The result can be summarised in the following Headings

1. Strengthening agro-biodiversity conservation

Diversity fairs strengthen diversity on-farm
Diversity fair has been an effective method of assessing diversity and associated knowledge maintained by local communities. The fair assessed diversity of fruit, cereal and vegetable crops, medicinal plants, and the special dishes prepared from the unique diversity. A total of 11 farmers groups exhibited the diversity and knowledge maintained locally. A farmer, Mr. Hiralal Vaidya exhibited the diversity alone. A large number of seed samples of food and vegetable crops (954), medicinal plants (553) and food dishes (125) were displayed in the diversity stall.

Community biodiversity registration
Community Biodiversity Registration, initially assessed diversity of food crop species and associated knowledge, had been expanded to a wide range of species including cereals, fruit and vegetable crops and medicinal herbs within the project areas and its neighboring villages. During 2063 BS, diversity and knowledge had been recorded from 747 households. Altogether 123 traditional and improved varieties of 23 crop species were recorded. A total of 376 households have been maintaining 13 different food crop species. Local knowledge attached to traditional diversity particularly the extent and distribution, growing environments, key descriptors and uses had been documented. Record shows none of the farmers cultivate traditional varieties of maize, wheat, lentils, onions and kidney beans. The record also reveals that all varieties being cultivated on mango, barley, latherus, garlic, oats and arahar are traditional Like wise, 2368 households have been cultivating 14 improved crop varieties important.

Germplasm collection enhances diversity on-farm
The review of the REDBOOK maintained by ADCS shows that amount of rice diversity maintained has been increasing over years. Along with growing peoples awareness and premium prices for locally cultivated fine and aromatic rice varieties, local demand seeds of quality rice varieties has been growing over time. During the group interview, farmers show their willingness to restore cultivation of traditional varieties because of growing climatic stresses, high prices for external inputs required for cultivating modern varieties, revival of interests towards traditional crop varieties in an organic way and increasing market uncertainties

ADCS in collaboration with partner organizations have been collecting diversity from outside project areas, neighboring districts and ecological zones. Like previous years ADCS team collected rare, endangered and valuable crop landraces from Bara, Parsa, Rautahat and Sarlahi as well as some from bordering Indian territories. Before the project implementation the total diversity of seven different crop species was 54 which increased to 80 over three years time. 14 more rice landraces were registered in the RED BOOK. In response to growing peoples interests ADCS has been selecting true to type seeds for fine and aromatic rice landraces especially Pusha basmati, Kariya kamod, Shathi.


The newly collected rice varieties include Kushumkali, Kasturi, Kanjh, Devsar, Dhushara, Ratin, Kasauta, Lalka faram and Bhadaiya basmati. ADCS has made an agreement with LI-BIRD to jointly gather valued diversity being cultivated under similar production environments of the Tarai region.

Participatory plant breeding enhances diversity on-farm
Under this program improved varieties developed using Kachorwa origin landraces (Dudhisaro, Lajhi and Mansara) were further selected jointly by farmers and the researchers. Through selection a total of 13 varieties named after Kachorwa with numbers 4, 5, 11, 17, 72, 74, 125, 149, 169, 202, 205, 208 and 210 were further screened. To get feedback seeds of these varieties were distributed to farmers outside project areas. Most of these varieties were multiplied for the following years programs. Seed production per unit area was quite low suggesting that farmers participate only when premium prices for seeds are provided. Seeds are also being multiplied and disseminated for wider evaluation and farmers adoption.

Mother trial for variety evaluation
ADCS evaluated 13 bred varieties together with 17 varieties included from LI-BIRD in five different farmers fields as replications. The variety performance observed poor for most varieties included from LI-BIRD. Farmers liked several varieties among those Kachorwa bred varieties over the bred varieties introduced from LI-BIRD. Most farmers have saved seeds of varieties they liked most.

Assessment of bred varieties for local adaptation
To assess the performance and get farmers feed back a total of 13 bred varieties were distributed to farmers of 11 villages during 2006 and 20007. In 20006, seeds (66 kg) of four varieties named Kachorwa 4, Kachorwa 5, Kachorwa 11 and Kachorwa 17 were distributed to 80 farmers of Kachorwa, Bhagawanpur, Soranria, and Basabaria.

In 2007, seeds of 13 varieties were distributed to 276 farmers representing 10 farmers groups during village workshop. Altogether 356 farmers were provided seeds for their own assessment. The description of variety and farmers by villages is presented in Table 4. A mechanism has been established to get feed back and provide supports if seed demand for any variety arise.

Regeneration of diversity maintained in community seed bank
To refresh seeds in seed bank and meet local demands, crop varieties maintained in seed bank are multiplied each year. Seed samples of rice (54), sponge gourd (5), Millets (2) and Arahar (2) were multiplied in a total area of 2000 sq.m. The old stocks were replaced with fresh seeds and seeds of some varieties in demand were also sold out. This process continues in partnership with some public and private institutions.

Promotion of local crop varieties
In line with the goal of the seed bank, ADCS collected, multiplied and redistributed seeds of traditional crop varieties. To enhance on-farm conservation through increased use CSB distributed seeds of rare, endangered varieties to a maximum number of farmers.

Seeds of different crop varieties of rice, arahar, finger millet and sponge gourd were to a total of 230 farmers. To refresh and recycle seeds in seed bank, after the harvest seed borrowing farmers are required to return 1.5 times seed to the bank once they successfully harvest the crop. ADCS encourages this process not only to enhance local adaptation and restore diversity but also support livelihoods by providing variety choices preferred locally. However, the aim has never been to dissuade farmers from ensuring benefits from other options available to farmers.

Research on seed storage structures
One of the important aspects of seed bank is to understand details about the diversity and ensure the distribution of quality seed. The seeds in seed bank are stored under different structures designed locally called earthern-pots, Moor and Kothi. The periodic testings are done for seed stored under different traditional structures. The results of these tests revealed that germination remains acceptable at 80-90% stored for 9-12 months, it decreases (50-70%) when stored for longer period i.e. 12-15 months. The rate decreased further (30-40%) when stored for 15-18 months. It can be concluded that local seed storage system works for a year and if farmers need to store seeds under traditional system for more than a year then farmers either have to regenerate seeds to recycle or store seeds in improved structures. It applies that regeneration of seeds every year is necessary for proper management of diversity in community seed bank.

Seed multiplication for the promotion of improved rice varieties
Apart from preservation of biodiversity conservation, source seed production of Kachorwa bred varieties and promotion of locally popular varieties have been one of the major activities of this program. With the technical assistance from LI-BIRD, ADCS produced and marketed seeds of 11 most popular rice varieties within and outside the project areas. Above 23 tons of seed was produced in farms contracted with 31 farmers. These farmers earn above RS 479994 from the seed sale. ADCS also made a net profit of RS 140220. Under the promotional activities Kachorwa bred rice varieties were multiplied and sold out to farmers at lower prices than sold by all agro-vets there.

Strengthening seed market with private organizations
To promote and conserve diversity important to food and agriculture ADCS strengthened functional relationships with partners at different levels. It aimed at promoting valuable crop varieties of local origin, bred varieties that meet local needs and imported varieties acceptable for local conditions. Different varieties are evaluated, regenerated and distributed by itself and also in partnership with other seed entrepreneurs. A day workshop was organized in Simrongarh among seed entrepreneurs from Bara, Rautahat and Ghodasan (India) where ADCS briefed approaches, working areas in general and its prioritized seed sector in particular. All participants had shown their keen interests to work together matters related to seeds of diverse origin in the days to come.

Strengthening infrastructure for community seed banking
The project team decided to renovate and expand the previous structure to store seed samples, office space and threshing floor for handling seeds. The complex is compounded with a brick wall with an entry metal gate. Within the complex a threshing floor, a small hall, a computer lab, and stairs are partitioned. The project also mobilised fund of RS 30000 received from the Kachorwa Village Development Committee. ADCS has now a small hall on its own for organizing meeting, training and workshops. A guest room is also available for visitors and a toilet. ADCS has its own well protected complex with seed bank, seed handling space and office from where local people get seed banking services.
Since this structure had been built mainly to use for the small scale seed banking purposes handing of large scale seed volumes need alternative means. Through discussion with the ADCS executives it has been agreed to build only one or two large volume Bhakari within the office complex. Also some more structures will be built in farmers yards for seeds produced under the ADCS seed promotional programs.

2. Diversity fund enhances agro-biodiversity and livelihoods

Community biodiversity fund
Community biodiversity fund (CDF) had been established with funds from a global on-farm conservation project managed by NARC, LI-BIRD, IPGRI and female groups operating in Kachorwa. There is a core fund of RS 75000 which is provided to community members from RS 1000 to 3000 with some directives. The directives state that each borrower will have to grow two crop varieties of local origin. CBF fund is mobilized by a nine member local body formed among the members of the six female and one male group from Kachorwa.

Norms to distribute diversity fund
It was agreed that the loan applicant should be attached to one of the local groups. Since the objective of this initiative was also to strengthen diversity conservation on-farm each member taking loan will have to grow seeds of any one of the rare or endangered traditional variety. ADCS gave top priority at providing fund to small scale farmers especially relying on traditional farming and members surviving below the poverty. It provided loan to all members without any collaterals. During the project period ADCS distributed fund to 103 farmers. Some 103 seed samples of the local origin had been grown. After the harvest farmers were asked to deposit 1.5 times seeds back to the seed bank.

This scheme had been operational with six female and one male group. The group members meet every month to deposit fees, discuss progress, discussion their problems and immediate future plans. A total of 237 female and 46 male members are directly benefited from the project activities. A total of 122 female and 28 male farmers have utilized loans for business purposes. The recent evaluation shows that ADCS has mobilized RS 414000 through its 150 members.

Implementation of the scheme
Through rigorous consultation the body decided to mobilize funds into three phases.
In the first phase, the amount given out ranged between RS 3000 and 5000. A total of RS 163000 loan was distributed to 35 members of seven female groups. In the second phase, 32 farmers were given RS 3000 each. This time also most farmers add up money from their part and invested for activities as above. The total sum invested on this phase was RS 96000. In the third phase, loans were provided to 36 farmers who in the same manner started their small scale activities. Each member was given between RS 4000 and 4500 which comes to a total amount of RS 159235. The amount given out had never been adequate to run a medium scale business or other income generation activities. Most farmers therefore add up large sum of money and invested for raising buffaloes, cattle, pig and goat. Some farmers also started retail shops. Thus seed money attracted farmers to initiate some business on their own.

Amount of diversity fund and entrepreneurship development
A separate discussion with 85 members from six different groups revealed that 32 members add up RS 517000 to run their own chosen business. These members used these loans in 20 different businesses. None of the members reported their business was a failure.

Aggregate effects of diversity fund
So far the project has landed out RS 414000 which accumulated additional RS 517000 from 85 members meaning that these members are actually running business worth RS 920906. If calculated proportionately for 150 members the business they have been running worth RS 1304780. The group interview revealed that these 85 members have so far earned RS 2320500. If estimated total economic transactions created by CB fund from 150 members it comes to a total of RS 4454330 from the seed money of RS 414000 initiated and mobilized through the ADCS

The group members have been benefited at varying degrees. The extent of success greatly varied according to the amount they make investment, the kind of business they had chosen and the extent they put their efforts into it. Of the 85 members interviewed 27 members secured the profit most who chose business of grocery shops, Clothes, Matheora, Bengal and Ornaments, Taadi Juice, Agrovets, machinery workshop and raising improved animal breeds. The businesses with little profit margin include cereal production, local goat, cattle and pig (Annex 1a, 1b). Out of 85 members interviewed in six groups 35 farmers have made at least RS 35000 profit happily shared that their business has greatly contributed to meet household needs.

Diversity fund support minorities and Dalit female
Project activities gave greater priority to address ethnic minorities, Dalits, economically deprived and socially excluded populations. It shows that more than 50% of the loan was provided to these groups while the lowest was for rich class farmers. The loan had changed lives of some members belonging to Dalit group. This scheme stimulated middle and richer households to mobilize their own money to increase economic activities locally.

Diversity fund scheme enhances diversity on-farm
Under this scheme farmers requesting for the loan are asked to grow one of the local varieties maintained in community seed bank. Out of 150 farmers, most of them taking loans grew one variety and returned 1.5 times more seed they had originally taken. This scheme has strengthened the maintenance of traditional varieties. Cultivation of traditional varieties which are also maintained in diversity blocks were used to inform neighboring farmers and visitors and breeders. It provided opportunity for different stakeholders to select varieties of their choices. All traditional varieties maintained in seed bank are grown every year to promote local adaptation and seed security for future use. ADCS modality that encourages for economic empowerment would help take possible risks attached with the cultivation of local varieties.

3. Community empowerment enhances diversity and livelihoods
Different activities that enhance capacity of the community members and local institutions are elaborated. The project activities targeted people of different categories of professions and age groups.

Strengthening institutional networking
To establish network the project took a series of initiatives which ended by bringing several likeminded institutions working in the area, region and nationally. As a result of seven years work experience with on-farm conservation project implemented by NARC and LI-BIRD developed foundation to continue with new initiatives contemplating diversity and livelihoods. Through discussion with local people and some employees of some NGOs operating locally it can be said that ADCS has already been established as a leader organization of that locality both in development and conservation initiatives. In addition to the expansion of community mobilization approach to other villages and districts, ADCS had been successful to get recognition from reputed donor and development organizations for its result oriented initiatives. USC Nepal, Med Nepal, Sahakarya Nepal, Rautahat based NGO (RRFDC), and USAID Nepal have been implementing projects in close consultation with the ADCS. It should not be over emphasized the extent LI-BIRD has been providing technical and managerial assistance to ADCS.

ADCS has established functional partnership with Government Agencies at local, regional and national levels. Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Agriculture Development Office, Rice Research Programs have helped ADCS in technical as well as managerial aspects. ADCS has received complementary fund from the Village Development Committee to strengthen Community Seed Bank.

Strengthening capacity of local institutions
In response to the project outputs ADCS realized a need to run a cooperative for three reasons a) help local people by providing goods and services under subsidy provisioned under government policy, b) organize and engage local people in income generation activities and c) mobilize and capitalize (local) resources to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and unhealthy living. Locally individuals and farmers groups can buy shares from the Cooperative.

Orientation and networking
To orient project objectives, working approach and expected outputs a day workshop was organized for local groups and institutions directly and indirectly related to the ADCS activities. Altogether 60 participants attended the workshop from six farmers groups, chair person and secretary of the Kachorwa Village Development Committee, representatives from district line agencies including LI-BIRD. The project leader briefed the project focal area and the expected cooperation from the concerned stakeholders.

Training on saving and credit scheme
Under the expansion program of the project outputs ADCS organized a two days training to 28 executive members of the newly formed farmers groups. During the period, trainees were oriented the importance of the project outputs for short and longer term benefits for a range of stakeholders including farmers, breeders and consumers. The participants were oriented about the ways community biodiversity fund is operational in other groups. Their interests were also assessed toward such conservation programs.

Monitoring and training on Local Cooperatives
ADCS in partnership with the District Cooperative Bara, a - day training was organized for 18 female and 15 male members. Deputy District Inspector Messrs Rakesh Luitel and Arabinda Yadhav provided the training. This training had been instrumental to materialize the local people aspiration of running a Local Cooperative.

Dissemination of project outputs and good practices
ADCS with technical assistance from LI-BIRD published 500 copies of a booklet entitled PURANO BIU ? NAYA PADDHATI. The booklet elaborates characters associated with traditional rice varieties important to food traditions, local adaptation and ethno-botanical knowledge.

Enhancing capacity of the ADCS
In line with the project objectives ADCS initiated to deliver good practices for wider adoption. It has been learned that project objectives are better achieved when implemented through local groups. A team of ADCS organized a series of workshops to form farmers groups. Towards the end of the project ADCS members expanded their group formation approach in neighboring villages. A total of four female and two male groups were formed where saving and credit scheme has been started. It is estimated that above RS 534032 principal fund created has been used to several income generation activities. Thus ADCS has got added responsibility to continue current initiatives despite project activities is ended under condition where no external fund is available.