Humla Farmers Revive Traditional Crops: Production Rises 20% on Economic Value
Humla Indigenous Crops Production
10th December 2025, Kathmandu
Farmers in Humla have successfully revived the cultivation of traditional grains, leading to a major increase in production across the district.
Humla Indigenous Crops Production
This surge directly results from farmers recognizing the significant economic and nutritional value these crops offer. The overall production of Humla Indigenous Crops has increased by a remarkable 15 to 20 percent compared to last year, according to the Agriculture Development Office (ADO).
This positive turn follows years of decline. Aggressive awareness programs and improved market opportunities now actively encourage farmers. They quickly adopted traditional farming practices, transforming the agricultural landscape of this Himalayan region.
The Return of Valuable Himalayan Grains
The decision to return to traditional farming was heavily influenced by the high value and climate resilience of crops like barley, buckwheat, chino, uwa, and kaguno.
These grains withstand the harsh mountain climate better than many imported alternatives. The nutritional profiles of these Humla Indigenous Crops are superior, making them “superfoods” sought after by health-conscious consumers.
These figures demonstrate a clear success story in reversing the trend of crop abandonment. The demand for these nutrient-dense foods in urban centers and export markets further drives the cultivation push.
Government and Local Support: A Winning Strategy
Government support has become a crucial motivator for this resurgence. For the past two years, the Food Management and Trading Company Limited (FMTC), in coordination with local municipalities, has supported the preservation, promotion, and marketing of these valuable Himalayan crops.
This coordinated effort provides several key benefits:
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Assured Market Access: FMTC acts as a reliable buyer, removing market uncertainty for small-scale farmers.
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Promotion of Traditional Methods: Local programs actively highlight the benefits of traditional, low-input farming.
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Financial Motivation: Expanded market reach ensures better financial returns, directly motivating farmers to invest more in their traditional fields.
This partnership effectively incentivizes the farming community to scale up cultivation.
The Path Forward: Technology and Infrastructure
While the revival is a major success, sustaining and scaling this growth requires targeted infrastructural support. Local farmers now require better irrigation systems to mitigate climate variability and ensure consistent yields.
Furthermore, the district needs modern farming technologies. Introducing better post-harvest handling equipment and efficient processing units locally could add significant value to the raw produce.
Humla Indigenous Crops must be processed and packaged in the district to maximize the economic benefit for the local community.
Conclusion: Securing Food and Livelihoods
Humla’s journey provides a powerful example of how focusing on indigenous crops and their inherent economic value can transform a region. By promoting climate-resilient, nutrient-rich Humla Indigenous Crops, the district is not only securing its local food supply but is also creating a sustainable source of income.
This model of reviving traditional agriculture through economic opportunity and market support holds a vital lesson for Nepal Agriculture and food security across the Himalayan range.
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