CSISA COVID Closure Workshop Showcases Success in Empowering Farmers and MSMEs
Salin Acharya, Assistant Research Associate presented the overall outcome of CSISA Activity. Photo, Nabin Maharjan
Bardiya, Nepal – June 27, 2024 – The CSISA COVID Closure Workshop, held on June 25, 2024, Gulariya, Bardiya district marked a successful conclusion to CSISA’s COVID response work in the region. The workshop served as a platform to share CSISA’s achievements with government and private stakeholders, MSMEs, farmers, and concerned authorities.
Focus on Knowledge and Sustainable Practices
The workshop emphasized the importance of knowledge and training in sustainable farming practices over traditional subsidy programs. Participants like Ek Raj Oli, Chief of Agriculture Section at Madhuwan municipality, stressed the need for equipping farmers with the skills to succeed with lower resource inputs.
CSISA Initiatives Empower Farmers
CSISA’s initiatives, such as the Kisan Card (KCC) program and the introduction of power tillers, were highlighted for their positive impact on farmers. The KCC program, as discussed by Ram Chandra Chaudhary (BLB merchant), improves access to finance, while power tillers, as noted by Jogilal Tharu (farmer), reduce the drudgery of traditional farming methods.
Collaboration is Key
The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration between stakeholders like CSISA, BLB merchants, and agricultural machinery providers like Sangam Dahit (Swastik Traders) and Kavita Chaudhary (machinery service provider). This collaboration is crucial for ensuring farmers have access to the resources and knowledge they need.
Above: Bina Dhakal, MEL Officer hosted the event and asked participants to provide CSISA team with their feedback. Photo: Nabin Maharjan, CIMMYT.
Effective Communication for Wider Adoption
The successful adoption of new technologies like DSR (Direct Seeded Rice) depends on effective communication and training. Krishna Prasad Tharu (farmer) emphasized the need for continued support to farmers and vendors to improve the effectiveness of DSR and similar technologies.
Looking Forward: Building on Success
The workshop concluded with a positive outlook on the future of agriculture in the region. Jhalak Khadka (municipality agriculture section representative) expressed the value of CSISA’s project outcomes for guiding future agricultural development initiatives. Sagar Dhakal (Senior Officer, Integrated Agriculture & Livestock Devt. Office) echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of learning from CSISA’s achievements and challenges.
The CSISA COVID Closure Workshop served as a testament to the organization’s success in empowering farmers and MSMEs. By promoting knowledge sharing, collaboration, and sustainable practices, CSISA has laid a strong foundation for continued growth in the agricultural sector.
