by Prem Raj Bhatt, Mosharaf Hossain, Swati Nayak
- IRRI and BAYER are working together to advance rice self-sufficiency in Nepal through the ScaleDirect Project
- Direct seeding is a rice establishment methodology optimized through new varieties and technologies
- DSR can help Nepalese farmers improve yields and livelihoods and make rice farming more sustainable and climate-friendly
Nepal — In the rural landscapes of Western Nepal, a quiet agricultural transformation is underway. Direct-seeded rice, or DSR, a traditional rice cultivation enhanced by scientific knowledge and innovation, is bringing environmental and economic benefits to local rice farmers. With support from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and BAYER Crop Science, farmers are testing new varieties to boost yields, lower costs, and enhance climate resilience.
Addressing Nepal’s rice challenges
Nepal, with a population of 30 million, has one of the highest per-capita rice consumption rates globally, averaging 138 kg per person per year. Yet, the country produces just 3.8 tons of rice per hectare and spends nearly $322 million annually on rice imports to meet domestic demand. Achieving self-sufficiency in rice production has become a national priority, and DSR has emerged as a promising solution.
Rice direct seeding involves directly sowing seeds into the field, rather than transplanting seedlings from nurseries as is done in widespread traditional rice farming. The modernized direct-seeding approach, however, includes improved DSR-specific rice varieties, advanced seed drills, and enhanced weed management, making it more attractive to farmers looking for ways to address labor shortages, reduce water usage, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The ScaleDirect Project
A joint effort by IRRI and Bayer, the ScaleDirect Project is introducing DSR-optimized rice varieties to farmers in Nepal. The project operates in two key clusters, one in the Madesh Province and another in Western Nepal, where varieties like Hardinath 3, Hardinath 5, Hardinath 6, Ghaya 3, and Hardinath Hybrid 1 are undergoing extensive testing including farmer’s varieties.
Based on the unique circumstances associated with DSR in the country, the project included (a) varietal dialogue and nomination from NARES centres; (b) community mobilization; (c) linking with seed drill machine services; (d) provision of DSR-suitable varieties; (e) weed management practices; and (f) seed scaling of DSR-appropriate varieties through different channel partners.
The project’s on-farm evaluation activities were operationalized in collaboration with national and local government agencies like the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Agriculture Knowledge Centers, and the Agriculture Research Farms. Other project partners included agriculture cooperatives, local seed companies, agro vets, the Faculty of Agriculture, Far West University, and custom-hire service provider entrepreneurs.
So far, ScaleDirect has conducted 15 adaptive trials with over 50 participating farmers, particularly in the Bardiya region. The trials assess various aspects of rice cultivation, including weed resistance and early vigour, to identify the most promising varieties for DSR and upland environments. In addition to the trials, the project has organized cluster demonstrations on 31 hectares with 92 farmers, offering education on DSR methods and best agronomic practices.
Empowering farmers and strengthening the seed supply
IRRI is also helping to build a resilient seed supply system by collaborating with NARC, agriculture cooperatives, seed laboratories, and local seed companies to scale up the production of DSR-suitable rice varieties. The project facilitates technical orientation on seed production and access to early-generation seeds.
This year, IRRI Nepal facilitated the production of over 13 metric tons of foundation seeds for varieties like Hardinath 4, Hardinath 5, Hardinath 6, and Ghaiya 3 collaborating with formal seed producer institutions. The program also included training for farmers on seed production and marketing whereby three seed production trainings were conducted with 83 participants, 35% being women.
Overcoming challenges and hurdles
Despite the benefits, DSR adoption in Nepal is not without challenges. Farmers face limited access to seed drill machines, controlled irrigation, and effective weed control solutions. The timing of weedicide application is a particular hurdle, as traditional practices sometimes lead to missed windows for optimal weed control. Additionally, service providers often prioritize their own fields over those of more distant clients, creating unequal access to equipment.
IRRI and local stakeholders recognize these obstacles and are working to improve extension services and support to increase DSR adoption. Government officials and agricultural researchers who recently visited DSR trial sites applauded the project’s approach, acknowledging the potential for significant benefits to the region’s rice sector.
A sustainable way forward for rice
The DSR system is proving to be a sustainable and climate-friendly farming method, reducing carbon emissions, lowering labor costs, and allowing farmers to cultivate rice in less time. This technology also empowers women in rural communities, promotes commercial farming, and supports Nepal’s larger goals for self-sufficiency.
For farmers in Western Nepal, the shift to DSR represents more than just a change in technique. it’s an opportunity for greater economic security and resilience in the face of climate change. With initiatives like ScaleDirect, Nepal is planting the seeds of a brighter, more self-sufficient agricultural future.
