefer
high protein content in maize so they prefer protein enriched yellow maize. The feed mill industry only
buy maize with less than 14% moisture. The quality parameter also defines the maximum percentage of
broken kernels, minimum percentage of inert material, colour etc. Maize affected with aflatoxin or other
fungus is also not accepted by the feed mill industry.
Import and custom excise
As the required volume of maize for the poultry feed mill industry is not available in the national market,
a good volume of maize is being imported to Nepal every year. The feed mill enjoys preferential import
and custom duty from the government of Nepal to import maize. The trader has to give 5% import duty
to import maize whereas, the feed mill can import maize with only 1.6% import duty.
Agricultural Development Strategy (ADS) 20147
The government of Nepal has drafted an overarching policy framework in 2014, Agricultural Development
Strategy (ADS) 2014, for the overall development of agriculture sector with a vision for next 20 years and,
action plan and roadmap for next 10 years. The key objectives of ADS are to increase income of farmers,
improve access and market, and reduce post-harvest losses. Maize is one of the priority crops listed in
ADS. The ADS encourages public private partnership, private sector investment and holistic value chain
approach to develop the agricultural subsector with an objective to benefit the poor.
Maize Mission Programme
Maize Mission Program was started in 2064/65 with the objective of substituting maize import from India,
increase income of the farmers and supply raw materials for feed industries through integrated supply of
seeds, machineries and other inputs in some terai districts of Nepal. As per government reports, this
program has been successful in increasing production of maize in these districts. Since the start of the
project the total area under maize production has increased from 2,050 hectares to 10, 000 hectares and
the total annual production of maize has increased from 10,000 MT to 72,000 MT in the project districts.
Mid Hill Mega Maize programme
GoN started Mid Hill Mega Maize Program in 42 hill and mountain districts from 2013/14 to enhance
production and productivity of maize crop and to support for enhancing food security status of hilly
districts. NAMDP target districts in the Western cluster are covered by this programme. The main activities
under this programme are: distribution of subsidised seed, training of farmers, subsidy on seed transport,
subsidy on purchase of machinery (e.g. Mini/Power tiller, Accessories, Corn Sheller, Grading Machine,
Tarpaulin, Super Grain bag etc.).
7 MoAD. Agricultural Development Strategy (ADS). Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD), Singha Durbar, Kathmandu.
Page | 31
Other relevant policies
There are many other policies such as National Cooperative policy, National fertiliser policy, agribusiness
policy, national seed policy, plant protection act, pesticide act, national agricultural policy etc. which
influence the production of maize and performance of the maize farmers.
Informal Norms in the Farmers’ Group
Majority of the farmer in Nepal are associated with farmer groups or cooperatives. Each of the
cooperatives and farmer groups has its own written constitution following which the operational
procedures of the group take place. However, there are informal norms and rules as well which the
farmers also abide by.
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Analysis
3.1 Problems in the core functions and underlying constraints
Figure 10: Constraint Tree
Unavailability of
low temperature
resistant or
drought resistant
variety
Farmers do not
have idea about
hybrid maize and
its potential
Farmers lack the
knowledge
about proper
cultivation
technique
Natural calamities like
late rain, temperature
fall etc. affect the
quality of maize
Lack of proper
drying and
storage facility
Unavailability
of mechanical
sheller
Unavailabilit
y of quality
hybrid seed
Improper post harvest
handling Current production is not sufficient for own demand
Commercial trade of maize is not available due to scale
Use poor quality retain
seed
Quality of the maize is
not good
Farmers do not consider
maize as a cash crop
Productivity of maize
is very low
Farmers income from Maize arming is low
Access to quality
informatoin on
cultivation
technique is not
readily available
Farmers do not
have knowledge
about post-
harvest handling
Do not have proper
application of
fertilizer
Do not follow
proper cultivation
technique
Farmers do not apply
sufficient quantity of
chemical fertilizer
Applied FYM is
inadequate in terms of
both quantity and
quality
Farmers lack the
knowledge on
appropriate
fertilizer dosage
Chemical
fertilizer is
not available
on time
Do not have
financial ability
to apply proper
dosage of
fertilizer
Do not have
knowledge about
proper composting
method
Raw materials
are not
sufficiently
available
Inconsistent
quality of
improved
variety of seed
produced by
farmer group
Farmers do
not practice
appropriat
seed
replacement
rate
Page | 33
Though farmers in the mid-hill districts have been producing maize for centuries as one of their major
crop they grow maize through subsistence farming which does not allow them to get good income from
maize farming. So, considering ‘low income of farmer from maize farming’ as the key problem statement
in the maize sector in mid-hill districts, the constraint analysis has been performed to identify the
underlying problem or root causes. Poor income of farmers is leading mainly due to three broad constraint
areas which are described below:
a. Farmers do not consider maize as a cash crop
b. Productivity of maize is very low in the mid-hill districts
c. Quality of the maize that they produce is not good
a. Farmers do not consider maize as a cash crop
Production is not sufficient to meet own demand. As mentioned earlier, farmers in the mid-hill districts
use maize for their own consumption as food and as feed to feed their animals. Though, they grow maize
in almost all the available and suitable cultivable land the total production, in most cases, is not sufficient
for their own homestead consumption. So, they usually do not have surplus maize to trade in the
commercial market.
Maize market in the mid-hill is not connected with the commercial market of maize in Nepal. The maize
market in the high mountain and mid-hill region is more of subsistence nature which is disjointed with the
commercial maize market concentrated in the Terai region. Due to the lack of availability of maize in scale
in the mid-hill region, the traders from the commercial market are not sourcing maize from this region.
Price of maize is often higher in the mid-hill region than that in the commercial maize market where
price is with import parity. Besides the maize from the Terai region, imported maize from India plays a
crucial role in the dynamics of the commercial maize market. The feed mill industry prefers to import
maize from India instead of procuring it from the mid-hill region due to the closeness to the Indian cluster
of maize production, cheaper transportation cost and low import duty. As the price of maize in the mid-
hill region is not influenced, by and large, by the maize supply in the commercial market, hence often the
price is higher in the hill districts than that of the commercial market. This is mainly due to the lack of
connection between these two markets.
b. Productivity of maize is very low in the mid-hill districts
There are a number of reasons for the low productivity of maize in the project districts.
Farmer use poor quality of retain seed to grow maize. In both the eastern and western cluster, farmers
use either local variety or improved variety of open pollinated seed. Majority of the farmers in the project
location use improved variety of seeds. However, around 10% farmers are still using local variety of seed.
Those who are using local variety of seed, use the retained seed from previous year’s production year
after year which gives significantly lower yield. The farmers who use improved variety of seed, they also
use retained seed from previous year’s production. Once in 5 to 10 years, farmer buy Improved variety of
Page | 34
Truthfully labelled seed from DADO. Though the yield potential is moderately acceptable but as the
farmers use the retained seed from their previous year’s production consecutively for quite a few years
they get much lower yield than is potentially attainable. Underlying reasons for using poor quality retain
seeds are given below.
Farmers are not aware about the frequent replacement of OP variety of seed. As mentioned
earlier, the seed replacement ratio is very poor in the project location due to the low level of
understanding and awareness of the farmers. Majority of the farmers replace seed buying
improved variety of seed from DADO or other sources once in 8 to 10 years. Only some of the
progressive farmers replace seed frequently, once in every 3 years.
Poor quality of improved variety of seed production. Improved variety of seed are produced by
seed producing farmer groups. Though they are trained but due to lack of regular monitoring and
proper supervision from DADO and AIC, the farmer group cannot ensure the quality of the seed
they produce.
Farmers are not aware about the hybrid seed. Farmers in the mid hill region mostly have no or
very low awareness about the hybrid variety of seed. They do not know that hybrid seed could
give more than double the yield that they are currently getting. Though, there are 35 hybrid
varieties of maize seed registered in the national seed board and it is widely being used in the
terai regions, farmers in the mid-hill districts are still unaware about the potential of hybrid seed.
Private companies, importer or the distributor of hybrid seed do not supply hybrid varieties of
maize seed to the markets in mid-hill districts as they do not see a demand. There is no initiative
from the private seed companies to promote hybrid maize in the project districts. The dearth of
demand of hybrid maize in the mid-hill region and lack of motivation of the private company has
created prevented the introduction of hybrid maize in the project location.
Farmers in the mid-hills do not practice proper application of fertiliser. Both the application of chemical
fertiliser as well as farm yard manure is not sufficient for proper nutrient management of the soil and to
get optimum yield. Underlying reasons for improper application of chemical fertiliser are:
Farmers lack the knowledge on appropriate dosage of chemical fertiliser. With the century long
experience of maize farming, farmers follow traditional practices of fertiliser application. They
hardly apply any chemical fertiliser because of their lack of understanding about the necessity and
appropriate dosage of different chemical fertiliser. Even if some of the farmers apply chemical
fertiliser, they apply only one spoon of urea per plant which is far less than what is required.
Chemical fertiliser is not available on time. Import and distribution of chemical fertiliser is
governed by the government mechanism. Due to the bureaucratic nature of fertiliser distribution
where AIC, DADO and private sector is involved in different roles, fertiliser is often not available
in the field when farmer requires it to apply in the crop.
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Often farmers do not have the financial capability to purchase fertiliser in required volume. To
apply chemical fertiliser in appropriate volume it requires substantial investment which the
farmer often lacks. Farmer also do not have the access to finance to purchase and apply
appropriate dosage of fertiliser.
The applied FYM is inadequate both in terms of quantity and quality. Though farmers are relying heavily
on Farm Yard Manure (FYM) to maintain the soil fertility and to get better yield but they cannot produce
adequate volume of FYM as they do not get sufficient volume of raw materials to produce their required
volume of FYM.
Moreover, farmers do not have knowledge about the proper composting method which results
in poor quality of FYM produced in the farmer’s backyard. Some techniques of composting
methods with proper combination of raw materials could improve the quality of the compost
significantly. It might also reduce the overall lead time for composting. Farmers in the mid-hill are
not aware about the technology.
Farmers do not follow proper cultivation method in terms of land preparation, weeding, irrigation and
crop protection which is also significantly contributing to the poor yield of maize. Underlying reasons are:
Farmers lack the knowledge on proper cultivation technique. Access to the quality information on
proper cultivation technique is also not easily accessible for farmers. As mentioned earlier farmers
receive information on cultivation technique from agriculture service centres, agro-vet and
neighbouring farmers. Agriculture service centres which can provide credible information to the
farmer on cultivation technique related issue lack the capacity due to the limited number of human
resources to cater to a large number of farmers. Quality of the information received from Agro-vet
and neighbouring farmers is questionable as they do not have sufficient technical capacity to provide
the farmers with the right advice.
c. Quality of the maize is not good
The following underlying reasons are responsible for low quality of maize produced by the farmers in the
mid hills.
Natural calamities like late rain or temperature fall either delaying the sowing time or affecting the
flowering and tillering of maize which eventually affect the yield and quality of maize cob and grains.
Drought resistant and low temperature resistant varieties of seed which could address the issue to some
extent are not available in the mid hill regions.
Improper handling of maize during post-harvest also deteriorates the quality of maize significantly. The
following reasons are responsible for this.
Farmers often do not have proper knowledge on post-harvest handling. Farmers do not know
how to shell maize efficiently and effectively, how to dry maize keeping the quality consistent and
how to store it to avoid the risk of quality deterioration due to pest or fungal attack.
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Proper shelling technology is not available in the hill districts. Farmers use hand to shell their
maize which is time consuming and requires substantial involvement of labour. With their current
practice of shelling they cannot shell large volume of maize at a time. Mechanical Sheller which
can efficiently shell a large volume of maize in just an hour is not available in the mid hill region.
This is also a contributing factor for maize not being a commercial product in the mid-hill region.
Farmers do not have alternative drying method or technology other than sun-drying. As the
major harvesting season of maize in the md-hill region coincides with the rainy season, so sun
drying is not always a feasible option for the farmer. Maize with high moisture content, especially
during consecutive days of rain, are prone to get affected by aflatoxin and fungal attack which
deteriorates the quality of maize significantly. There is no alternative drying technology available
in the project location. Sun drying of maize on the open ground also increases the chance of pest
attack and quality deterioration. Simple technology like use of polythene sheet can reduce the
loss which farmers are not aware of.
Improper storage is another issue which reduces the quality of maize significantly. Farmer
usually store their maize inside their house either on the floor or hang maize cobs in the ceiling.
Those who produce substantial volume of maize do not have sufficient space inside their house
to store maize. So they keep the maize outside hanging on bamboo bar under the open sky. There
is no community level storage facility available at the village level to support farmers with storage
service.
3.2 Opportunities and sector drivers
There are number of opportunities prevailing in the maize sector in Nepal to stimulate the growth in the
sector by improving productivity and income of the poor farmers, given the current scenario of the maize
sector in Nepal. The opportunities and potential of the sector are described as follows:
1. More than 70% of the total maize is produced in the mid-hill district. Around 10800 Ha of land is
cultivated under maize and 35184 HHs are already involved in maize cultivation in the NAMDP
targeted eight districts. Improving the sector in this region has a huge potential to improve the
livelihood of large number of farmers.
There is a huge demand for maize both nationally and within the regions. The demand can work as the
major driving force to carry the sector forward.
2. Local production of maize is not sufficient to meet the demand of local farmers. The unmet demand
is pushing the sector to grow further. Because of the lack of sufficient supporting services and
functions the growth is not taking place at the desired pace.
3. There is a huge demand of maize from the poultry feed mill industry which is pulling the production
of maize up nationally. The poultry industry in Nepal is growing very fast and hence, the feed mill
industry is also growing at a high rate which is recorded as 11% per annum.,This can provide an
excellent growth potential for the maize sector.
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4. Few feed mills are locally available in the mid-hill districts which are currently sourcing maize from
outside the project districts. Once connected with the local market, these can play an important role
to support the growth of the sector.
Good quality seeds and other supporting services are available in the market.
5. A number of hybrid varieties and improved varieties of open pollinated seed are available in the
market. A total of 37 hybrid varieties and 22 OP varieties are registered in the national seed board
and are being marketed and distributed to the farmers. The number of varieties are increasing every
year.
6. Private seed companies, importer and distributor of seed are available in the national market who are
interested to promote their variety of maize seed in the mid-hill regions.
7. There is an increasing number of service providers such as agrovets available in the project districts
who are selling seed, fertiliser and pesticide. This can provide incentive to the seed company as well
as pesticide company to strengthen their distribution channel by creating a provision for embedded
service of information for the farmers.
8. New technology of shelling and mechanical sheller machine is available in the terai region, which
allows the potential for easy technology transfer to address the issue of post-harvest handling.
Farmers are operated in groups.
9. Farmer groups and co-operatives are readily available in the mid hill districts and almost all the
farmers are somehow connected to farmer groups which gives the opportunity to tag service
providers with the farmers easily resulting in greater outreach.
Government priority
As one of the staple food in the mid-hill and high mountain regions the Government of Nepal promotes
the cultivation of maize to reduce food deficiency. The government is providing support in many ways to
increase the production of maize. However, subsidy given by the government may poses a threat to
involve private sector stakeholder to ensure sustainable growth of the sector. Under maize mission and
mid-hill mega maize programme GoN provides seed support in 75% subsidy, training/tours, seed transport
subsidy, equipment Support in 50 % subsidy (Mini/Power tiller, Accessories, Corn Sheller, Grading
Machine, Tarpaulin, Super Grain bag etc., improved maize area expansion, participatory variety selection,
linkages between stakeholders.
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Rationale for working in the sector: summary analysis
This section examines the maize sector through three lenses of
pro-poor relevance, growth potential and intervention
feasibility to assess whether or not the project should work in
this sector.
Pro-poor Relevance
Maize, being the second most important crop in Nepal, occupies
928,000 hectares of land which is almost 30% of the total
cultivable land. According to MoAD, maize occupies 70% area in
the mid hills followed by the Tarai (19%) and the high hills (11%).
This shows that the mid-hill is the main part of Nepal where
maize based farming system is found. The high-hills on the other
hand have food deficit zone due to lower cereal production and productivity. Around 24,14,428
number of HHs are involved in maize cultivation. There are about 36247 of farm household involved
in maize production in the eastern three districts where as there are about 34546 farm household
involved in maize production in the western five districts. More than 72% of the maize farmers have
less than 1 ha of land i.e., majority of the maize farmers are small in-terms of their land holding size.
Around 90% the maize farmers in the western cluster are small farmers who have less than 1 ha of
land on an average.
A total of 905286 number of women are living in the NAMDP targeted districts. Survey finding reveals
that a higher percentage of women as compared to men are working in maize farming. Due to the
high rate of out-migration, farming is being taken care by the women in many households. About 60-
80% of women are involved in maize cultivation in the Eastern and Western cluster. Another
interesting fact is that a significant number of women are involved in the maize sector as labour in
sowing, harvesting and post-harvest related activities. It is necessary to mention that maize requires
around 130-140 labour days per hectare of which 70% was family supplied and 30% was hired labour
(Source: Field survey June 2016)
For most poor rural families’ access to land is extremely limited. Many depend on plots that are too
small to meet their subsistence requirements. For many poor farmers having landholdings of a half a
hectare or less productivity levels remain low as a result of limited access to new farming technologies,
inputs and extension services.
As a huge number of farmers and labourers, both men and women, are involved in the maize sector,
so its development holds the prospect of raising income of numerous rural households and create
opportunities for additional employment.
Intervention Feasibility
Growth Potential
Pro-Poor relevance
Figure 11: The three lens of rationale for working the maize sector
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Growth potential
Overall the sector is growing which is evident from the
last five-year trend of area coverage, yield and
production of maize nationally in Nepal. The
production of maize has increased from 1.85 million
Mt in 2011 to 2.3 million MT which is 23% increase in
5 years. Whereas, the area under maize coverage
looks almost stagnant in the last five years, with 5%
deviation over the period.
In the three districts of the eastern cluster, a total of 153,206 MT maize was produced in 2013/14.
From the field investigation and secondary research, it has been found that there is still 40% deficit in
the eastern cluster. On the other hand, 101,464 MT of maize was produced in the five districts of
western cluster in the same year.
Maize is mainly used as food for human consumption, feed for the domestic animals and ingredients
for poultry feed mill industry. From the analysis of core function dynamics, it has been found that total
demand of maize in Nepal is 3.5 million Mt. So, the total domestic production is not sufficient to meet
the national demand. The demand for Maize to be used as food for human consumption is around 1
million MT per year, while to feed the domestic animals it is estimated that 2 million Mt maize is
required annually. The major industrial use of maize is taking place in the poultry feed mills which has
a demand of 0.5 million MT per year. As the poultry industry is increasing very fast, hence to feed the
commercial poultry industry, the feed industry is also growing at a pace of 11% per annum. Thus, the
demand for maize is also shifting from food to feed for livestock and poultry. Around 60% of the total
requirement of maize from the poultry feed mill industry is being met by importing maize from India.
Looking at the demand-supply situation in the targeted districts as well as in the national market, it is
evident that there is a huge growth potential of maize in the mid-hill regions. With the increased
production of maize in the mid-hill region, the current demand supply gap within the districts can be
reduced over the years. If the variety of seed and cultivation practice of maize can be improved in
large scale in the targeted districts of eastern and western clusters, eventually, it can also supply maize
to the Kathmandu valley and Terai regions to meet the unmet demand of maize from the feed mill
industry and hence, can substitute import after meeting its own demand.
Intervention Feasibility
The systemic constraints or underlying reasons, that have been identified from the constraint analysis,
responsible for the underperformance of the maize sector in the project districts seem feasible to
address sustainably with the given resource and expertise of NAMDP. Key constraints identified for
the maize sector in the project districts are unavailability of quality seed which can give higher yield,
inappropriate application of fertiliser for growing maize, improper post-harvest handling and lack of
linkage with the commercial maize market.
A number of good quality maize seeds including hybrid variety of maize are available in the market.
Open pollinated varieties of seeds are produced and distributed through government channels and a
Table 10: Trend of Maize production
Fiscal Year Area (Ha) Production (MT)
2067/68 876 1855
2068/69 906 2068
2069/70 871 2179
2070/71 859 1999
2071/72 928 2283
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number of private sector stakeholders are involved in supplying hybrid variety of maize. Some of the
world renowned hybrid varieties are also being imported and distributed in the market. Private seed
companies, importer and distributor of seed are interested to promote maize in the mid hill regions
to expand their business though their presence is not visible at this moment.
There are also a number of pesticide companies available in Nepal. As farmers lack the knowledge
regarding appropriate usage of fertiliser their awareness has to be raised in this regard. Both the
private seed company and pesticide company can play significant role in addressing the knowledge
gap of the farmers. New composting technology which has become successful in the neighbouring
countries, can be introduced in the project location to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of FYM
which farmer mostly use for agriculture production.
Improved shelling technology and commercial supplier of mechanical sheller is also available in the
terai region. To address the post-harvest related issues, mechanical sheller can be made available in
the mid-hill region with the support from manufacturers and suppliers in Terai region.
There are more than 200 feed mills in Nepal located in the clusters of Kathmandu-Bhaktapur-Lalitpur
valley and the Terai region. The number of feed mill is increasing due to the increasing demand of
poultry feed. The feed mills require a huge volume of maize and they currently import more than half
of their total requirement from India. They are interested to increase the supply of maize from the
local sources if the quality and price is competitive with the Indian market. The feed millers can be
used as leverage agent to open up the forward market linkage for the maize farmers in the mid-hill
region.
Maize being the priority sector for the Government of Nepal, the project will find the government
supportive in promoting maize in the mid-hill districts.
So, looking through all the three lenses, it makes sense for the NAMDP project to work on to develop
the maize sector in the mid-hill regions.
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Strategy for Change
The strategy is designed to strengthen the weaknesses prevailing in the current support service
functions and the enabling environment to address the issues responsible for the underperformance
of the core functions, especially for the smallholder farmers. The strategy starts with the prioritisation
and selection of constraints to be addressed by the project with the given resource, expertise and
scope. The strategy is then followed by (1) a vision of change, to envisage how the value chain or
market system would operate if identified problems are resolved; (2) a set of interventions which can
be targeted at specific market actors or group of market actors which can be engaged to drive change
in the system.
5.1 Prioritisation and selection of constraints to be addressed
From the constraint analysis above, it has been found that there are number of underlying constraints
in the maize sector in the project districts. First and the most important constraint is the poor yield of
maize which on the hand does not meet the demand of the farmers in the regions and on the other
hand does not allow the farmers to link with the major commercial maize market due to the lack of
scale. Absence of linkage with the commercial maize market also does not allow farmers to consider
maize as a cash crop. Both of these inter-related issues have created a vicious circle which hinders the
maize sector to grow in the mid-hill districts. Underlying reasons responsible for this situation are
prioritised below in order:
• Seed replacement rate by the farmers, in case of improved variety of seed, is very poor due to the
lack of their understanding and weak distribution system those seeds.
• Improved Variety of seed produced by the seed producer group is often not of good quality due
to lack of technical support and quality assurance
• Farmers are not aware about the hybrid variety of maize which can give more than double the
yield they are currently getting
• Suitable variety of hybrid maize is not available in the mid-hill region
• Farmers do not have the knowledge to produce quality compost using the raw materials available
locally
• Farmers lack the knowledge on proper usage of chemical fertiliser for maize cultivation
• Farmer do not have knowledge about proper cultivation technique and post-harvest handling and
access to quality information/advice is not available
• Appropriate post-harvest technologies (shelling, drying etc.) are not available
• Farmers are not connected with the commercial market of maize in Nepal
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5.2 Vision of change
Focusing on achieving the growth potential portrayed for maize sector in the previous section, a vision
of change can be outlined for the maize sector in the mid hill region. The vision of change is: to increase
the income of the farmers, including women and farmers from the disadvantaged groups, in the mid-
hill region through commercialising the maize farming with increased production and better linkage
with the commercial market.
The vison has two clear-cut objectives. One is to increase the production of maize in the mid hill region
and the other is to commercialise the maize farming in mid-hill region through linking the maize
farmers with the mainstream commercial market of maize in Nepal. As the current production of
maize in the targeted location is not sufficient compared to its total requirement, hence, the first and
foremost priority will be given to increase the production of maize mainly through improving
productivity. Development of linkage with the mainstream commercial market has to be established
in parallel so that the surplus production can be channelled to the mainstream market immediately to
avoid the risk of farmers’ disappointment.
The ultimate aim is to benefit a large number of smallholder maize farmers by achieving improved
yields and incomes through the proposed interventions.
5.3 Intervention Areas and Pathways to Systemic Change
The ultimate aim is to benefit all maize smallholder farmers by achieving improved yields and incomes
through the proposed interventions.
It is crucial that interventions are designed which are systemic so that outcomes are not dependent
upon the project or development partner for sustainability. This means that NAMDP should not seek
to provide services but rather enter the market system in a catalytic manner to tackle the service
weaknesses in existing market actors. Based on the analysis the following four intervention areas are
necessary to develop the maize sector in the mid-hill region in Nepal:
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Intervention Area 1: Promote the provision and usage of quality seed to improve the productivity of maize.
Background
Description
Potential partners Potential limitation Potential opportunities
Intervention Idea 1: Raise awareness of farmers to replace local seed with improved variety of seed
Some farmers are using
local variety of maize
which is giving less yield.
Raising farmers’
awareness to change
their local seed with
improved variety of seed
is necessary to improve
the productivity of maize
AIC and DADO being the
major responsible
authorities to produce and
distribute improved varieties
of maize seed to the farmer
are supposed to raise
awareness of the farmers
regarding improved variety
of seed. Because of the
subsidy provided on
improved variety of maize
seed, private sector, i.e.,
private seed companies or
Agro-vet does not have any
incentive to get involve in
the business of improved
variety of seed or to promote
the usage of improved
variety of seed among the
farmers.
AIC, DADO
private seed
companies, Agro-
vet
DADO could not supply maize to all the
farmers with subsidy because of the
limited capacity, so a large number of
farmers have to buy seed from the
market at market price which is being
supplied the agro-vets or other
stakeholders.
Identify the opportunities to
raise awareness of farmers
regarding replacement of
local seed with improved
variety.
Intervention Idea 2: Facilitate to improve the quality of improved variety of seed produced by the seed producer group/cooperatives
Page | 44
Background
Description
Potential partners Potential limitation Potential opportunities
Seed producer groups are
formed and supported by
DADO or AIC, in some
districts. The members of
the seed producing
groups are trained by
DADO and AIC on proper
cultivation technique,
sorting, grading and
screening to build their
capacity to produce
better quality improved
variety of seed.
DADO technicians are
supposed to monitor and
supervise the farmer group
on a regular basis to ensure
the quality of the seed. With
the limited human resources
DADO cannot ensure regular
supervision and monitoring.
DADO, private seed
companies
Current modality of seed production and
distribution does not allow the private
sector to get involve in ensuring quality of
the seed production.
Involvement of private
sector could improve the
situation of monitoring and
supervision, hence could
improve the quality of seed.
DADO’s long term objectives
and strategies need to be
clarified to design feasible
intervention to address this
issue seed quality.
Intervention Idea 3: Facilitate seed companies to encourage farmers using hybrid variety of maize alongside making the hybrid seed available in the targeted
location:
Although a number of
composite varieties have
been released for
cultivation, their larger
spread is impeded by
non-accessibility of seeds
to the farmers. Some of
the farmers in remote
areas either using local
seed or improved seeds
but in most of the terai
hybrid seeds are used
Those who are using local
variety of seed, use the
retain seed from previous
year’s production year after
year. DADO sell maize seed
to few farmers at subsidized
rate. Large private seed
companies or importers
need to understand their
business regarding hybrid
maize seed in the mid-hill
regions. Upon
DADO,
NGOs/INGOs, Seed
companies,
There is high resistance by civil society
organisations in hybrid seeds.
Finding right marketing enterprises and
their commitment is difficult.
Establish and strengthen
distribution networks,
ensuring both availability
and access to quality seed in
new prospective areas.
Embed other essential
information (for example,
about improved cultivation
technologies, application of
appropriate dosage of
fertilizer etc.) with their
products for farmers.
Page | 45
Background
Description
Potential partners Potential limitation Potential opportunities
seeds coming through
informal channel from
India.
The existing varieties
does not perform well in
the field condition. The
productivity of maize in
Nepal is less as compared
to other countries.
understanding the existing
business model and
incentives, they have to
develop win-win business
model to promote hybrid
maize cultivation in the
region. Farmers are more
demanding high yielding
variety of maize seed.
Community based maize
seed production program
needs to be implemented in
inaccessible areas and
minimum support price
should be declared for
maize seed/grain growers
before planting season.
Increase Public investment
for breeding and varietal
development and seed
related infrastructure and
creation of additional
support services such as
laboratories and education
and developing strong
regulatory mechanism.
Intervention Area 2: Promote the provision of information on cultivation technique and proper application of inputs.
Page | 46
Background
Description
Potential
partners
Potential limitation Potential opportunities
Intervention Idea 1: Raise awareness of farmers on cultivation technique and proper application of inputs
Many farmers in rural areas do not
have the most up-to-date
information on how to grow maize
efficiently and economically.
Improving their knowledge of new
techniques and technologies, in
addition to providing them with
any physical resources necessary
for implementation, can
dramatically increase the farmers’
level of productivity.
There are many challenges facing
today’s farmers. The nature and
scale of these
challenges vary according to farm
small land areas with hand tools
and without the use of any
petrochemical inputs that results
in degraded soil fertility.
AIC and DADO being the major
responsible authorities to produce and
distribute improved varieties of maize
seed to the farmer are supposed to
raise awareness of the farmers
regarding improved variety of seed.
Because of the subsidy provided on
improved variety of maize seed, private
sector, i.e., private seed companies or
Agro-vet does not have any incentive to
get involve in the business of improved
variety of seed or to promote the usage
of improved variety of seed among the
farmers.
DADO
private seed
companies, Agro-
vet
DADO could not
provide technical
services to all the
farmers because of
the limited resources,
so a large number of
farmers have to be
connected from the
market at market
players which
provides agriculture
inputs together with
other embedded
services.
Private investment could be
increased for additional
support services such as
invest in correct application
technologies that improve the
use of inputs, adopt increased
crop diversification and more
extensive integrated crop
rotation cycles, implement
reduced tillage and no-till
cultivation techniques to
improve soil conditions and
invest in more efficient
irrigation technology etc.
Support smallholder’s
farmers on increased
knowledge and access to
improved maize varieties,
farm machinery, and
equipment.
Intervention Idea 2: Promoting growth of maize and soya bean
Page | 47
Background
Description
Potential
partners
Potential limitation Potential opportunities
There is great variability in
agronomic practices, and in
particular, farmers' maize
husbandry differed markedly from
national recommendations for
plant population, agronomic
inputs and genotypes used.
Farmers regularly employed
practices that were not even
officially recognised by the
national research and extension
services, such as thinning of maize
for livestock fodder, growing the
crop in association with trees for
fodder, and relay cropping with
finger millet, their priority being to
optimize overall output of the
farming system rather than
maximizing maize productivity.
There are substantial opportunities for
increased maize and soya utilization
for feed mills. Currently, less than 10%
of maize supplies go into the poultry
feed industry, although demand is
much greater than this supply. Limited
supply of both maize and soya for feed
production has led to constraints in
the growth of the poultry industry,
resulting in significant growth in
imports of poultry and other meats for
consumption. Estimated demand for
maize for poultry feed is projected to
grow from 73,000 metric tons in 2010
to 118,100 metric tons by 2015.
Food and Feed
Industry
Agro-vet
Seed Suppliers
Support farmers to fully
benefit from adopting
agronomic practices such as
crop rotation, intercropping,
crop protection, soil and
water management
conservation farming, etc.
Increase awareness of
recommended input and
agronomic management
methods, promote
sustainable cropping systems
to reduce the prevalence of
mono-cropping, increase
focus on integrated crop and
pest management methods
and make appropriate
chemical inputs available for
weed & pest management.
Intervention Idea 3: Raise awareness of farmers to use organic matter to increase organic biomass in the soil
The cultivation of maize resulted
decline of soil fertility since maize
is heavy feeder. Various types of
human activity decrease soil
organic matter contents and
biological activity. Severe soil
erosion takes out the potential
Soil health is the key to producing a
good yield. Farmers have shown
increased concern about the
environmental and economic impacts
of traditional crop production that has
stimulated interest in alternative
systems. There is a need to promote
Organic fertiliser
producing
companies, AIC,
Salt Trading
Company, Agro-
vets
Producers of compost
fertilisers lack
capacity to produce
more compost
fertilisers and train
farmers.
Promoting compost, cover
crops/green manure crops,
crop rotation
perennial forage crops
zero or reduced tillage,
agroforestry, the production
of high yielding varieties and
Page | 48
Background
Description
Potential
partners
Potential limitation Potential opportunities
energy source for soil microbes,
resulting in the death of
the microbial population and thus
of the soil itself.
Increasing the organic matter
content of soils or maintaining
good levels requires a sustained
effort that includes returning
organic materials to soils and
rotations with high-residue crops
and deep- or dense-rooting crops.
It is especially difficult to raise the
organic matter content of soils
that are well aerated, such as
coarse sands, and soils in warm-
hot and arid regions because the
added materials decompose
rapidly. Soil organic matter levels
can be maintained with less
organic residue in fine textured
soils in cold temperate and moist-
wet regions with restricted
aeration.
and maintain soil biological processes
and minimize fossil fuel inputs in the
form of fertilizers, pesticides and
mechanical cultivation.
The demand for organic food has been
increasing by the day but the country’s
total commercial production of organic
fertilisers is below one per cent.
Organic fertiliser producers have been
producing just 0.73 per cent of the
current requirement of around three
million metric tonnes.
There are difficulties
in producing compost
fertiliser at mass scale
because of fighting to
get more subsidies
from the government.
Government may not
be able to provide
subsidy on compost
fertilisers being sold
in the market.
the return of crop residues
will help to maintain soil
organic matter at a
satisfactory level. Promoting
the use of effective
microorganism (EM) is also
necessary.
Intervention Idea 4: Promoting private soil testing services
Page | 49
Background
Description
Potential
partners
Potential limitation Potential opportunities
Declining soil fertility especially in
hills is a problem that affects
agriculture as a whole in Nepal,
not just maize. Indeed, because
maize is a relatively heavy user of
soil nutrients, compared to other
cereals, encouraging maize
production potentially runs the
risk of aggravating this issue.
Appropriate use of composts (organic
or chemical) requires that farmers first
know the existing levels of soil fertility.
Government soil testing facilities have
limited access but the emergence of
new soil testing kits offers the
opportunity for quick and relatively
cheap testing services. These, however,
are almost unknown in the area.
Organic fertiliser
producing
companies, AIC,
Salt Trading
Company, Agro-
vets
Supporting the introduction
of soil testing facilities by new
private providers in specific
areas.
Intervention Area 3: Promote the practice of appropriate post-harvest handling.
Background
Description
Potential
partners
Potential
limitation
Potential opportunities
Intervention Idea 1: Promoting short-term storage arrangements for maize
Most smallholder farmers lack
adequate post-harvest storage
and handling capabilities that
result in substantial levels of
spoilage and loss of harvested
produce.
Proper storage of maize is important for two
reasons. First, maize grain absorbs moisture
from air, which stimulates the growth of fungi
and moulds, which in turn release toxins that
make it unfit for consumption. Secondly, if
farmers can store their excess produce for a
short time of period, when the market is most
saturated, they can get a better price later on,
when there is more room in the market. While
long-term storing of maize is expensive and
DADO,
Private
Seed
Company
Investment by private entrepreneurs of
storage bag produces, metal bin
producers, Silos producers helps farmers
getting better prices for their crops over a
longer period of time, which stimulates
production increases. Increase farmer
awareness of and access to effective on-
farm storage,
Page | 50
Background
Description
Potential
partners
Potential
limitation
Potential opportunities
requires special management, short-term
storage is less demanding and more affordable.
Intervention Idea 2: Increase access to post-harvest processing technologies
Postharvest losses vary greatly
among production areas and
seasons. As a product moves in
the postharvest chain, post-
harvest loss may occur from a
number of causes, such
as improper handling or bio-
deterioration by
microorganisms, insects,
rodents or birds etc.
A number of technologies in post-harvest
mechanization (e.g. threshers, millers, etc.) have
been developed over the past decades. Many of
these have great potential to increase
productivity, reduce losses and improve income
of farmers. But the technologies are not scaled
up and remain in the hands of technology
originators and research centres. The
government should incentivize and motivate
entrepreneurs to produce, disseminate and
popularize those technologies which can
measurably improve the income of smallholder
farmers.
Support to increase access to post-
harvest processing equipment and
technologies, increase farmer access to
community-level storage facilities with
skilled personnel.
Page | 51
Intervention Area 4: Establish linkage between the maize producer in the mid hill region and the mainstream commercial market of maize.
Background
Description
Potential
partners
Potential limitation Potential opportunities
Intervention Idea 1: Promoting trade and marketing arrangements
The trade of maize in Nepal is
relatively unimportant for
human consumption, but
important only for feeds for
poultry and livestock. There is no
any restriction importing maize
from India.
The AIC, the government
undertaking to trade agricultural
inputs, has not completely
withdrawn itself from the seed
industry nor it has been
supplying maize seeds
effectively.
There are many trade barriers,
those includes import/export
ban SPS requirements, duties
imposed on boarder, changes in
trade requirements which are
ad-hoc and often not
communicated on time.
Trade in maize is largely localized
within the districts in western
districts and even imported in
eastern districts. In the terai and
highly accessible areas in the
central
and western mid-hills, farmers
with larger quantities of maize sell
to traders at the farm gate while
those with smaller quantities
transport it to traders’ shops in
nearby trading centres. Most of
the feed mills were imported
maize from India.
Food and
Feed mills,
Agro-vets
Lack of
marketing
information,
inability to frame
proper marketing
plans, not having
proper
technical know-
how, inability to
adapt to the
changes in the
business
environment
Food and feed industries are major user of
maize. Food and feed industry will have to
meet new and different needs from their
consumers. The food industry will require
support to meet the new challenges and
opportunities. Food industry will demand
that agriculture produces a wider range of
qualities in its products.
Cost of production, fair trade concept,
Page | 52
Intervention Area 5: Promote diversified uses of maize for commercial market.
Background
Description
Potential
partners
Potential limitation Potential opportunities
Intervention Idea 1: Raise awareness of consumers on the use of maize products
Maize is the second major food staple
in Nepal mostly eaten in different
preparations. This proportion is higher
in low-income groups. However, the
trend is changing and growing eating
maize in urban areas in diverse
preparations. Raising awareness on
different varieties of maize in a real
circumstance is an issue, because of the
consumer preferences.
Maize became more important
when
demand for food by non-farming
groups increased.
One of the reasons maize is in high
demand as a food crop is its high
energy and nutritional value. It is
rich in Vitamins A, C and E, several
essential minerals, and contains up
to 9 percent protein. It is also rich
in dietary fibre and carbohydrates
which are a good source of energy.
It has high demand on feed as well.
Many of our daily diets contain
maize either directly or indirectly.
Production of meat, eggs and dairy
products (like milk and
yoghurt) would be difficult without
maize, which is a hugely important
ingredient in animal feed.
TV, FM Radio,
Food and
Feed Industry
A strong public awareness
campaign to inform
consumers is needed,
based on a sensory
evaluation and the mass
media, in particular on
radio in the local language.
Page | 53
Background
Description
Potential
partners
Potential limitation Potential opportunities
Intervention Idea 2: Facilitate to grow different variety of maize produced by the seed producer group/cooperatives
Maize has different uses. There are
different products of maize. Corn
flakes, grit, maize rice, flour for bread
(roti and bakery), maize brew (beer,
local beer, roasted maize, green cob,
steamed maize, thickening agent, oil,
starch, glucose, syrup, ethanol etc.
Maize plant is also used as fodder for
livestock.
There are a number of different
types of maize like field corn,
popcorn, sweet corn, baby corn
etc.
Hybrids have played a very
important role in the development
of private seed industries in the
country.
Private seed
companies,
Food and Feed
Companies
There is a difficulty to
manage seed supply.
Production is affected by
of abiotic and biotic
stresses, poor soil fertility,
lack of access to key
inputs, low levels of
mechanization and poor
post-harvest
management.
Need of adequate
demonstrations of new
varieties and extension
support to increase
farmers’ awareness.
5.4 Sustainability Analysis
For the future vision of a functional market system, who will do what function, and who will pay for it is a major consideration. The framework looks at the
existing and potential future incentives and the capabilities of market actors. Based on the who does and who pays viewpoints, the sustainability analysis of
the sector is given below.
Activities Programme scenario Future Scenario
Who does? Who pays? Who will do? Who will pay?
Seed suppliers support the provision and usage of quality seed to improve the productivity of maize
Raising awareness to
replace local seed with
improved variety of seed.
• Private seed companies and
seed suppliers; Farmers
groups and cooperatives
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Private seed companies and seed suppliers; Farmers groups and cooperatives
• Private seed companies and seed suppliers; Farmers groups and cooperatives
Page | 54
Activities Programme scenario Future Scenario
Who does? Who pays? Who will do? Who will pay?
Facilitation to improve the
quality of improved variety
of seed.
• Private seed companies and
seed suppliers.
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Private seed companies and
seed suppliers.
• Private seed companies and
seed suppliers.
Encouraging farmers using
hybrid variety of maize. • Private seed companies
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Private seed companies and
seed suppliers.
• Private seed companies and
seed suppliers.
Promote the provision of information on cultivation technique and proper application of inputs
Raising awareness on
cultivation technique and
proper application of
inputs.
• Private sector (Food and
feed industry, input
companies and suppliers)
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Private sector (Food and feed
industry, input companies and
suppliers)
• Private sector (Food and feed
industry, input companies and
suppliers)
• Farmers
Promoting growth of maize
and soya bean.
• Private sector (Food and
feed industry).
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Private sector (Food and feed
industry).
• Private sector (Food and feed
industry).
• Farmers
Raising awareness to use
organic matter to increase
organic biomass.
• Agro-vets.
• Organic fertiliser production
company.
• Farmers Field Schools (FFS).
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Agro-vets.
• Organic fertiliser production
company.
• Organic fertiliser production
company.
Promoting private soil
testing services.
• Organic fertiliser production
companies.
• Local Resource Persons.
• Private soil testing service
providers.
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Private soil testing service
providers.
• Farmers, Farmers groups and
cooperatives.
Promote the practice of appropriate post-harvest handling
Page | 55
Activities Programme scenario Future Scenario
Who does? Who pays? Who will do? Who will pay?
Promoting short-term
storage arrangements for
maize.
• Private sector metal bin
producers, Improved Crop
Storage (PICS) bag selling
company.
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Private sector. • Farmers, Farmers groups and
cooperatives.
Increasing access to post-
harvest processing
technologies.
• Agro machinery sells
company.
• Food and feed industry.
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Agro machinery sells company.
• Food and feed industry
• Farmers, Farmers groups and
cooperatives.
Establish linkage between the maize producer in the mid hill region and the mainstream commercial market of maize
Promoting trade and
marketing arrangements. • Food and feed industry.
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Food and feed industry. • Food and feed industry.
Promote diversified uses of maize for commercial market
Raising awareness on the
use of maize products. • Food and feed industry.
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Food and feed industry. • Food and feed industry.
Facilitating to grow
different variety of maize. • Food and feed industry.
• NAMDP may
bear the cost
partly.
• Food and feed industry.
• Food and feed industry
• Farmers, Farmers groups and
cooperatives.
Page | 56
Annexes
Annex 1. Released and registered open pollinated (OP) and hybrid (HB) varieties of maize in Nepal8
SN Varieties Year OP/HB Duration
(days)
Yield
(mt/ha
)
Hills/Mountain
s (H/M)
Additional
recommended
areas
A Released
1 Khumal Pahelo 1965 OP 120-130 4.9 H
2 Rampur
Composite
1975 OP 110-115 4.4 H Terai, Inner Terai
and Besi
3 Arun 2 1981 OP 80-90 2.2 H Terai
4 Manakamana 1 1987 OP 120-130 4.0 H Terai: WS
5 Ganesh 2 1989 OP 150-180 3.5 M Terai and Inner
Terai: WS
6 Rampur 2 1989 OP 105-110 4.0 Besi & Taar Terai and Inner
Terai
7 Arun 1 1995 OP 90-100 4.0 H Western Terai
8 Ganesh 1 1997 OP 175 5.0 M
9 Manakamana 3 2002 OP 142 5.5 H ER, CR and WR:
1000-1700m
10 Deuti 2006 OP 130-135 5.7 H
11 Sitala 2006 OP 130-135 6.08 H
12 Manakamana 4 2008 OP 117 5.3 H East-West: less
than 1600 m.
13 Posilo Makai 1 2008 OP 145-155 5.3 H East-West: less
than 1600 m.
14 Manakamana 5 2010 OP 140-145 5.27 H East of Karnali
15 Manakamana 6 2010 OP 140-145 5.34 H East to Mid-
Western
16 Khumal Hybrid
2
2014 HB 152 (WS)
138 (SS)
9.08
8.5
H Rainy season (RS)
17 KYM 23 2014 OP 68 (days to
silking)
2.5 H RS
18 KYM 35 2014 OP 66 (days to
silking)
1.5 H CR or WR: 700-
1400m
19 Resunga
Composite
2014 OP 127 5.2 H CR & WR: RS
20 Arun 3 2015 OP 100 3.9 H MWR: SS
21 Arun 4 2015 OP 113-115 4.2 H MWR: SS
22 Arun 6 2015 OP 90 3.5 H MWR: SS
B Registered
8 SQCC. 2072. http://sqcc.gov.np/en/
Page | 57
1 Bayo 9681 2010 HB 90-110 6.5-8 H WR: RS
2 Rajkumar 2010 HB 100-110 8-9 H WR: RS and ET:
WS
3 Nutan (KH 101) 2010 HB 90-92 6.5-8 H CR: RS and ET: WS
4 DKC 7074 2011 HB 85-95 6-8 H CH: RS and CT: WS
5 30 P 30 2011 HB 100-155 6-7 H CH: RS and CT: WS
6 30 B 30 2011 HB 105-120 8-9 H CH: RS and CT: WS
7 Bisko 940 2011 HB 135-140 7.13 H CT
8 C-1921 2011 HB 140-167 (WS)
105-110 (RS)
5.14-
7.5
H
9 Godawari 989 2011 HB 105 7.36 H (Besi &Tar) ER or CR
10 Early 2 2011 HB 105 5.69 H (Besi &Tar) ER or CR
11 Gulmi 2 2014 OP 125 5.4 H Gulmi &
Arghakhachi: 700-
1400 m Note: ER, Eastern Region; CR, Central-Region; WR, Western Region; SS, Summer Season; WS, Winter Season, and CT, Central Terai
Annex 2. List of seed importers in Nepal (SEAN, May 11, 2016)
SN Name Company District, Place
1. Upendra Sah Green Land Traders Jhapa, Birtamod
2. Kedar Baral Subani Krishi Bhandar Jhapa, Birtamod
3. Kamal Baral Mechi Agrovet Jhapa, Birtamod
4. Kishore Parajuli Purbeli Agro Trader Jhapa, Birtamod
5. Bilas Yadav PL Krishi Bhandar Jhapa, Damak
6. Basanta Neupane Babin Krishi Bhandar Jhapa, Damak
7. Padam Budhathoki Shekhara Krishi Bhandar Jhapa, Damak
8. Punya Prasad Bhattarai Bhattarai Agrovet Pharma Jhapa, Damak
9. Hari Prasad Bhattarai Dipika Krishi Kendra Morang, Biratnagar
10. Binod Shrestha Sai Ram Agro Traders Morang, Biratnagar
11. Manoj Goel Manoj International Morang, Biratnagar
12. Om Thapa Purbanchal Agro Traders Morang, Biratnagar
13. Yesonta Singh Koshi Agro Centre Morang, Biratnagar
14. Jaya Narayan Adhikari Munu Krishi Bhandar Morang
15. Gopal Basnet GH Agrovet Trader Morang
16. Dilip Karki Sagarmatha Agro International Morang
17. Kumar Nepal Semi Selli Agrovet Morang
18. Askar Ali Rosan Agro Trader Morang
19. Jhamak Rayamajhi Om Shanti Agro Trader Morang
20. Shushil Santhaliya Aananda Agro Traders Morang
21. Shushil Santhaliya Isha Agro Traders Morang
22. Mana Kumari Adhikari Birat Agricultural Business House Morang
23. Ram Pratap Yadav Bajaranja Agro Trader Sunsari, Duhabi
24. Surya Narayan Yadav Sagarmatha Agro Saptari
Page | 58
25. Bal Govinda Das Pradip Beej Bhandar Saptari, Rajbiraj
26. Ram Krishna Das Khadhya Beej Bhandar Saptari-7
27. Turanti Das Turanti Beej Bhandar Saptari-9
28. Prabhu Shah Prabhu Khad Beej Bhandar Saptari-9
29. Sonai Dash Sonai Beej Bhandar Saptari-9
30. Surya Narayan Yadav New Sagarmatha Agrovet Saptari-9
31. Raj Kumar Mahato Daya Ram Agrovet Siraha, Golbazzar
32. Ramendra Yadav Sampad Biu Utpadan tatha Bikri
Kendra
Siraha
33. Arabinda Subedi Nepal Agro Centre Dhanusha, Janakpur
34. Ram Naresh Gupta Ankit Enterprises Sarlahi, Barhathawa
35. Manoj Shah Manoj Beej Bhandar Rautahat, Garuda
36. Bijaya Shah Kisan Beej Bhandar Rautahat, Garuda
37. Yogendra Ray Yadav Agrovet Concern Rautahat, Gaur
38. Ram Naresh Gupta Gupta Malkhad Pasal Rautahat, Gaur
39. Ram Naresh Gupta Gupta Beej Bhandar Rautahat, Gaur
40. Bidhyananda Jha Neha Agro Traders Bara, Kalaiya
41. Sunil Kumar Sah Arabinda Agro Bara, Kalaiya
42. Raja Sah Raj Beej Bhandar Bara, Kalaiya
43. Suman Kushahawa Kushwaha Beej Bhandar Bara, Jeetpur
44. Nanhen Khan Sahin Seed Centre Bara, Jeetpur
45. Rajeshwor Prasad New Nepal Beej Bhandar Bara, Kalaiya
46. Abadhesh Kumar Jha Neha Agro Traders Bara, Kalaiya
47. Chhote Lal Prasad Krishak Beej Bhandar Parsa, Birganj
48. Kedar Khadka East-West Nepal Parsa, Birganj
49. Vijaya Gupta Jaya Laxmi Seed Centre Parsa, Birganj
50. Bijaya Kumar Gupta Om Beej Bhandar Parsa, Birganj
51. Birendra Prasad Kalwar Shubha Beej Bhandar Parsa, Birganj
52. Bishwa Raj Baniya Pashupanchhi tatha Kheti Sewa Makawanpur, Hetauda
53. Mitra Raj Dawadi Dawadi Agrovet Centre Chitwan, Narayanghad
54. Saroj Sapkota Panchkhel Beej Bhandar Kavre, Panchkhal
55. Arun Lal Shrestha Annapurna Beej Bhandar Kathmandu, Kalimati
56. Basanta Chandra
Marahatta
Gorkha Seeds Kathmandu, Kalanki
57. Kiran Nimbus Kathmandu, Kalimati
58. Madhusudan Shrestha Kasthamandap Trade Point Kathmandu, Kalimati
59. Prahlad Prasad Timilsena Timilsena Seeds Kathmandu, Kalimati
60. Ram Krishna Tulsayan Jay Kisan Seed Kathmandu, Teku
61. Suresh Gurung Karma Groups Kathmandu, Swoyambhu
62. Nem Maharjan Nepal Seed Company Lalitpur, Nakkhu Dobato
63. Tanka Chaudhary National Agro Centre Lalitpur, Lagankhel
64. Birendra Yadav Universal Seed Company Rupandehi, Bhairahawa
65. Lalajee Siddhartha Agrovet Rupandehi, Bhairahawa
Page | 59
Ek Narayan Paudel Siddhartha Agri Centre Dang
66. Babu Ram Baral Prithivi Agro Centre Dang, Tulsipur
67. Ek Narayan Paudel Siddhartha Agri Centre Dang, Ghorahi
68. Kamal Subedi Global Agro Trade Banke, Nepalganj
69. Umanath Dawadi Chitwan Agrovet Banke, Nepalganj
70. Radheshyam Gupta, Shashi Agrovet Banke, Nepalganj
71. Shreedhar Gyawali Trimurti Agro Centre Banke, Nepalganj
Umanath Dawadi Chitawan Agrovet Centre Banke, Nepalganj
72. Tara Thapa Shining Star Agrovet Banke, Nepalganj
73. Lamsal Agro Traders Banke, Nepalganj
74. Ramesh Bahadur Shah Munal Agrovet Centre Banke, Nepalganj
75. Binod Tiwari Tiwari Krihi Bikas Farm Banke, Nepalganj
76. Ram Prasad Acharya Acharya Agrovet Centre Bardiya, Gulariya
77. Puni Ram Chaudhari Debit Agrovet Centre Kanchanpur, Krishnapur
78. Laxmi Kant Dhakal Krishak Sahayog Kendra Kailali, Dhangadhi
79. Bishnu Raj Burlakoti Kisan Agrovet Centre Kailali, Dhangadhi
80. Bhupendra Thapa Pet Vet Centre Kailali, Dhangadhi
81. Kabi Raj Bhatta Basuling Agrovet Centre Kailali, Attariya
82. Hari Lal Sapkota Dinesh Brother's Agrovet Centre Kailali, Sukhad
83. Tulsi Ram Paudel Bageshowri Agro Farm Kailali, Tikapur
84. Puni Ram Chaudhari Debit Agrovet Centre Kanchanpur, Krishnapur
85. Pushpa Raj Bhatta Kisan Agro Centre Kanchanpur,Mahendranagar
86. Kamal Thapa Pragati Agrovet Kanchanpur, Mahendranagar
87. Sundar Gautam Sammi Agrovet Centre Kanchanpur, Mahendranagar
88. Dhani Ram Rana Rana Agro Centre Kanchanpur, Tribhuvan Basti
89. Sarita Gautam New Sarita Gautam Kanchanpur, Belauri
Page | 60
Annex 3. List of Agro-vets for seed and/or pesticide trading in different NAMDP districts9
SN Name of the traders Address License
No.
Contact No.
A Khotang
1 Himalaya Agrovet Centre Khotang Bazar-9 036-420233
2 Bajimaya Agrovet & Seed Centre Diktel-4
3 Saiju Krishi Samagri Bhandar Diktel-2
4 Saurabh Agrovet Centre Diktel-1
5 Krishi Samagri Bhandar Diktel-1
6 Joshi Agrovet Centre Diktel-1
7 Ganga Agrovet Centre Diktel-1
8 Kisan Agrovet Centre Khotang Bazar-9
B Okhaldhunga
1 Shrestha Agrovet Centre Okhaldhunga-6 4514
2 Bebisar Agrovet Centre Okhaldhunga-5 4515
3 Gurung Agrovet Centre Salleri-1 4161
4 Karki Agrovet Concern Okhaldhunga-7 4162
5 Shrestha Agrovet Taluwa-6 7736
6 Karki Agrovet Concern Baruneshwor-3 7635
7 Sharada Agrovet Pokhare-8 9954
8 Pariwartan Agrovet Ragaji-2 9952
9 Shangrila Agrovet 9950
10 Sagarmatha Agrovet Centre Ketuke-4 9951
11 Shrestha Agrovet Si. Na. Pa.-5 9953
12 Krishi Agrovet Manebhyanjyang-4 9158
13 Baniya Agrovet Kuntadevi-4 8132*
14 Dhamala Agrovet Mulkharka-8 8423
15 Sagarmatha Agrovet Fetiguth-3 8135
16 Kabita Agrovet Moli-1 7934
17 Anjana Agrovet Pokhare-1 7933
18 Ghising Agrovet Khijiphalate-3 7932
19 Rumja Agrovet Rumjatar-12 7926
* = Certificate No. (without License)
C Surkhet
1 Bijaya Agrovet Centre Birendranagar -6 5128 083-521323
2 Pariwartan Agrovet Centre Birendranagar -6 3095
3 Bulbule Agrovet Centre Birendranagar -6 4003 083-521138
4 Sris Agrovet Centre Birendranagar -6 5303,
5851
083-522484
5 Shital Agrovet Trading Centre Birendranagar -6 5132 083-520778
9 DADOs. 2070/71. Annual Agricultural Development Programme and Statistical Book. District Agricultural Development
Offices (DADOs), Okhaldhunga, Khotang, Surkhet, Jajarkot, Dailekh and Kalikot, Nepal.
Page | 61
6 Prahlad Pangali Agrovet Centre Birendranagar -6 5302 083-523936
7 Kiran Agrovet Centre Maintada -3
8 Bihani Agrovet Centre Maintada-3 083-
9 Jaya Krishna Agrovet Centre Maintada-3
10 Gnwali Agropharma Ramghat-5 5131
11 Gnwali Agrovet Centre Ramghat-5 5130
12 Krishak Agrovet Centre Chhinchu-7 5129 9848015668
13 Bishal Agrovet Centre Chhinchu-7 5339 083-540137
14 Paudel Agrovet Centre Chhinchu-7 5338 083-540121
15 Bhattarai Agrovet Centre Birendranagar-6 3592 083-521008
16 Paudel Agrovet Centre Malarani-7 1942
17 Govinda Agrovet Centre Malarani-7 2961
18 Amrit Agovet Centre Sahare-8 2962
19 Om Agrovet Centre Uttarganga-8 5526 083-524118
20 Birendra Agrovet Centre Bi.Na.Na.Pa.-1
21 Usha Agrovet Bi.Na.Na.Pa.-6 5132 083-520778
22 Pradip Agrovet Centre Dhumkhare-9
23 Om Agrovet Centre Satakhani-3
24 Samjhana Agrovet Centre Mehalkuna-9 2963
25 Dipak Agrovet Centre Kunathari-1
26 Aryal Agrovet Centre Bi.Na.Na.Pa.-9
27 Dilip Agrovet Centre Satakhani-7
28 Giri Agrovet Centre Babiyachour-2
29 Milan Vet Centre Gumi-2
30 Bastola Krishi Bikas Pharma Bidhyapur-4
31 Dipak Agrovet Centre Kunathari-4
32 Birendra Agrovet Centre Gutu-8
33 Lakhan Agrovet Centre Gutu-8
34 Dibya Agrovet Centre Malarani-7
35 Srijana Agrovet Centre Bi.Na.Na.Pa.-2
36 Srijana Agrovet Centre Garpan-1
37 Saraj Agrovet Centre Jarbuta-4
38 Adhikari Agrovet Centre Salkot-1
39 Tiwari Agrovet Centre Bi.Na.Na.Pa.-3
40 Shahi Krishi Beej Bhandar Babiyachour-2
41 Om Agrovet Centre Latikoili-2
42 Giri Agrovet Centre Matela
43 Basanta Agrovet Centre Sahare-8
44 Ashish Agrovet Centre Guto-5
D Jajarkot
1 Ganesh Agrovet Jagatipur-9
2 Prime and Prince Agrovet Centre Vur-7, Fera
3 Kisan Agrovet Khalanga-2, Thanti
Page | 62
4 KP Agrovet Khalanga-3, Gairekhali
5 Kalimati Agrovet Lahan-6, Kalimati
6 Bheri Rapti Agrovet Centre Dhime-4, Gharanga
Note: In Jajarkot only two Agrovets are registered officially, however, they have not mentioned their names in the report.
E Dailekh (Chemical Fertilizer
Traders)
1 Devendra Bahadur Budha Na.Na.Pa.-1, Dailekh Bazar
2 Narayan Pd. Sharma Na.Na.Pa.-6, Ganesh Chowk
3 Ram Pd. Sharma Na.Na.Pa.-6, Dailekh Bazar
4 Ganesh Pd. Sharma Na.Na.Pa.-6, Dailekh Bazar
5 Surya Bdr. Thapa Na.Na.Pa.-6, Ganesh Chowk
6 Shobha Thapa Dullu-6, Dullu Bazar
7 Bhakta Bdr. Shahi Jambakandh-2, Lainchour
8 Thir Bahadur Khadka Lyatibindrasaini-6
9 Nawajyoti Krishi Upaj Bazar
Byabasthapan Samiti
Baraha-1
10 Kalika Suppliers Lakandra-6
11 Prabal Khadhya tatha Khudra Pasal Jambhukandh-4
12 Bhawani Store and Order Suppliers Bisala-3
Page | 63
Annex 4
Annex 4.1. Area (ha) and production (mt) of maize in Cluster 1 under Mid-Hill Mega Maize Production Programme in 2070/71 and 2071/72 (CDD,
2070/71 and 2071/72)
S
N Variety
Khotang Okhaldhunga Ramechhap
Area (ha)
Production
(mt) Area (ha)
Production
(mt) Area (ha)
Production
(mt)
2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72
1 Manakamana-3 375 375 835 835 390 390 975 975
2 Ganesh -1 125 125 250 250 20 20 50 50 155.2 155.2 388 388
3 Arun 2 4 4 10 10 143.4 143.4 286.8 286.8
4 Rampur Composite 66 66 165 165
5 Manakamana-4 123 123 307 307
6
Deuti/Manakamana
-3 230.6 230.6 577.3 577.3
7 Ganesh-1/ Arun-2 10 10 17.5 17.5
Total 500 500 1085 1085 603 603 1507 1507 539.2 539.2
1269.
6
1269.
6
Annex 4.2. Area (ha) and production (mt) of maize in Cluster 2 under Mid-Hill Mega Maize Production Programme in 2070/71 and 2071/72
(CDD, 2070/71 and 2071/72)
S
N Variety
Jajarkot Dailekh Surkhet Aachham
Area (ha)
Production
(mt) Area (ha)
Production
(mt) Area (ha)
Production
(mt) Area (ha)
Production
(mt)
2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72 2070/71 2071/72
1
Manakaman
a-3 115 115 270 270 209 209 627 627 300 300 750 750
2 Arun-2 32 32 79 79 5 5 10 10
3
Rampur
Composite 15 15 30 30 86 86 258 258
4 Posilo 80 80 165 165 18 18 54 54
Page | 64
5 Deuti 530 530 1030 1030 121 121 363 363 400 400 1000 1000
6 Arun-1 10 10 15 15
7 Unknown-1 400 600 1000 0
Total 400 600 1000 0 750 750 1510 1510 466 466 1381 1381 705 705 1760 1760
