1. Value Chain of Lime and Mandarin – Lalitpur (2017–2020)
ECARDS-Nepal implemented the Value Chain of Lime and Mandarin project in Lalitpur to enhance citrus farming and strengthen the market linkages for local farmers. The project focused on improving cultivation techniques, increasing productivity, and ensuring better access to markets for lime and mandarin growers. Many farmers in the region relied on traditional farming methods, leading to low yields and inconsistent quality.
To address these issues, ECARDS-Nepal introduced modern farming techniques, organic pest management, and improved irrigation methods. The organization distributed 11,768 saplings to 620 households and developed eight demonstration plots to train farmers in best agricultural practices. Additionally, it provided workshops and exposure visits to help farmers gain insights into commercial citrus farming.
Beyond production, the project also focused on market access and value chain development. ECARDS-Nepal established three collection centers and 21 farmers' groups, ensuring a streamlined supply chain. This initiative significantly increased farmer incomes, reduced post-harvest losses, and strengthened the local citrus industry, providing long-term economic benefits to the region.
2. Conservation Farming Practices – Okhaldhunga & Khotang (2024)
In partnership with UNDP, ECARDS-Nepal introduced Conservation Farming Practices in Okhaldhunga and Khotang to promote sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. This project aimed to improve farming resilience against climate change by adopting agroforestry, soil conservation, and sustainable land-use practices.
The project covered 492 hectares of farmland, implementing intercropping, organic fertilizers, and agroforestry techniques to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. ECARDS-Nepal conducted training sessions for farmers on biodiversity conservation, helping them understand the importance of maintaining ecological balance while improving agricultural output.
One of the key outcomes of the project was the development of a sustainability plan to ensure long-term conservation farming practices. Farmers were equipped with the necessary skills to monitor soil health, implement crop rotation techniques, and practice water-efficient irrigation methods. This project significantly improved agricultural resilience, reduced soil degradation, and enhanced rural livelihoods.
3. Development of Organic Pest Management in Peri-urban Agriculture – Kavrepalanchok & Bhaktapur (2014–2017)
The Development of Organic Pest Management in Peri-urban Agriculture project focused on promoting chemical-free pest control methods in vegetable farming. Many farmers in Nepal rely heavily on pesticides, which pose environmental and health risks. ECARDS-Nepal introduced biological pest control techniques, reducing dependency on synthetic chemicals.
As part of this initiative, ECARDS-Nepal trained hundreds of farmers on organic pest management, teaching them how to use botanical pesticides, natural predators, and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques. The project also conducted field trials to test the effectiveness of various organic pest control solutions, ensuring that farmers had access to proven, eco-friendly alternatives.
The project played a crucial role in reducing pesticide residues in crops, improving soil health, and increasing consumer demand for organic produce. By enhancing farmer knowledge and providing practical solutions, ECARDS-Nepal helped establish a sustainable organic farming ecosystem in peri-urban areas.
4. Goat Fattening Technology – Dolakha (2014–2016)
ECARDS-Nepal’s Goat Fattening Technology project introduced innovative livestock farming practices in Dolakha to enhance goat meat production and improve farmer incomes. Traditional goat farming methods often led to slow growth rates and poor meat quality, limiting profitability for small-scale farmers.
To address this, the project introduced Boer goat breeding techniques and improved fodder management. ECARDS-Nepal trained farmers to use high-nutrient legume fodder shrubs such as Tephrosia candida and Flemingia macrophylla, which enhanced the growth rate of goats and improved meat quality. The project also conducted capacity-building programs to teach farmers about disease control, vaccination, and efficient stall-feeding techniques.
The results were significant—farmers saw a substantial increase in goat weight gain and market value, improving their livelihoods. The project also encouraged group-based livestock management, allowing farmers to pool resources and share knowledge, leading to a more profitable and sustainable goat farming industry in the region.
5. Ginger and Citrus Value Chain Development (2009–2012)
Recognizing the economic potential of Nepal’s ginger and citrus industry, ECARDS-Nepal launched the Ginger and Citrus Value Chain Development Project to help smallholder farmers increase productivity and gain better market access. The project focused on training farmers in modern agricultural techniques, post-harvest processing, and value-added product development.
One of the key activities of the project was introducing disease-resistant ginger varieties and improving soil fertility management. ECARDS-Nepal also worked with citrus farmers to enhance pruning, grafting, and organic fertilization techniques, resulting in higher-quality produce. Farmers were trained on proper drying, packaging, and storage methods, which helped extend the shelf life of their products and reduce spoilage.
In addition to production improvements, the project established direct linkages between farmers and national/international buyers, ensuring fair prices and increased profits. By strengthening the entire value chain—from cultivation to marketing—this initiative boosted rural incomes, reduced post-harvest losses, and contributed to the economic empowerment of farming communities.