Resources

This case study explores the crowding-in of the small and micro slaughterhouse intervention in the pig sector.

The pig sector in Nepal is widespread and mainly characterized by small-scale, mixed farms. Pig farming is dominated by small household (HH) production units of 1-2 pigs, which accounted for 86% (464,200 HH) of all households raising pigs in 2011. Production is typically low-input low-output, using unimproved breeds. The most common sources of pig feed are food industry by-products, kitchen waste, and grain by-products. Pigs therefore serve to convert limited waste and by-products of low value into high value food for consumption or/and sale.

As part of Samarth-NMDP’s ongoing ‘Enhancing Quality Standard of Raw Milk’ intervention in the dairy sector, it is currently working with dairy stakeholders such as dairy associations, dairy cooperatives and its chilling centers, and the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) to improve the quality of raw milk. Four ToTs were organized to train 90 nominees from milk collection/chilling centres in May 2016 in the selected GMP pilot sites. Click the button below to read more:

Marketing strategies adopted by importers of mini-tillers have, so far, not been able to reach out to the farmers of the hills in reducing their skepticism, informing the benefits of mini-tillers and making mini-tillers and repair services accessible. Samarth-NMDP has therefore, partnered with one of the importers of mini-tillers, based on their willingness and capacity,  to pilot the business advisory services such as farmer-focused service provision, improved investment in after-sales and repairs, and collaboration with local government and extension officers for social marketing.

Cultivating the land is an arduous, physical task, especially on the steep terraces of the mid-hills. Over 40% of farmers have access to draught animal power (mainly oxen and buffalo) via around 250,000 owners. Among draught oxen and buffalo owning families, women are usually tasked with gathering forage and caring for these animals – spending around an hour a day in doing so.

Samarth-NMDP’s mechanization component began in June 2013 and decided, based on initial market analysis, to focus primarily on facilitating the development of the mini-tiller market in the mid-hills. This is where the deficit in labour is being most acutely felt, and where the mechanization market is least developed.

The aim of Samarth’s Crop Protection Inputs (CPI) sector is to ensure that smallholder farmers have affordable access to information on crop protection inputs and are able to make informed decisions on their purchase and use, in order to enhance their productivity.

An insight into the work Samarth-NMDP has done to improve productivity and marketing of the dairy sector through the diversification of milk products and creation of consumer-market linkages.

17 January 2018, Gorkha – Two cantilever pathways were formally handed over to local government representatives of Dharche and Tsum Numbri municipalities of northern Gorkha at a handover programme organised at the district coordination council office today by Samarth-Nepal Market Development Programme. The cantilever pathways not only provide safe access to the locals living in northern Gorkha, but has also enhanced two of Nepal’s popular trekking trails Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trail.

Lack of effective information is a critical constraint to all businesses, particularly to smallholder farmers and rural micro enterprises that operate in information-poor environments where many information channels are ineffective, inaccessible or unaffordable.