Knowledge-Based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition (KISAN) Project Quarterly Report April – June 2015

The project's overall goal is to sustainably reduce poverty and hunger in Nepal by achieving inclusive growth in the agriculture sector, increasing the incomes of farming families, and improving nutritional status, especially of women and children. The project is implemented in collaboration with two primary Nepali organizations: the Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy, Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED) and the Development Project Service Center (DEPROSC). KISAN is working in twenty districts across Nepal, focusing on integrating beneficiaries into the market system. The project aims to provide beneficiaries with access to inputs and services such as training and finance, and facilitate their access to markets for their production. A good example of KISAN's market integration efforts is in Kanchanpur, where the project structured an arrangement with two millers and 12 gallawalas (traders) to facilitate the collection, transfer, and sale of KISAN farmer rice to the millers. This approach is welcomed by all parties, as farmers are assured of a market for their goods, and millers are assured of a timely supply of goods. The project has made significant progress in implementing a more commercial and market-oriented strategy. KISAN has provided training to 50,253 farmers this quarter through commercial agribusinesses, Market Planning Committees, Government of Nepal extension agents, local service providers, and KISAN staff. The project is now building the capacity of a total of 83,127 beneficiary farmers. KISAN has also facilitated contracts between 32 farmer groups and eight seed companies, resulting in the production of 1,031 tons of seed. The project has achieved several outcomes, including improving access to quality agricultural inputs for farmers, improving the capacity of agriculture extension workers, service providers, and farmers, increasing adoption of improved sustainable agriculture production and post-harvest technologies, improving market efficiency, and increasing the capacity of Nepali organizations. KISAN has trained 425 change agents, including LSPs and agrovets, and conducted 4,901 trainings for 50,253 farmers in various production and marketing skills. The project has also introduced and educated farmers on over 40 technologies and practices through 765 demonstrations, exposure visits, and field days. KISAN is working with 124 Market Planning Committees (MPCs) linked to an estimated 14,080 farmers, and has provided training to 18 MPCs and wholesalers, formed two Apex Bodies, set up six price information boards, and conducted 22 follow-up meetings with MPCs. The project has also strengthened the technical and organizational capacity of private sector service delivery and optimized market efficiencies. The director of KISAN's new business opportunities unit was fielded this quarter, and the team has moved aggressively to evaluate existing concept papers, encourage high potential companies to develop grants proposals, and structure grants that contribute to project results.