Agriculture ministry sows seeds of doubt

KATHMANDU: Amid growing criticism from lawmakers and civil society on climate change project to be implemented through loan and grant from the World Bank, one of the major implementing partners — the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives — says it may not own the project, as very less priority has been given to the agriculture sector and communities vulnerable to climatic changes.

“Not all climatic risks can

be addressed, nor the management possibilities; but having no important role of MoAC,

it seems it will be difficult for the ministry to own and implement the project,” said MoAC Spokesperson Hari Dahal.

The Ministry of Environment-led project ‘Strategic Project Climate Resilience’ that will receive $110 million — $50 million as grant and $60 million as loan — has identified six ministries as line agencies to implement the project.

One of the components of the proposal prepared by the Ministry of Environment with the support of the World Bank aims to build climate resilient communities through the participation of the private sector (seed companies) that will improve access to climate resilient technologies. But MoAC said it was not in the interest of the government of Nepal.

Only six per cent farmers receive improved seeds that are sold by multinational seed companies. The remaining 94 per cent of the farmers use traditional seeds for cultivation. “The proposed investment in the so-called improved seeds and company-based seed supply by the project may not provide appropriate solution to the problem facing the communities vulnerable to climatic changes. So, community-based management of traditional sources should be given due emphasis,” said Deepak Mani Paudel, Senior Horticulture Development Officer, MoAC.

According to MoAC, previously failed concept of watershed management for the promotion of agricultural products has been prioritised in the project. The ministry is working on on-farm soil and water management

efforts. “Farmers should receive money to channelise water to

the fields directly, or store nearby to increase the productivity.

The overall watershed management would not benefit farmers in particular and the yield

will not increase. So, the concept of the project is not in line with the priority of the ministry,” added Paudel.

Officials at MoAC said they had put forth their opinions at the joint meetings with the other ministries but complained that their voices were unheard. “The Ministry of Environment calls meetings and asks us to comment, but the issues raised by us are not included in the official documents. So, the meetings have become just a formality,” maintained Paudel.

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