Role of Commercial Vegetable Farming in Rural Poverty Reduction: A Case Study of Chitlang Area in Makawanpur

Abstract

The present study,based on field level data from the Chitlang VDC (VegetableProduction Pocket Area) of Makawanpur district Nepal, attempts to assess the role ofcommercial vegetable farming in rural poverty reduction. The specific objectives areto asses the socio-economic status of the commercial vegetable farming, analyze thechange in socio-economic conditions of farmers and suggest ways to improve the roleof commercial vegetable farming in rural poverty reduction. From this VDC, 50 households were taken as sample households. For this study,primary data were collected through semi-structured interview with sampledrespondents, farmer's group discussion, field visit and observation along with somesecondary data. The findings of the study are mostly based on the primarydata. From this study, it is found that the socio-economic condition of commercialvegetable growers is changed positively. Nearly 90 percent of the respondentsreported that the rate of child dropout from school education is decreased. Theirchildren's education is progressive. Situation of health and sanitation is improved.Among the sample households 78 present households drink pipeline water, which wasonly 14 percent before vegetable farming. Before vegetable farming, 48 percentrespondents householdwere found not using toilet. But after vegetable farming allrespondent's households were found with toilet facility. After commercial vegetablefarming, respondent's annual income is increased. After vegetable farming, 40 percentrespondent earn Rs. 60,000 to 80,000 annually which was only 6 percent before.Regarding the gender division of labor, women's workload is reduced. Aftercommercialization in vegetable farming, problem of food insufficiency is solvedamong the vegetable farmer's households. From this study, it is found that the livingstandard of the farmers in the study area is uplifted. Although many positive changes have been brought by commercial vegetablefarming, there are some problems and constraints facing it. Most of the farmers of thisarea are using heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for immediate highreturns. Farmers have hardly realized the adverse effects of the chemicals on theenvironment and pubic health. The trend of using heavy amounts of chemicalfertilizers and pesticides should be controlled to ensure sustainable development in thearea. Therefore, it is essential that the farmers who are involved in commercialvegetable farming need training and vegetable farming education. This study,therefore, also makes suggestions for policy, programmes and interventions for thepromotion of commercial vegetable farming in the study area in particular.