Introduction
Nepal is a nation of hills, mountains, and plains and agriculture is what most of us rely on. But our farmers are now facing some new challenges due to climate change. Rainfall has become unpredictable, droughts are on the increase, and new pests are emerging. These issues are gradually diminishing our agrobiodiversity.
The past few years have seen some Nepali farmers come to the understanding that millets and other traditional crops are more resistant to severe climatic changes than new hybrid crops. These traditional crops are being recognized now as they would assist farmers in finding solutions to climate issues while preserving traditional food culture.
Current Scenario in Nepal
In the majority of hill and mountain regions like Lamjung, Jumla, Humla, and Dolakha, the farmers previously used to cultivate various indigenous crops including finger millet (kodo), foxtail millet (kaguno), barley, and buckwheat. They were all climatically and soil suited to the region.
But with time, farmers started substituting them with rice and maize as they waited for better returns. Meanwhile, youth ventured abroad in search of work and education, and fields remained vacant. Thus, Nepal began to lose most of the traditional crop varieties.
And now the conditions are shifting once more. As a result of unpredictable rain and increased temperatures, farmers are finding that hybrid plants do not work in dry or cold weather. By contrast, millets are seen to flourish even with the low provision of water and can prosper even in the average quality of soil. For this, some farmers, particularly the hill farmers, are turning towards millet farming.
Millet Revival in Lamjung
Local Gurung farmers in Lamjung district are now cultivating foxtail millet again. The crop had all but vanished from the district, but following encouragement from local seed banks and organizations, farmers brought the crop back.
They discovered that foxtail millet is easy to grow under dry conditions, low on fertilizers, and is easy to store. It is extremely nutritious too with high in fiber, calcium, and iron. Farmers now grow and retail millet food products such as roti, dhido, and even biscuits, which are now finding acceptance among the health-conscious.
This millet resurgence is also food securing and enriching communities.
Why cultivation of Millets?
1. Climate-friendly: Millets are drought-resistant and can be farmed in dry or infertile soil, which is perfect for a changing climate.
2. Health-friendly: They are high in nutrients and free from gluten, which makes them perfect for a healthy diet.
3. Beneficial to farmers: Millets reduce the possibility of total crop failure during drought or heavy rains.
4. Beneficial to culture: They conserve Nepal's cultural food and agriculture tradition.s
Problems
Despite the fact that millets are good crops, farmers still face some problems:
1. Low demand in the market: Human beings prefer rice more, and therefore millet does not sell as fast.
2. Unavailability of processing machines: Processing millet into flour or snacks is still not feasible in villages.
3. Lack of Government Subsidies: Millet farming schemes are few and not present all over the country.
4. Migration: Youth migration results in fewer individuals staying back at the farms.
What Can Be Done?
1. Develop millet-based industries: Firms like Kodo Crisp can produce tasty, nutritious snacks from local millets, generating employment and markets for farmers.
2. Support seed banks: Local seed banks can store and provide local millet varieties.
3. Support consumers: Individuals must opt for millet foods to support rural farmers and improve health.
4. Intervene by the government: Give incentives and training to millet farmers and encourage millet processing industries.
5. Involvement of youth: Young entrepreneurs and agricultural students can combine tradition with innovation to popularize millets again.
Conclusion
The resurgence of millets in Nepal is an excellent example of the combining of agrobiodiversity and climate resilience. By conserving traditional crops, we safeguard our farmers, food, and future. If the farmers, the youth, and the entrepreneurs join hands to popularize the local crops, Nepal can develop a farmer centric system that is climate-friendly and also sustainable.
Puskar Panta, Undergraduate Student, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan
