Economics of Organic Finger Millet Farming and Its Contribution to Rural Livelihood: A Case of Dolakha District, Nepal

Abstract

Purpose: Finger millet is important food crop for ensuring food and nutrition security of smallholder farmers
in the hilly area of Nepal. It is widely grown in the eastern hills and mid-western region. This research was
conducted to assess the economic viability of organic finger millet farming and its contribution to livelihood of
farmers at Dolakha district of Nepal.
Methods: Simple random sampling was done to select 60 finger millet growers from the list of millet growers at
Baiteshwor Rural Municipality, Dolakha, Nepal. The field survey was done using set of structured questionnaires
as well as check-list to perform semi-structured interview to collect primary information whereas secondary
information was collected from relevant publications.
Results: Result showed the benefit-cost (BC) ratio of greater than one (1.26) and positive gross margin of NRs.
13676 per hectare indicating the financial viability of organic finger millet production. Moreover, it is revealed
that the average net income from the sale of processed value-added alcoholic beverages made from one-kilogram
grain was NRs.102; the average price of one-kilogram grain was calculated NRs. 54. In addition, the average
partial food availability from finger millet was calculated 2010 kilocalories per hectare per person per day which
showed its contribution to household food security. Lack of technical knowledge (I=0.83) was, however, identified
as the first major problem associated with finger millet farming.
Conclusion: Organic finger millet cultivation could support the livelihood and food security of rural farm
households, especially the marginal farmers of hilly regions of Nepal, provided, technical support is available from
the government in production, value addition, and marketing by integrating into the mainstream of agricultural
development.