21st September 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal’s agricultural sector, the backbone of its economy, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall are making traditional farming increasingly challenging for smallholder farmers.
FAO Partners NARC Empower Nepali
To address this critical issue, FAO Nepal, in a vital partnership with the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), is pioneering an innovative solution: the Jalwayu Maitri Farmer Field School (FFS) on millet farming.
This initiative is not just about teaching new techniques; it’s about empowering communities and building a more resilient and sustainable agri-food system from the ground up.
What is the Jalwayu Maitri Farmer Field School?
The term “Jalwayu Maitri” translates to “climate-friendly,” and the program’s focus is precisely that. The Farmer Field School model is a hands-on, community-based learning approach that allows farmers to become experts in their own fields. Instead of a classroom setting, the training takes place directly on demonstration plots, where farmers can experiment, observe, and learn from one another.
In Kapilvastu and Nuwakot, this initiative is specifically focused on millet, a highly nutritious and drought-resistant crop that is well-suited for Nepal’s diverse agro-climatic zones. The training is centered on “climate-smart” agricultural practices, which are designed to achieve three key objectives:
Sustainably increase productivity and income.
Adapt and build resilience to climate change.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible.
Empowering Farmers with Climate-Smart Practices
Through the FFS, farmers are being trained on a range of techniques that help them adapt to changing weather conditions and improve their crop yields. Some of these practices include:
Improved Water Management: Techniques like mulching and efficient irrigation systems to conserve water during dry spells.
Soil Health and Fertility: Using organic fertilizers and compost to enhance soil structure and nutrient retention, making it more resilient to climate shocks.
New Varieties: Introduction of high-yield, drought-tolerant, or disease-resistant millet varieties.
Integrated Pest Management: Adopting natural and low-impact methods to control pests and diseases, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
Timely Sowing and Harvesting: Utilizing weather forecasts and modern knowledge to make informed decisions about planting and harvesting schedules.
Building a More Resilient Nepal
The impact of this initiative goes far beyond a single harvest. By equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools to adapt to climate change, the Jalwayu Maitri Farmer Field School is creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Improved Food Security: Higher and more stable millet yields contribute directly to food security for families and communities.
Strengthened Livelihoods: Enhanced productivity and reduced crop losses lead to more reliable income for farmers, boosting their economic well-being.
Sustainable Agriculture: The focus on eco-friendly practices promotes the long-term health of the land, water, and environment.
The partnership between FAO Nepal and NARC exemplifies how global expertise and local knowledge can be combined to create effective, community-driven solutions. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like the Jalwayu Maitri FFS serve as a powerful model for building a more resilient, sustainable, and food-secure future for Nepal.
For more: FAO Partners NARC Empower Nepali