Agroecotourism Model Village

Introduction

Agrotourism is a style of vacation which is normally on farms. This may include the chance to help with farming tasks during the visit. Agro tourism is developing into a large part of the tourism industry and will soon be one of the largest sectors of tourism. People are more interested in how their food is produced and want to meet the producers and talk with them about what goes into food production.

Nepal has plenty of natural resources, which makes agro-tourism more popular and fascinating among tourists. During the summer season you will be exhilarated to see the farmers being involved in rice plantation. The techniques they follow for plantation and harvesting differs from one region to another. The laborious farmers turn their field into an opera theatre where they sing local songs and exchange funny remarks to avoid the sluggishness and sense of hard work. In winter season fields are adorned when wheat plant starts sprouting across the land. Not limited to this, every season is rich in its agricultural product and provides the tourists a life time experience.

Rice, wheat and maize are the major crops of Nepal. Farming systems and crop production in Nepal vary across the agricultural zones. Physically, the country is divided into four ecological strata: the southern terai plain; the southern mountain ranges; the central hill complex; the northern great Himalayas. Rice-based cropping systems, with wheat or maize as a secondary crop, are predominant in the terai and middle hills, whereas in the high mountains maize, millet, barley and buckwheat are cultivated. Tea, cardamom, ginger and coffee are the important cash crops of the middle hills. Likewise, wide ranges of temperate fruits in the high mountains; citrus in the middle hills; tropical/subtropical fruits are also grown in the terai and middle hill valleys. Vegetable-growing in kitchen gardens is practiced at all elevations. In addition to this Livestock is an important component of the Nepalese farming system providing food for humans, manure for plants, and draft power for farms and cash income for farm families. Cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goat, pigs and poultry are the livestock species reared across different agricultural zones.

Agro tourism has various different economic and socio cultural aims. The basis of the program is the revitalization of the countryside and reversal of urban trend. It brings tourists to the countryside instead of over populating cities. You can meet lovely and hardworking people of rural area, share a meal with them, stay at their houses as family guests, taste their local drink and see them carry on with life graciously. In addition, to the heartwarming hospitality, you will also witness some of the most spectacular views of the mountain landscapes or heritage sites along the way.

Our company truly shares its profit gained by selling the specific packages with the local community. The purpose of this profit sharing is to encourage them to turn their traditional agricultural skill into modern one. In this relation we frequently conduct training and workshop to educate and empower the local community and be a part of their development process.

Agroecotourism model village: Gale Gaun

One of the famous indigenous people of Nepal Gurung is located in an eye catching center of the Nepal Himalaya. The world’s famous Annapurna round route lies at this place. The Gurungs, dwellers of Annapurna and Manaslu Himal regions are famous for hard working and their bravery. The Gurungs villages situated in the northern part of the Lamjung district are Nepal’s new destination. Since a decade ago the concept of village tourism, eco- tourism and cultural tourism are being exercised in this region.

Photo: Ghale Gaun

Among the fourteen zones of Nepal, Ghale Gaun lies in Gandaki zone. Located in the Northern part of Lamjung District, in Ghale Uttar Kanya VDC, Ghale Gaun is approximately 205km North West of Kathmandu and 125 km north east of Pokhara. The typical Gurung village is situated at the height of 2100m from the sea level. Ghalegaun is probably the only place of Nepal from where you can see the nine different district of Nepal as well it also commands a superb breathtaking view of majestic western Himalayas including Dhaulagiri Range, Machhapuchhare/Mt Fishtail (6693m), Annapurna 1st (8091m), Annapurna II (7939m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Peak 29 (7,871 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983), Bouddha Himal (6974m), Himalchuli(6747m) and many more smaller peaks and botanical garden, historical uttankanya temple and tea garden are the major attraction of this village Ghale Gaun which is better known as its warm hospitality and SAARC no. 1 destination for the visitors from the past few year. Ghaleguan lies in the North West side of Lamjung form its district headquarter Besisahar. Ghale Gaun was named as second village tourism destination after Sirubari of Syanja after 2056 B. S. Ghale Gaun has been recently crowned as the No. 1 village tourism destination in SAARC Region.

There are around 115 houses in this village. Ghale Gaun has its own uniqueness. Visitors are welcome with Mala (garlands) on neck and Tika on forehead with traditional music and songs by the women’s group (Aama samuha) of the village. Guest is treated as their family member. The people of this village are honest, loyal, social and laborious. Villagers wear their traditional dresses, both by man and women.  Agriculture, animal farming, joining to British and Indian army is the main occupation of the people here.

Honey Hunting is also one of the main attractions of Ghalegaun. People use their experienced skills and hang on a cliff 300 meters above with the help of Bamboo and hemp ropes. And also we can see the view of sun rise in the morning. Ghale Gaun has also built a Gurung museum house, where visitors could see the daily house hold use tools, agricultural tools, cultural dresses and local musical instruments. Ghale Gaun is culturally reach, they perform different kinds of dances as per the occasion; such as Ghatu dance (on the full moon day of Baisakh), Aarghau (main traditional ritual performed after the death). Similarly other dances are putputte, lama dance, pachhyu dance, Ghyabre dance etc.

Experience the incredible hospitality of Nepal’s ethnic Gurung people during this 7 day home-stay tour from Kathmandu. Journey to the remote Himalayan village of Ghale Gaun to discover the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Gurung people first-hand.

Honey Hunting Journey

From thousands of years ago, indigenous people Gurung of these reasons are accustomed on cliff honey hunting. No doubt, our heart tremble on viewing the unbelievable scene of honey hunting run at the cliff of height 200 meters only on the support of homemade traditional ladder made up of Niyalo and rope of Choyo. October\ November and may\ June are two probable periods of honey hunting in a year. 

Photo: Honey Hunting

Autumn season's hunting is done in the low altitude belt. They are nearer from the base. So journey of this seasons' are short generally of 4-5 days long. But high altitude hunting being far from the base are of 5-9 days long. Honey hunting occurs in very critical natural topography which is generally isolated from human habitation. We have to be well equipped with all food & tents or campaign management including guides, porters & sometimes we have to take help from villagers.

For well established companies it is possible to buy only hunting programs with certain inclusions like daily allowances for hunters, community charge, life insurance with tents & fooding facilities for them. Provided that they have to manage every necessicities for their groups themselves.

Gurung Culture

In this culture tour one can enjoy the Gurung culture, handicrafts, dance etc. Besides this we can also arrange the cultural activities of other tribes of Nepal like Magar, Newar, Tharu, Darai etc. It may be 5-15 days long.

In cultural aspects Himalayan region of Nepal, Gurung is in the first. In their daily life during the time of happiness and sorrow they perform different types of traditional dances. for example folk dances Jyaure, Krishna Charitra, Ghatu etc. in the time of happiness and Serka, Gghyabring, Jhankri Nach (with dance) in the time of sorrow.

Hot Springs

Such hot spring are natural & found beside the river beds. This water is safety besides this, due to the preserve of different elements, bathing in these springs are good for health, as they cure arthritics, paralysis uric acid & skin diseases. This hot spring tour is of 3 days, but can be extended further if needed 8 hour drive to hot spring village 1.5 hour walk for hot spring pond & back to lodge. Slide show or culture program after dinner.

The days & mornings of spring & summer are so hot that, they are not enjoyable at all. So, we have developed night way trek in the light of moon. Snow caped mountains, rivers & chirping of birds are very beautiful interesting to enjoy. During this trek the trekkers will be provided with 2 touch light each along with guide with strong security.

Night Way Treks At Ghalegaun-Ghan Pokhara Round

Basically trekking is done during morning & days’ time, but the trekking which is done during quiet night hours (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm) in moon-light & dark nights along with cold breeze are very different. One can see night scenes; so night way treks are very interesting & protective.

Slim Way Treks At Ghalegaun To Pokhara

Some peoples of developed countries are exceptionally over weight due to their portentous & chemically preserved dieting habits. So they themselves are becoming the home of different diseases. Such individuals need 3-4 hours daily walk along with organic food, massage with medicinal oil, to maintain their health condition. So this slim way trek is especially for those heavy persons.

Vergin Route Trek. Annapurna round trek has been destroyed due to the development of roads which creates not only pollution, but also lost chariness of natural trekking. So to have the real taste of trekking we have developed 3 new routes which are lashed with lots of natural heritage like rivers, lakes, mountains, floral faunal varities along with Gurung cultural activities.

Such trips are very adventerous and are well organised. This journey is completed generally in 11 days but can be extended up to 14 - 16 days? Which goes as follows:

Khudi- Ghalegaun, Ghanpokhara-Dudhpokhari- Lamjung base camp Trek

Among lots of our attempts since last 3 year we are organising the Dudhpokhari Festival. Dudhpokhari is borderline of Manang, Kaski and Lamjung. Mountain views, wild lives, natural sceneries are specialties of the very place.

One can be a true friend of Ghale Gaun because the permanently located spectacular view of Mt Manasul in the east , Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II in the north and fishtail in the west. It is more famous for sunrise views , birds watching, farms and fields workings, furthermore the dense forest around the village and panoramic views of the blossomed rhododendron proves Ghale Gaun more beautiful & unique . Early in the morning you can wake up with the soft breeze of unpolluted air with the warm rays of sun. You can roam around the village observing their lifestyle and their warm and sincere hospitality. It is a perfect place for experiencing the real culture and lifestyle of the Gurung people. Traditional rituals are still followed during births, deaths, marriages and at other important times in a person’s life.

Gurung Museum

The Museum with its collection of various artful things dresses and ornaments used by Gurung community, the agriculture workshop and other important gift from their ancestor again gives the glimpse of an old age. As well as observe the significant insight of culture, history and development process.

Utterkanya Temple

North to the village is the holy place where the temple is situated. The unique orientation of the goddess idol of them temple facing north which is very rare in other temple, one can see the mythical approach in the myth. Beside temple has the holy water pond constructed by the Ghale king. It is said that many people working in military from this area loosed their life in different battles like first world war, second world war etc. but after the construction of this temple no one has had been victim of such miss fortune.

Handricraft

Bamboo is the main source for handicraft. Doko, Namlo, Thusni, Bhakari, Dalo , Ghum, Pakhi , Bakhu etc are the best identified handicraft. Beside these they make other several handicrafts for their works, for milking and keeping local drinks. They do not love fashionable clothes of city life, they try to maintain their clothing by their woolen products. The clothes made from Nettle Fiber and Aloe has a big Demand today which is produced in Ghale Gaun.

Tea Garden

The rays of sun falling on those giant mountains shines like a gold foil. 

Photo: Tea Garde

We couldn’t stop ourselves from capturing the spectacular views of the mountains and magnificent sunrise.
When you go to the steep hill of tea farming you will say we never thought we will get tea farming there. You may get the satisfaction of visiting Darjeeling as well as Kalingpong when you will be roaming around tea garden.

INTRODUCTION:

Organic Farming is a type of sustainable land use that works entirely without synthetic fertilizer and chemical pesticides and systematically enhances the agro ecological system. Via standardization and quality seals, certified organic farming can be clearly distinguished from other sustainable types of farming.

Organic farming is related to the concepts of Sustainable Agriculture, especially with regard to the reduction of external inputs, as an attempt to achieve more environmental justice.

Historically, it did not originate from the universities but was developed by farmers and organizations supporting this type of agriculture in the industrialized countries as an explicit counter-movement to input-intensive, high-tech agriculture.

Organic farming relies on natural cycles. At the centre of this agricultural system is the maintenance and enhancement of soil fertility and the general rejection of synthetic fertilizer and pesticides.

The Codex Alimentarius of the FAO and the WHO describes organic farming on the basis of an environmental management system achieving sustainable productivity by promoting the ecosystem. Pest and weed control is maintained via various individual methods and through the mutual interdependence of the habitats of soil organisms and nutrients, plants, animals and human beings.

Whereas, FOAM defines the overarching goal of organic farming as: "Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationship and a good quality of life for all involved."

Organic agriculture was first appeared as one of the priority sectors in Nepalese agriculture since the 10th Five Years Plan (2059/060-2063/064). But nowadays various institutions, individuals and farmers are emergently engaging in this field. There are various local organic practices; some practiced from the ages and some innovating new practices by farmers themselves. At present, some organic products such as coffee, tea, honey, large cardamom, ginger etc are exported to international market. Various institute and individuals think that organic movement in Nepal is quite slow in motion due to lack of clear vision of the government and distorted information flow from the different developmental projects

OBJECTIVES:

·         To know about the organic farming practices being used in the western mid hill areas of Nepal.

·         To know about the present farming situations of this area.

·         To know the condition of fertilizers and pesticides application in the farmers field.

·         To know whether they are using local resources available in their farm or not.

·         To aware the farmer about the harmful effects of excessive use of fertilizers as well as pesticides.

 

METHODOLOGY:

            Firstly I went to Mr. Murari Pokharel's house to get some information about organic practices according to my case study.  After meeting him, I started my work by asking semi-structured questionnaire which was prepared by our respected Asst. Prof. Mr. B. B. Adhikari and a single farmer was assigned to each individual student for a personal interview. A mini-kit of rice seed (Sukhha -2 variety) was provided to the farmer suiting their field condition as a symbol for their support in conducting this survey.

OBSERVATION

A)       Household information:

 Name of respondent: Murari Pokharel                                      Ward no: 8

 Address: Sundarbazaar,8                                                           Village: Paudi

 VDC: Sundarbazaar

Information’s about her family members are mentioned as below:

S.N	Name of family member	Relationship with respondent	Age(yrs)	Education	Main occupation
1.	Murari Pokharel	self	50	8 class	Farming and shop
2.	Sova Pokharel	Wife	37	5 class	Farming
3.	Sagar Pokharel	Son	17	+2	Student
4.	Samita Pokharel	Daughter	15	9 class	Student

B)      Land holding:

Land types	Name of parcel	Area(Ropani)		Ownership	Cropping pattern
a)Irrigated lowland
i)Parcel 1	Plot-1		...ropani	Own	-paddy-maize-
ii)Parcel 2	Plot-2		.. ropani	Own	-paddy-maize-
b)Rainfed lowland
iii)Parcel 3	Plot-3		... ropani	Own	Maize-paddy-mustard

C)                Other information:

He knows about organic farming which is been practicing in his farm.

a)Rice cultivation practices:

i) Use of organic manures:

                FYM is used in rice field during transplanting time at the rate of 20-25 doko per ropani. There is no any use of green manures in his farm. He has used urine and dung in rice fields. He has used bio-pesticides as asuro, pati etc to control insects in his rice field.  He has some problems like unavailability of organic manure and lack of manpower.

ii) Use of organic pesticides:

               He uses urine of cow and buffalo to control the insects in his rice farm. He has no idea about the use of neem in rice field to control the insects.

iii) Use of bio-fertilizers:

             He knows about bio-fertilizer, but there is no any use of bio-fertilizers in his rice field.

iv) Use of agrochemicals:

              He uses DAP 5-6 kg per ropani before transplanting and uses urea at the time of weeding. He has not used pesticides in his farm.

v) Use of traditional varieties:

            He do not have indigenous varieties of rice in his farm. But he had cultivated madhese, dalle, jhinuwa,marsi,anadhi etc. But the yield of traditional varieties is low as compare to the traditional varieties so he uses commercial varieties rather than the traditional varieties.

b) Maize cultivation practices:

i) Use of organic manures:

            Similarly, there is use of FYM in his maize field at the rate of doko 5-10 per  ropani. There is no any use of green manure.

ii) Use of bio-fertilizer:

           There is no any uses of bio-fertilizers.

iii) Use of organic pesticides:

          He uses urine of cow and buffalo to control the insects but no idea about the use of Neem to control the insects in maize field.

iv)Use of agrochemicals:

         DAP and urea is used 50 kg in 7 ropani before planting. He has not use pesticides in his farm.

v) Use of traditional varieties:

        Purano makia is being used as indigenous varieties in his farm having high plant height.

d) Vegetables cultivation practices:

Vegetables are cultivated only in subsistence level in the kitchen garden. Well-decomposed FYM is used for the vegetable crops production. The chemical fertilizer as urea is used in very little quantity. Only the seasonal vegetables cultivated by the responded farmer, in which winter vegetables include cauliflower, cabbage, leafy vegetables and the summer vegetables include cucurbits, beans etc. The pheromone traps and cue-lure are not used during the vegetable crop production. Oil cakes produced from the farmer's own field are used in vegetables field.

FOR MORE CONTACT: HRIDESH SHARMA