The economic significance of local agriculture is great. It is therefore logical to look for ways to improve the yield, so that the economic situation grows (and therefore also the possibility that more families can pay the school contribution themselves).
Agriculture is almost the only source of income for the population and the choice of crops and cultivation methods is passed on from generation to generation. This leads to a limited variety of crops with a low production. One-sided nutrition and meager harvests are the result. It is therefore not surprising that in the discussions in Sailung modernizing agriculture emerged as a great wish. We would like to help fulfill this wish because we are convinced that sustainable agriculture forms the basis for a sustainable society and will eventually make our involvement superfluous. And that is ultimately the ultimate goal!
In 2021, the first consultation started with ISARD and Krishna Shrestha, chairman of the local development board. Like us, ISARD aims to improve the well-being of the local community. Their vision: sustainable progress starts with a strong socio-economic impulse.
What does ISARD do?
The Nepalese organization ISARD (www.isard.org.np) specializes in the development of rural communities through agricultural modernization. Using a multi-year approach, ISARD helps farmers step by step in the following ways:
Cooperation: Farmers form cooperative groups and manage their own savings funds.
Improved cultivation: They learn better crop and soil use methods, such as composting and fertilizing.
Sustainable expansion: Crop areas are increased, and tools such as greenhouses and mechanization are introduced.
The results of ISARD are impressive: not only are harvests increasing, but support among farming families is also growing.
An opportunity for more than 180 families
The project offers the families the opportunity to receive intensive support in the coming years. It is striking that the approach in Nepal resembles circular agriculture, a method that is also gaining ground in the Netherlands. This method utilizes natural resources, with less reliance on artificial fertilizers and chemical pesticides.
Project name: Sustainable Agriculture Transformation Shailung (SATSh)
For this project we have support from Wilde Ganzen, Rotary clubs, companies, friends, acquaintances and interested parties.
The SATSh Project for the years 2025-2026 is budgeted at €90,500
We are still looking for financial support for 2026.
Will you help make sustainable agriculture possible in Shailung?
The SATSh program is running at full speed. It's remarkable to see the results. We regularly receive photos and videos of the training sessions, activities, and the results of all the efforts. Board members also visit Sailung about twice a year to discuss all progress locally.
Agriculture:
Agriculture in Sailung is characterized by challenging conditions: a short growing season, frequent freezing winters, and heavy monsoon rains that regularly damage open-field crops. Tunnel cultivation has proven to be a practical and sustainable solution to these challenges. Tunnels provide a controlled environment, protect crops from adverse weather conditions, extend the growing season, and minimize losses due to pests and diseases. This method also allows farmers to expand beyond traditional staples like potatoes, greens, and cauliflower, not only ensuring sufficient vegetables for their own consumption but also creating new income opportunities.
The project has already enabled us to achieve the following:
Fifty-one polytunnels and 11 polytunnels have been installed, allowing farmers to grow high-quality vegetables year-round, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, chilies, bell peppers, eggplant, beans, and leafy greens/spinach. Farmers now earn an average of NPR 35,000–40,000 annually (approximately two months' salary) from vegetables grown in polytunnels, providing a significant source of supplementary income.
Seventeen tunnels have been set up for the cultivation of oyster mushrooms, with which households earn an average of NPR 30,000 (1.5 months' salary) extra per year.
Button mushroom production has been introduced in 13 households; this currently primarily covers their own consumption. With improved skills and inputs, there is significant potential to expand this to market-oriented production in the coming cultivation cycles.
Livestock farming:
In addition to agricultural diversification, support for livestock farming has also contributed to strengthening household income sources and improving animal productivity in our area. These measures are particularly valuable in rural mountain communities, where livestock play a central role in nutrition, income, and farm resilience.
The support provided is as follows:
Eight quality breeding bucks have been introduced to improve local goat breeds, with the aim of producing better, larger and higher market value goats.
20 goats have been distributed to the poorest households, enabling families to diversify their livelihoods and build more stable incomes.
One buffalo bull was provided to increase milk production and improve the genetic quality of the buffalo population in the community.
For more details, please contact us at info@sailung.nl
