Organic Farming

Michelle writes:
I had an interesting day, as we went to visit an organic farm owned by an American couple.
We asked Mithu, our home stay mother, how to get to the farm. As we looked across the valley, she said, "See the white house, there's a brown one, then see the one with the blue window in the lower corner, up the hill to the one with the round window." We never did spot the round window, but had the general idea as we set out.
Down the narrow winding road we walked, our hearts racing as we rounded corners with 50-75 foot drops. Trucks honked as they flew around the same corners spewing their diesel fumes.  We greeted passersby with "Namaste."

We came to a sign: "everything organic nursery," a 10-minute walk uphill or 2 km, then right 1 km. Opting for the uphill, we set off, winding up the steep slope past the waterways, concrete culverts for the monsoon season. Trail led into trail--which to take?  Uphill, the sign had said! Entering people's yards, I would ask, "organic farm?" The elderly woman would indicate with her hand and a smile "up and around." Onward, past the goats and cows, more terraces. At the next house, I asked the same question. "Up and around" came the response. They are so helpful and friendly! (Loving the Nepali people.) Came across women bathing at a water tap. "Organic farm?" Finally, someone spoke English and indicated down and around.  We had come too far up the hillside and needed to drop down to the main trail. "Where are you from?" she asked as we walked on. "America," I responded. There are more Europeans than American travelers here in Nepal, because it's a shorter flight.

Sure enough, down around the bend there was a main trail that a motorbike could navigate. We could see the "more western" stone house, complete with solar panels and nice large windows. We walked by the bleating goat, our landmark. The incessant wail had caught my attention earlier; I wondered what was causing so much discomfort--separation from his buddies, I guess.

Three men greeted us as we arrived at the nursery. One understood English. I explained that we were volunteering at Hasera and had come to see the farm. He went to get Roshan, the outreach in chrage (that's the title from his business card; spelling here is interesting). 

Roshan, a delightful man, gave us the grand tour as Jim had gone back to California  recently and Judy went to Kathmandu for the day. They are in their 70s and have lived in Nepal for 35+ years, returned to the states for 5, but then came back 3 years ago to start this nursery. Wow, impressive what they have done in 3 years, with the help of 12 Nepali gardeners. A mix of trees, shrubs and forbs, beautifully landscaped terraces, color abounding. Everything labeled, genus and species, common name, country of origin, appealing to the western mind.

 
 

They had originally focused on vegetable varieties not common to Nepal. Now with one full time grafter, they are experimenting with fruit and nut trees from around the world. They are looking to develop a new niche in the agricultural market. Almond trees from many countries are being tested. Farmers wanting to take a risk can buy young almond trees hoping for a big payoff down the road. The nursery does offer free classes and workshops. Almonds are very expensive here and could yield a great return in this lush agricultural environment. 

We were given samples of raspberries and cherry tomatoes as we wandered around looking at almond, kiwi, grape, strawberry, blackberry, peach, pear, cherry, apple, asparagus, many varieties of squash, purple peppers, and herbs. They are experimenting with various methods of pest control, some working better than others.

They invited us to join them for their mid-day meal: milk tea, garbanzo bean curry with rice, and a snack item of dried noodles, peas, with spices. Starchy food is plentiful here! Where's the beano?
We had an easy walk back, and stopped for a cold soda along the roadway. 25 cents for a 7-Up in a well-worn reusable glass bottle. Life moves at a slower pace here in the heat. Walking and resting make the day enjoyable as one goes about one's business!