Back S. P. Yadav
Community Welfare & Development Society, Kathmandu, Nepal
Full Paper (PDF File: 61KB)
Abstract
Community Welfare and Development Society (CWDS), is a professional development NGO involved in promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) related programs since 1991. CWDS has introduced EM technologies in Nepal since June 1996 in collaboration with APNAN/EMRO/INFRC.
The practical application of EM in Nepal started in July 1996. Several applications on different aspects varying from agriculture, livestock to waste management have been tried out in different parts of the country. The results from a variety of applications, having been tried during the last 15 months, are so much encouraging that the demand for EM stock solution and inquiries in delivering its application techniques are increasing. Regular training programs on EM technologies are organized by CWDS and subsequent follow-up by its functionaries has further enhanced the scope and utility of EM in promoting organic farming and waste management initiatives in Nepal.
EM introductory booklet and EM pocket book in Nepali language published and distributed along with the EM application techniques through training, have been successful training and extension methodologies in expanding EM technologies in different parts of Nepal. At present, CWDS is delivering EM stock solution and technical assistance from three (Kakani, Kathmandu and Biratnagar) locations having its own offices and from Narayanghat through other NGO (ESC). Other important locations and relevant collaborating NGOs are being identified for extending/expanding the EM related activities in other parts of the country.
Through the experiences of the last 15 months, the implication of EM technologies in promoting sustainable/organic agriculture in Nepal has been encouraging. The most impressive users of EM in Nepal are the tea estate owners and ordinary farmers. Few NGOs who are involved in producing compost from city household wastes have also integrated EM technologies in their compost making program. Government organizations like Department of Agriculture and Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NRC) are also coming forward to inquire about EM and its professionals are also participating in EM training programs. Few EM related trials have been initiated by them. These are positive signs of EM importance being realized by different actors involved in development after observing the successes through the applications of EM in different sectors in different parts of the country.