In the lush, fertile plains of Nepal, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding, one that could reshape the future of agriculture and energy in the region. At the heart of this transformation is Conservation Agriculture-based Sustainable Intensification (CASI), a set of farming practices designed to boost yields while minimizing environmental impact. Yet, despite its proven benefits, adoption among smallholder farmers in Nepal has been slow. New research, led by Surya Prasad Adhikari of the Nepal Agricultural Research Council in Kathmandu, aims to change that by identifying the key factors driving the adoption of CASI technologies.
The study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Environment for International Development, focuses on zero tillage (ZT) practices in the Eastern Gangetic Plains (EGP) of South Asia. This region, stretching across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, is a critical breadbasket for the subcontinent. Adhikari and his team conducted on-station and on-farm trials with wheat, maize, and kidney bean farming systems, demonstrating significant economic and environmental benefits. However, the technology’s potential remains largely untapped.
To understand why, Adhikari and his colleagues employed a two-stage double hurdle model to analyze the factors influencing both the initial adoption and the subsequent intensity of adoption of CASI-based ZT technology. The model revealed several key determinants. “Gender, education, farming experience, and household dynamics all play significant roles,” Adhikari explains. “But perhaps most importantly, access to information and training is crucial.”
The study found that farmers who had attended training sessions, participated in exposure visits, or engaged in field days were more likely to adopt CASI technologies. Similarly, those who had obtained credit for crop production were also more inclined to embrace these new practices. “It’s not just about having the technology,” Adhikari notes. “It’s about having the knowledge and the resources to implement it effectively.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For one, it underscores the need for targeted outreach and support programs to boost CASI adoption. Farmers’ groups, cooperatives, and community-based organizations could play a pivotal role in disseminating information and providing the necessary training. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of financial inclusion, with access to credit emerging as a significant driver of technology adoption.
But the benefits of CASI extend far beyond the farm gate. By promoting sustainable intensification, these technologies can help mitigate the environmental impacts of agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources. This, in turn, can contribute to the broader goals of energy security and climate resilience in the region.
Looking ahead, Adhikari envisions a future where CASI technologies are widely adopted across the EGP. “The potential is enormous,” he says. “With the right support and investment, we can transform the way we farm, creating a more sustainable and productive agricultural system for all.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and food security, the lessons from Nepal’s Eastern Gangetic Plains could offer valuable insights. By understanding the determinants of technology adoption, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future, not just for Nepal, but for the entire region. The study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Environment for International Development (Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development for International Development), serves as a call to action, urging policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to work together to harness the power of CASI technologies for a better tomorrow.