Commercial yam cultivation rewards Chepang farmers
Summary
Chepang farmers in Makwanpur's Raksirang Rural Municipality are increasingly earning income through commercial cultivation of indigenous yams, supported by the Nepal Little Power Society's seed distribution programme.
Key Points
- Chepang farmers in Raksirang Rural Municipality are turning to commercial yam cultivation as a source of income.
- Khair Singh Chepang earned Rs 20,800 selling 104kg of ploughshare yam, which is used as seed by other farmers.
- Nepal Little Power Society promotes indigenous food security by distributing yam seeds and purchasing surplus produce.
- Local government supports farming of indigenous root crops to preserve food culture and provide income.
- More than five species of yams are found locally, with the 'Halo' ploughshare variety being the most popular.
