Interaction Programme on Rice

All Nepal Peasants Federation Hold Interaction Programme on GE rice
15th and 16h August, 2009
Kathmandu, Nepal

ANPFa is launching different types of activities regarding the issue of rice. According to PANAP call 2009-10 as year of rice action, ANPFa is engaged with series of programmes like peasants school on YORA, interaction programme with farmers on the spot during plantation, weeding and harvesting time. The concept of BEA is increasing spontaneously in Nepal. By its pressure, lobbying and Advocacy, government was compelled to declare subside for organic farmers. In the continuous YORA programme, ANPFa organized two days interaction programme on the 15th and 16th of August, 2009 on rice cultivation. 50 participants from Nepal took part in the discussion programme including National committee members of different peasant organizations, Peasants from different castes, ethnic groups, and religions; women; dalit; indigenous people; and other minorities including the disabled and people from remote areas, Representatives of non-governmental organizations, scientists and researchers, Youth Peasants and Media with Specific objectives to share information with rice farmers on genetically engineered rice, discussing the impact of rice farming on the Nepalese economy, promoting the System of Rice Intensification rice cultivation method and establishing linkages and networks between like-minded organizations and people working to protect rice culture and diversity.
In the programme various distinguished persons presented on topics related to rice production in Nepal.
Dr. Nanda Bahadur Singh presented under heading Genetic Engineering and Recombinant DNA Technology. Under this topic he presented, What is genetic engineering? What are its uses? And also provided Thumbnail Sketch: Historical Gleanings of Genetic Engineering.
Mr. Keshav Lal Shrestha, Deputy President of ANPFa offered his paper on the topic Organic Farming in Nepal: Prospects and Challenges. In this paper he specially presented prospects and challenges of Organic rice production in Nepal.

Mr. Hari Parajuli, Secretary of ANPFa presented the paper on Genetically Engineered rice. During his presentation he provided various points for which we should say “No” to GE rice. According to him Bio-tech companies argue that their patented rice is needed to feed the world because of the gap between food production and human population. This argument is not acceptable and said that real cause of hunger and malnutrition is poverty and lack of access to food, which GE could not address. It is also noteworthy that 78 percent of all malnourished children in the developing world are live in countries with food surpluses. Similarly he provided various Health and Nutritional, Technical and Environmental problems on the basis of which GE rice should be opposed.

Moreover, Mr. Nahendra Khadka, the Chairperson of Youth Peasants' Federation, Nepal talked about the System of Rice Intensification and; Mr. Balram Banskota, the Deputy General Secretary of ANPFa shared about the Save Our Rice Campaign - its issues and challenges. There were serious discussions and participants actively participated with genuine reasons and practical suggestions.

Rice In Nepal

A. Introduction:

Nepal is an agrarian country in which the livelihood of 65.7 percent of the total population is based on agriculture. Agriculture contributes about 40 percent of the gross domestic products (GDP) of the nation, hence, is the back bone of the Nepalese economy. This newly established republic consists of a vast range of geographical diversity along with one of the richest biodiversity of the planet. Nepal's geography consists of low tropical plains and central plateaus that rise up to the world’s highest peaks. That gives rise to the different ecological and climatic zones starting from Kechanakal, Jhapa - 60 masl to the famous Mount Everest - 8,848 masl.

B. Rice in Nepal:

Nepal is a small country with only 14.7 million hectares total land area of which 3.1 million Ha is arable and cultivated; and 1.03 million Ha is arable but uncultivated. Among this, only 1.55 million hectares is under rice cultivation, from which 4.52 million metric ton rice grains were harvested with an average rice productivity 2.907 ton/Ha as of 2008/2009. For Nepalese people, rice is one of the most important principal crops and it is cultivated in 73 districts out of the total 75, leaving Mustang and Manang. Even in Mustang, nowadays, some experts are trying to cultivate rice is some glass houses in Marpha, the district headquarter. Rice is planted in irrigated, rainfed, and upland ecosystem. Among the rice cultivated area of Nepal, 70.13 percent is from Terai, 25.54 percent from mid-hill, and 4.33 percent from high-hill area.

Rice is the main cereal crop and the staple food for this agrarian country, accounting for almost 50% of the total food production prevailing since millennia. It's not just a grain for the poor Nepalese farmers; it provides straw for thatching and mat-making, fodder for livestock, bran for poultry and fishponds, and husk for fuel. Hence, it's also the main source of 'hand to mouth' for a major portion of the countrymen. It is also an integral part of the native Nepalese culture. Asar 15 of each year according to the local calendar is declared and celebrated as the ''National Rice Day'' in the country. Here, rice is not only related to the food source but it's been connected to the real life, livelihood and the native culture. Hence, it is the life, culture and the dignity of the Nepalese people.