Sustainable Agriculture
Agriculture is the mainstay of Nepal's economy. Around 65.6% of the total population entirely depends on agriculture (MoAC, 2007). Previously farming system in Nepal was based predominantly on local input. But in recent years, especially since the 1960s, uses of agro-chemicals have been increased thereby increasing disturbance on natural resources (soil, water, forest). The ever increasing use of chemicals has been leading environment toward degradation, and the aftermaths are the low agricultural productivity, soil degradation, loss of agro-biodiversity, pest outbreak, human health hazard etc. This situation implies that the sustainability of agriculture in Nepal is seriously threatened. Agriculture, being a major livelihood, farmers now have realized the bad impact of agro-chemicals, and are trying hard to introduce alternative system that is sustainable, and suitable in local condition. Realizing the same, since the very beginning of the establishment, NCDC has been assisting farmers and farmers' groups for various agriculture related activities in the rural area within Ilam district with a view to attaining agriculture sustainability in the long run. It has been promoting location specific agriculture technology, local crop genetic resources and sustainable natural resource management for agriculture. Besides, it has been taking initiative for agro and livestock product diversification thereby generating extra income and local employment for the alternative livelihood in the rural areas.
In the year 2008, NCDC supported farmers' group in Soyang, and Puwamajhuwa VDC for the sustainable agriculture system establishment. In addition, it provided training and other services in Mabu, Jogmai, Jamuna, Maimajhuwa and Maipokhari VDCs. Similarly, it has started the various activities for promoting organic tea production in Ilam, specially in Sakhejung VDC. As a regular program it has been providing technical and managerial support to farmers and groups in Gorkhe, Laxmipur, Namsaling VDCs and the only municipality in Ilam district. For the development of location specific agriculture technology it has been undertaking various research programs too. To demonstrate the sustainable technology in agriculture sector it has established model demonstration plots in its resource center at Ilam Municipality-7 and educating the farmers and interested people visiting NCDC.