Junar in Nepal

JICA, Nepal Junar Development in Nakajholi, Sindhuli Disrict, Nepal: A inception Report Dipak Prasad Koirala Brief Introduction of Nepal: Nepal is Situated in the lap of the Himalayas, It is located between the latitude 26˚ 22' N to 30˚ 27' North and longitude 80˚ 4' E to 88˚ 12' East, and elevation ranges from 100 to 8848 meters. Nepal is a tiny country with average length being 885 km east to west and the average breadth 193 km from north to south, covering area of 1,47,180 Sq. km.. The country is bordered between the two most popular countries in the world, India in the East, South, and West, and China in the North. Though Nepal is a land locked and tiny, it is known in the world as country of natural beauty with traces of artifacts and the birth place of the light of Asia- lord Buddha. Location of Nepal between India and China Sindhuli District The country is the divided into 5 development regions, 14 zones and 75 districts. Geographically, the country is divided in three regions; Mountain, Hill and Terai. The Northern range (Himalayas) is covered with snow over the year where the highest peak of the world, the Mount Everest, stands. Nepal possesses the geographic diversity and varied climatic conditions where 20.5 million people of more than 60 caste and ethnic groups are accommodated. The country's estimated population growth is 2.3 per annum. Agriculture, The back bone of Nepalese economy engages over 66% of the total population, contributing for 40%of the national GDP . out of the total area: 30,91,000 ha. lands are cultivated and 10,30,000 ha. lands are uncultivated. out of cultivated area, 10,31,137 ha. lands are under irrigation till the year 2005/2006, 2.7 millions holdings, average holding size of 0.96 ha. A part from rice being the main staple production crops in the country. vegetable are growth at homesteads for local consumption through out the country and with concentrations of mark production around the major cities, in the mid hills and Terai in the smooth .Nepal imports 67% of its vegetable consumption and 85 % of its fruits consumption. Horticulture contributes about 13% of the agriculture growth rate . it contributes 14% of total agriculture GDP high value crops account fo 80% of the total cropped area. share which different types of fruit production in Nepal, Citrus 25%,Tropical 57%, Temperate 18% . Introduction of Junar (Sweet Orange) Junar is a citrus species nutritious fruit. It is being commercially cultivated in 42 V.D.C. of Sindhuli District. and 6 VDC of Ramechap district. It is cultivated in places with altitudes of 800 to 1300 meter along the Mahabharata range. Scientifically this is proved as the appropriate area and altitude for Junar farming. The Junar tree starts bearing flowers in April and the fruit is ready from December and can be enjoyed till the end of April. And it is scientifically known as Citrus Sine sis. junar is a juicy fruit having easily separable 10 segments of pulps. It is yellow to orange reddish in color and rich in flavor. The shape of the fruit is globose or ovate and sub-globose but it is normally an apex round with slightly depressed in base round. Current picture of production and marketing of junar Sindhuli district Ramechap District Nom of farmers HH 3125 1175 No. of co-operative 28 2 No. of farmers group 13 11 Area under Junar cultivation (Ha) 1500.5 1087 Productive area (Ha) 742 970 Production (Mt) 12481 12125 Productivity ( Mt/Ha) 16.8 12.5 Estimated production in coming season 10 to 15% More to the present situation 5 to 10% More to the present situation Institutional support Japanese government, Embassy of Japan in Nepal support 360 Mt. capacity of cold storage house for junar. Sindhuli junar development Association and agriculture perspective plan support project (APPSP) have lunched some program to enhance junar development in this district . The government of Nepal had lunched OVOP junar program in the community fiscal year 2006 . Problems of Junar farmers:- Sindhuli is a mountainous district and has been affected by lot of natural and climatic calamities. The land in the district is not very fertile hence more than two third of the population are directly or indirectly dependent on Junar. With little or no irrigations production of other crops are nominal. The economic condition of Junar farmer is very poor. Specially junar farmers are directly affected due to lake of proper Junar technician and those who are junar technician are not sufficient in both knowledge and numbers. The available technician are leak of knowledge in junar . The junar had special case and support of technical and natural. The government is not able to look after the production of junar whatever are produced in junar is not proper market and people are themselves unaware about the junar due to leak of knowledge in test of junar obiviouery, the market of fruit is growing tremendously. hens the government should pay the fall attention by the concept of cooperative coordination among the various cooperatives , Sindhuli District: Sindhuli district lies in the hilly region of Eastern Nepal. Though, a valley having a sub tropical climate also lies in the central part of the district, which is now the political and economical center of the district. Thus the altitude ranges from 460 m msl to up 3000 m msl. The climatic pockets also vary accordingly. The annual temperature of the district is 25° C and it gains 250-300 mm annual rainfall on average. Annual maximum and minimum temperatures vary according to the altitude. About 90% population of the country wholly or partially depend on agriculture for their livelihood. District has a total of 39,485 ha of cultivable land out of which, 12,550 ha of land enjoys access to irrigation. Table 1: Land use pattern of the District (Ha. ) land Catqagory Cultivated Fallow Pasture Forest Others Total High hill 0 0 0 70 0 0 Mid hill 17116 13349 1110 62043 1409 95027 Chure Range 22369 6012 304 116017 7910 152612 Total 39485 19361 1414 178130 9319 247709 Source: District Development Committee, Sindhuli 1. Profile of Nakajholi Community: 1.1. Nakajholi lies in the northern hilly part of the district at elevation range from 900 to 1100 m msl. It is connected with an all-weather agriculture road to the National highway, which is in final Phase of construction. Total population of the community is 613 out of which male population is 368 and female is 356 Table 2: Demographic structure of the case community Description Population 2001 Population 2009 (Growth rate 2.23% ) Total population 534 724 Male 276 368 Female 258 356 Gender ratio 50.83 M Total house hold no. 96 100 Average population in household 6 7.24 Literacy rate (%) 41 68.79 Source: Village Development Committee Ethnically speaking, 60% population belongs to Janajatis while Bramhins and Chhetris comprise 25%. About 10% are Dalits (Lower caste) and remaining 5% belong to other castes eg Newars. 65% people wholly depend on agriculture for their livelihood while 30% engage themselves in agriculture partially. Rest of their time goes for non agriculture sector. Remaining 5% population is wholly dependent on non agriculture sector. 1.2. The case community holds 753 ropanies of cultivable land, most of which is climatically very suitable for Junar production. Vegetables and other fruits like pomegranate and pear also suits the climatic and topographic conditions of the land. The community holds 156 ha of community forests owned and run by the community through Community Forest User Group (CFUG). Many herbal and medicinal plants are being cultivated in these forests. Since community members of the case community have a high literacy rate than that of national population, social harmony and awareness and willingness to adapt new technologies is also accordingly high. 1.3. Community members have formed many women groups, community forest user groups, saving groups, school management team and a Junar cooperative at community level. These groups meet weekly and discuss the immediate concerns regarding social or economical issues and resolve these issues. Every member is obligated to take part in the activities planned to be performed by the concerning group. For example, such activities might be mending of crumbled community managed roads or irrigation channels, clearing the community forests, settling minor disputes over any social issues, marketing of junar and other agro products etc. In case of Junar, the community follows a yearly work plan of OVOP Program which is a public Private Partnership program, jointly run by the Government of Nepal and the local entrepreneurs. The community members are involved from planning to execution of the OVOP junar program in the community 2. Developmnet of Junar in the community Junar or sweet orange, scientifically known as Citrus seinsis, is being commercially cultivated in 42 VDCs of Sindhuli district. 3185 families with approximately 22100 people are directly involved in junar farming. It is cultivated between altitude ranges of 800 to 1300 m along the Mahabharata range. Junar cultivation started in Nepal since 1909 non-commercially. Then the government initiated program for development of citrus fruits in Nepal. The Government with technical and financial support of JICA established Dhankuta Centre to execute citrus research in Nepal. Junar fruit produced in Sindhuli was taken notice of and research was started by a JICA volunteer Mr.Y.J.Tomasyu in1985 Then seeing the commercial viability of the fruit, nursery establishment was started at local level. Later, with the help of government aid and private investment Junar started being planted widely in the district with commercial view. In B.S.2042, his late Majesty King Birendra announced this district as a Junar production area. There are now 14 commercial nurseries established. In technical cooperation and grant aid of the government of Japan have lunched Horticulture development project. phase I since1985-1990, phase II since1992–1997, follow up program since 1997- 1999 , the objectives of this project are mentioned as follows : • The primary objectives of the project is to develop fruit production particularly in hilly areas through technological development, training and extension to contributing to the promotion of horticulture development in Nepal . • On the completion of project the following achievement have been gained .The project have been contributing for the promotion of Junar cultivation and production of quality fruits from beginning of the project. collection of germplasm, selection of sustainable root-stock, time and method of grafting, root stuck management, nursery established, plant management technique, fruit thinning, plant protection, harvest and storage techniques, grading of fruit and storage trial has done . Nakajholi was one of the areas where commercial junar farming was started. It is still one of the four major junar producing pockets in the district. For commercialization of the fruit, Junar Development Association formed in B.S. 2051 by the financial aid of Government of Nepal and Japanese volunteers Tomasyu of JICA. Since Fiscal Year 2005/06, One Village One Product (OVOP) program has been started in the community along with many other pocket areas of the district covering 2 VDCs. The program primarily focuses on improved orchard management of the established orchards and value addition of the product such as sorting, grading and packaging at local level and marketing under OVOP brand name. In Nakajholi, the Junar Development Association, of which, I am the president, has done following activities. - Farmers Group Formation. - Provide Technical support for farmers - organize training, workshop and awareness program about Citrus farming - land planning for farming, fruit storage and marketing support - Co-ordination with GO, NGO, INGO and support to farmers Marketing, farming & income generating program. 2.1. There were 6 visits of the community with my involvement in the last month (the month 2.2. of July 2009). The last visit was made on 29th. 2.2. The activities performed during the visit and the outcomes are as follows: 2.2.1. July 29, 2009 2.2.2. With me, the Secretary of Sindhuli Junar Development Association (Mr. Nirmal Kumar Ramtel) and Fruit Development Officer (Mr. Gobhardhan Adhikari) of District Agriculture Development Office, Sindhuli visited the Nakajholi community that day. 2.2.3. We had separate meetings with the Chairman of Namuna Junar Producer Co-operative Ltd., Mr. Hasta Bahadur Mashrangi, Tresurer Mr. Sher bahadur magar, Board Member Mr. Chet Bahadur Purbachane and owner of the largest orchard in the community Mr Jhalak BahaduR Astani Magar that day. 2.2.4. Following were the topics we discussed about: Plant Quality Enhancement: Nursery Selection and Plantation Formulation of Program Planning for the FY 2066/67 Marketing Plan for the next season (2066) Infrastructure Development (Road, Collection center, cellar stores, irrigation) Other regular activities (Saving, credit, other social issues) 3 Outcome: The Organization members and the community members planned for some activities and performed those activities accordingly in perfect coordination and harmony. Those were: 3-1 Plant Quality Enhancement -Planned Infrastructure Development (Road, Collection center, cellar stores, irrigation facility)-Planed 3-2 Nursery Selection and Plantation -Done Formulation of Program Planning for the FY 2066/67-Done Marketing Plan for the next season (2066)-Done Other regular activities (Saving, credit, other social issues)-Done Experience: I would like to inform about my experience about junar. Junar is a nutritious fruit belonging to citrus species. Junar is being commercially cultivated in 42 V.D.C. in Sindhuli. Major pocket areas are Ratanchura, Baseshwor, Tinkanya, Bitijor, Jalakanya. The commercialization had taken some momentum since initiation of OVOP program. The market oriented and farmers designed plans and activities performed with active coordination of concerning Central to District level bodies of both the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives/GON the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the apex body of Nepalese private sector has transformed junar farmers economic standards. The involvement of JICA in capacity enhancement of the concerned farmers and technicians is also one of the factors behind the success of the program. On behalf of the community and the association, I would like to request more intensive support especially in technical support and brand establishment from all the concerned agencies.

illage Development Committees (VDC's)

Village Development Committees (VDC's) Map of the VDC's in Sindhuli District * Amale * Arun Thakur * Bahuntilpung * Balajor * Baseshwor * Bastipur * Belghari * Bhadrakali * Bhiman * Bhimeshwor * Bhimsthan * Bhuwaneshor Gwaltar * Bitijor Bagaincha * Dadiguranshe * Dudbhanjyang * Dudhouli * Hariharpur Gadhi * Harsahi * Hatpate * Jalkanya * Jarayotar * Jhangajholi Ratmata * Jinakhu * Kakur Thakur * Kalpabrishykha * Kamalamai * Kapilakot * Khang Sang * Kholagaun * Kuseswor Dumja * Kyaneshwor * Ladabhir * Lampantar * Mahadevdada * Mahadevsthan * Mahendrajhayadi * Majuwa * Netrakali * Nipane * Pipalmadi * Purano Jhangajholi * Ranibas * Ranichauri * Ratamata * Ratnachura * Ratnawati * Santeswori * Siddheswori * Sirthouli * Sitalpati * Solpathana * Sunam Pokhari * Tamajor * Tandi * Tinkanya * Tosramkhola * Tribhuvan Ambote

Historical Importance

This place has a huge historic significance. The sindhuli Gadhi in Sindhuli is the place where British Soldiers were defeated for the first time in Asia in 1767A.D . The British under the leadership of Captain Kinloch came to help the then ruler of Kathmandu, Jai Prakash Malla against the attack of Prithvi Naraya Shah. The Gurkha soldiers were familiar with the terrain and they utilized it to the fullest. The british army had advanced weapons like guns and cannons whereas the Gurkha were with bows arrows, spears etc. But the Gurkhas fought bravely and defeated the British. The british ran for their life leaving behind the weapons they brought together with them. Some of these weapons can still be found in Sindhuli Gadhi. facts about sindhuli district -it is the only one district touching many districts -It is famous for junar production.so,also known as junar district

Culture in Nepal

Nepal Culture


Nepal is very rich in its culture and traditions.

Language
As per 2001 census, at least 92 different living languages are spoken in Nepal, though other studies list 123 living languages.

Religion
The 2001 census identified 80.6% of the population as Hindu and Buddhism was practiced by about 11% of the population (although many people labelled Hindu or Buddhist often practice a syncretic blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and/or animist traditions). About 4.2% of the population is Muslim and 3.6% of the population follows the indigenous Kirant religion. Christianity is practiced officially by less than 0.5% of the population. Hindu and Buddhist traditions in Nepal go back to more than two millennia. In Lumbini, Buddha was born, and Pashupatinath temple, Kathamandu, is an old and famous Shiva temple of Hindus. Nepal has several other temples and Buddhist monasteries as well as places of worship of other religious groups.



Festivals and Celebrations

Nepal has several festivals which are celebrated throughout the year. If you are in Nepal during these festivals enjoy a lot. Some of the Popular festivals in Nepal are as follows :



Mata Tirtha Snan (Mother's Day)
This is one of the widely celebrated festivals that falls on the first month, Baisakh (April/May), of the Nepali Year.It is also called Mata Tirtha Aunsi as it falls on a new moon night. It is Nepalese Mothers Day and on this festivals all the children gather together in mothers place to visit mother and express their love to the mother. Giving gifts to the mother, cooking good food to mom are famous activities.



Buddha Jayanti
This day is celebrated to mark the birthday of the Lord Buddha which dates back in about 543 BC.It falls on Jestha Purnima (Full moon night-May/June).



Ghanta Karna Chaturdasi
This festival celebrates the exorcism of the mythical demon Ghantakarna.It is also called Gathemangal festival which falls on trayodashi of the month Shrawan (July/August).



Janai Purnima,Rakshya Bandhan
Janai Purnima is the festival of Sacred Thread.On this day every Hindu ties a sacred thread on the wrist.It is also called Rakshya Bandhan.On this day, there is a big Mela (fair) at Khumbeshwor, Lalitpur.It is again on a full moon night.



Gaijatra
The festival of "Gai Jatra" (the procession of cows) which is one of the most popular festivals, is generally celebrated in the Nepalese month of Bhadra (August-September).This festival has its roots in the belief that the god of death, Yamaraj, must be feared and hence worshipped.



Shree Krishna Janmastami
Sri Krishna Janmastami marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna. This festival is also known as Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami. Lord Krishna is regarded as the 8th avatar or 'incarnation' of Lord Vishnu.It falls on Saptami of Bhadra (August/September).



Gokarna Aunsi (Father's Day)
The most auspicious day to honour one's father is Gokarna Aunsi . It falls on the dark fortnight of Bhadra or in August or in early September.It is also known as Kuse Aunsi.



Teej Ko Darkhane Din
"Teej" is the fasting festival for women. Through this religious fasting, hindu women pray for marital bliss, wellbeing of their spouse and children and purification of their own body and soul. It takes place on Tritiya of Bhadra (August/September).



Indrajatra(Holiday Only in Kathmandu)
This festival falls in the end of Bhadra (August/September). Both Hindus and Buddhists unite to celebrate the festival of Indra Jatra with great enthusiasm.



Dashain Holidays
During the month of Kartik in the Bikram Sambat calendar (late September and early October), the Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese of all caste and creed throughout the country. The fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon.



Tihar Holidays
Tihar, the festival of lights is one of the most dazzling of all Hindu festivals. In this festival we worship Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth. It heralds the month of Kartik (October/November) starting with Kukur Puja-Narak Chaturdashi.



Maghe Sankranti
Maghe Sankranti is the beginning of the holy month of Magh, usually the mid of January. It brings an end to the ill-omened month of Poush (mid-december) when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. Even if it is considered the coldest day of the year, it marks the coming of warmer weather and better days of health and fortune.



Shree Panchami
This festival falls in mid Magh (January/February).It is celebrated as the birthday of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning. She is the lily-white daughter of Shiva and Durga in spotless white robe and seated in a full-blown lotus.
This day is also dedicated to the martyrs of Nepal and hence celebrated as Martyr's Day.



Maha Shiva Ratri
This day is the celebration dedicated to the Lord Shiva which falls on the Trayodashi of the month Fagun (February/March).



Fagun Purnima (Holi)
The ancient Hindu festival of Holi falls on late February or on early March. Allegedly named after the mythical demoness Holika, it is a day when the feast of colours is celebrated. The festival is of a week. However, it's only the last day that is observed by all with colours.



Ghode Jatra
Ghode Jatra, the Horse Racing Day falls on Darhsa Shrad Aunsi of the month Chaitra (March/April). A grand horse parade takes place at Tundikhel, the central point of the city reputed to have been in the former days the largest parade ground in Asia.



Shree Ram Nawami
Ram Nawami is celebrated in the mid of Chaitra (March/April) as Lord Ram's Birthday. It is celebrated with much pomp at Janaki temple in Janakpur city, which lies in southern Nepal.



Chaite Dashain
Chaite Dasain used to be the original day of the grand Dasain festival (which takes place exactly six months later now), but because people got their stomachs upset after feasting on spicy food during the warm month of Chaitra, the grand celebration was shifted to the cooler season. But the religious fervor is still evident in the celebrations of the day.



Gaura Parva
Gaura Parva is another celebration honoring Lord Krishna's birthday. It is celebrated in far western Nepal with much gusto for two days (August/September). Apart from the many ceremonies that happen during this festival, it is the occasion for married women to put on the sacred thread. The deuda dance is a major part of the festivities in which participants hold hands and form a circle as they step to traditional music.



Gunla
Gunla is a sacred month dedicated to Lord Buddha. This festival commemorates the auspicious "rains retreat" when the Buddha, over 2,500 years ago, led his close disciples into solitary meditation and preached to them the essence of his principles.



Guru Purnima
Teachers come second (after the gods) in the Hindu hierarchy of respect. The full moon day of the month June/July is set aside for students to pay homage to their teachers and receive blessings from them in return. At a place called Vyas on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, special worship is performed to Maharishi Vyas, the saint who wrote the great Hindu epic, Mahabharat. For Buddhists, the occasion (Dilla Punhi) is sacred as the day when the Buddha-to-be entered the womb of Queen Mayadevi. Religious functions are held at monasteries and temples to commemorate the event.



Lhosar
Lhosar is the Tibetan New Year which falls on February/March. This festival is mast impressively observed by all the Tibetan-speaking populations. They organize folk songs and dances on this occasion. These dances can be seen in Khumbu, Helambu and other northern regions of Nepal and also at Boudhanath in Kathmandu.



Rato Macchendranath Jatra
(Begins on the full moon day of Baisakh)This is the longest as well as the most important festival of Patan. It begins with several days of ceremonies and the fabrication of a wooden-wheeled chariot at Pulchowk, near the Ashoka Stupa.

Sita Vivaha Panchami
This festival, commemorating the marriage of Sita to Ram, is particularly celebrated in Janakpur. Each year in Janakpur, idols of Ram and sita are brought out in bright processions and their Hindu wedding ceremony is enacted.

History of Nepal

One can probably say that Nepal is as old as the Himalayas, when a great lake filled the Kathmandu Valley. One legend holds that this lake was drained by a thunderbolt thrown against the walls of the Valley by the Hindu god Krishna. Another claims it was drained by the patriarch Manjushri as he wanted to get a closer look at a Swayambhu or Adhi-buddha, the beautiful lotus flower resting on the lake.

The Chronology of Nepalese History :

About the tenth century B.C : Neolithic tools from Ramechap

About the eighth century B.C : Shepherd Kings in Kathmandu

About the seventh century B.C : Probable establishment of the Kirantis in the valley of Kathmandu; beginning of their dynasty.

544-464 B.C = Buddha (born in Nepal).

250 B.C : Visit of the Emperor Ashoka; probable foundation of Patan

Second to ninth century A.D. : Lichavi dynasty, and the birth of Nepalese art.

463-505 A.D : Reign of Manadeva

588-621: 'De facto' reign of Amshuvarma

Ninth to eleventh centuries: Thakuris dynasty.

About 1200: Beginning of the Malla dynasty.

1260-1300: Arniko spreads Nepalese art to Tibet and China.

1349: Devastating Moslem raid into the valley of Kathmandu.

1400: Codification of the caste system in Nepal

1482: The Kingdom is divided into four by Yaksha Malla.

1618-1661: Reign of Siddhi Narsing (Patan).

1641-1674: Reign of Pratap Malla (Kathmandu).

1696-1722: Reign of Bhupatindra Malla (Bhadgaon).

1768: Unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan, King of Gorkha, and beginning of Shah dynasty.

1792: War with Tibet; Treaty of Nawakot with China; English mission in Kathmandu

1815: Anglo-Nepalese war; Treaty of Sugauli.

1806-1837: Prime minister Bhimsen Thapa

1846: Jang Bahadur establishes the full power of the Ranas (Prime Ministers).

1850: First visit of a Nepalese statesman, Jang Bahadur, to England and France.

1854: War with Tibet

1901-1928: Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher.

1934: Powerful earthquake; many temples are damaged.

1949: Nepal begins to open its frontiers to foreigners.

1951: King Tribhuvan puts an end to the Rana dictatorship.

1955-1972: Reign of King Mahendra.

1972: King Birendra accedes to the throne.

February 1975: Coronation of King Birendra.

People of Nepal

Nepal is a country where there are people of different origin and different beliefs but they are all living together in peace and harmony under the canopy of Nepalese sentiment.

The multicultural diversity is Nepal's one of the unique asset.

Why visit Nepal?

If you haven't plan a visit to Nepal but you are planning to go somewhere then why not Nepal ? Nepal is a best travel destination for people of all ages, people of all types and people of different interests because Nepal has everything to offer for all you. Here I have tried to highlight why Nepal is unique and how can you revitalize your mind, body and heart after you visit to Nepal and make it the remarkabale one.

Are you ready ?

Fasten your seat belts now we are going to start ...............

Nepal is a abode of Gods where culture has frozen in the time and space. The only country where you will find millions of God, Nepal has the only Living Goddess in the planet.

Lets categorize the Nepal's uniqueness and try to look upon each category.

Time in Nepal

Nepal is 15 mintues ahead of Indian standard time, more as a symbol of political independence rather than any actual time difference.

Nepal time is two hours and fifteen minutes behind Chinese/tibet time (three hours and fifteen mintues April-Sept.) and five hours and 45 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

When it's noon in Kathmandu it's 0615 in Londong; 0115 in New York; 2215 the preceding evening in Los Angeles.

As does much of Asia, Nepal has its own concept of time: "rubber time", some call it. Scheduled events invariably start 30 minutes or an hour late, bus rides are always longer than you expect, and bholi-parsi is the common phrase for when something will get done. It is advisable to keep checking up on your travel agent or whomever, and also to keep a sense of humor about it all.

Business Hours:

Government offices and many business offices operate 0900-1700. Most shops are open 1000-2000 or later. Bank hours are Sun-Thurs 1000-1430, Fri 1000-1230.

Saturday has been the weekly holiday since Chandra Shansher Rana proclaimed it in the 1920s. Being an inauspicious day, its considered better to stay at home and do puja than go to work. Most stores and businesses are closed on Saturdays, leaving little to do in town. Aside from this there are plenty of holidays, the biggest being Dashain.

Government urged to ensure access to justice to victims of caste based discrimination, gender based violence

The National Dalit Commission (NDC), the National Women Commission of Nepal (NWC) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) have expressed their serious concern about reports of caste based discrimination and gender-based violence, as well as problems of access to justice, threats and impunity following a joint mission in Siraha district.

"The mission was informed that many incidents of caste-based discrimination and gender-based violence in Siraha district are not prosecuted but are mediated locally and that sometimes the work of the Nepal Police comes under political pressure," read a joint statement released by the NDC, NWC and OHCHR on Thursday.

According to the statement, the mission also received reports of threats directed at some lawyers and human rights defenders (HRDs)including women human rights defenders (WHRDs), or their family members, when they seek to engage on those issues.

"The situation raises serious human rights concerns" emphasised the joint press statement, adding, "Dalit women are especially vulnerable and at risk. We urge the Government of Nepal to act immediately to ensure access to justice for all individuals, especially to victims of these serious violations, consistent with national laws and international human rights standards."

A team consisting of eight members from three organisations including the Chairperson of NDC, Bijul Kumar Bishwokarma, the Commissioner of NWC, Manju Kumari Yadav, and the Head of Biratnagar Field Office of OHCHR-Nepal, Patrick Rooney, concluded the joint fact finding mission this week.

The mission team met with HRDs, WHRDs, families of victims, Nepal Bar Association, civil society, government authorities including Nepal police of Siraha district.

The three organisations said the main objective of the mission was to understand the situation in the district, especially in relation to caste-based discrimination and gender-based violence, and to follow up on specific cases.

Government to distribute MRP by December end

The government is planning to distribute Machine Readable Passports (MRP)s by the end of this December.

The government is working to distribute the MRP from the districts to minimise the obstacles faced by the public in the course of obtaining their passports, Harish Chandra Ghimire, assistant spokesman at Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) told Karobar business daily.

He also informed that the ministry has been discussing with Ministry of Law and Justice, Home Ministry, Finance Ministry among others on the smooth distribution of MRP from the districts itself.

Due to the delay in distribution of MRP, the government asked the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to extend the deadline for it till December 31, 2010.

Nepal had missed the first deadline (1st April) in the wake of controversy over the government's decision to award the MRP printing contract to India without following due procedures.

The government had cancelled the MRP contract with India on 11 April amid accusations of shady deal and the announcement of a nationwide general strike.

After the introduction of MRP, the distribution of hand-written passport will be stopped.

US Ambassador congratulates CNN Hero Koirala

US Ambassador to Nepal Scott DeLisi welcomed CNN Hero of the Year Anuradha Koirala to the US Embassy Wednesday morning where the embassy employees greeted Koirala upon her arrival.

Ambassador DeLisi congratulated Koirala and the entire staff of Maiti Nepal for winning the award and praised their work rescuing and rehabilitating victims of trafficking, a press statement issued by the US Embassy said.

Annuradha Koirala (File photo)
Anuradha Koirala
(File photo)
Ambassador DeLisi noted that the award is a testament to Koirala's remarkable achievement, but it is also a call to action to the rest of the world that human trafficking must be fought by governments, but also by vigilant communities and dedicated organisations such as Maiti Nepal.

On the occassion, both the US Ambasador and Koirala welcomed the Nepal government's commitment to combating human trafficking and expressed their hope that the government would move quickly and vigorously to prosecute those who have been arrested for their trafficking activities.

Nepse lands into red zone

The Nepse (Nepal Stock Exchange) has lost 2.54 points to end at 398.88 points on Thursday-the closing day of weekly share transaction.

The benchmark index continued to move into the red zone throughout this week.

Of the six groups that participated in today's trading, five groups except insurance groups saw their respective sub indices going down.

The shareholders of the insurance group were the lone gainers of the day as it inclined by 0.57 points to end at 481.88 points.

The sub-indices of development bank, others, hydropower, commercial bank and finance groups also recorded a loss of 6.04 points, 4.7 points, 4.1 points, 1.77 points and 0.47 point to end at 381.26 points, 522.86 points, 697.28 points, 358.49 points and 346.4 points respectively.

The sensitive index - which measures the performance of Group A companies - also saw a loss of 0.75 point to end at 97.62 points.

The capital market today traded 83,899 shares and 76 scrips worth Rs 21,038,432 in 1,545 transactions.

Yoga becoming popular in Nepal

Though Yoga is significant for human beings to remain away from ailments and maintain a healthy life, people belonging to the rural parts in Biratnagar of Morang district are still not aware about its benefits, reports national news agency RSS.

The practice is that people approach doctors only after mental pressure culminates due to the affliction of disease. Yoga practice and camp is the final destination for people with diseases, who do not get relief even after having medicine for a long time on doctor's advice.

People's attraction towards Yoga is nominal due to difficulty in time management and lack of proper knowledge for practice, however adopting Yoga as life style does not cost much.

Despite this, locals in Biratnagar have increased their likeliness to Yoga after the Indian TV channel-Ashtha-started airing various programmes highlighting the significance of Yoga and the way to adopt it in daily life.

Yoga, which was enormously practiced by virtuous souls (sagas) in the ancient time, has now become an important part of the lives of people. With the telecast of Yoga programme, the number of people practicing Yoga in the morning has increased here day by day.

The Yoga has been proved to be a boon for the people here since its short-time practice has yielded enough benefits for good health. It is gaining popularity in the city area than in rural.

Massive publicity of Yoga practice is a must since it the panacea for the prevention of all diseases, local media worker Bijaya Khatiwada told RSS. He claimed him to be healthy for practicing eight postures of Yoga every day.

Yoga will be helpful to adopt the life philosophy of simple living and higher thinking, said Chairperson of Patanjali Yoga Committee, Govinda Katuwal.

Around 50 percent of the total population of Biratnagar sub-metropolis having 30,000 households has adopted Yoga as the lifestyle. More than 1,000 are regularly taking part in the Yoga practice conducted by the committee.

The Committee is all set to organise Birat Pranyoga Bigyan Shibir (Yoga Camp) from December 10 to 16. More than 100,000 are expected to take part in the camp.

Has Nepal’s Orange-Revolution Begun

In 2001 the Maoists claimed to govern in almost 40% of Nepal. With rumors of a Peace Proposal between the Palace and the Maoists circulating, in what many Nepalese consider a Palace-Coup, former King Birendra and his entire immediate family were, on the night of June 1st, slaughtered in the Royal Palace and Birendra’s brother, King Gyanendra ascended to the throne.
It took only a few days for the new King Gyanendra to proclaim a temporary State of Emergency and Nepal’s 1990 experiment with democracy began to fade as the King moved away from Parliamentary rule and a Constitutional Monarchy toward Absolute Monarchy.
On 9-11, 2001, just three months after the death of King Birendra, the attack on the US would push Nepal from the margins of the world stage to front-and-center.
The first country visited by the then U S Secretary of State, Colin Powell, in the aftermath of what was deemed a “terrorist attack on America” was none other than Nepal.
Once an exotic destination for adventure travelers, hippies, and mountain-climbers, Nepal was to become part of the “War on Terrorism” and of the Bush Doctrine of using military force to impose US style “Democracy,” and never negotiating with terrorists.
In keeping with the “War on Terrorism” the US, in 2001 began to reduce its funding for humanitarian-aid and supported, with arms and training, the biggest ever expansion of the Paramilitary Police Force and the Royal Nepalese Army. What had been a combined police and Army force of approximately 20,000 in 1990 was soon to be expanded to over 100,000.
The Nepalese public, weary of the Peoples’ War, distrustful of the Palace, and disgusted with the corruption of the leaders of the Parties . . . tired of strikes, shortages and rising prices, turned their backs on politics as the King consolidated his grasp on the country.
On February-1, 2005 King Gyanendra suspended what was left of all Parliamentary and democratic institutions and took absolute control of Nepal.
Civil society: doctors, civil-servants, radio & print journalist, peace and human rights activist, party members and students began to stir as the Palace stepped up its daily attack, not just on the Maoists but on all democratic forces within the country.
Virtually every Human Rights organization, from the UN Commission on Human Rights to Amnesty International, criticized the Maoists and called for them to cease their actions against civilians. In even more harsh terms these organizations criticize the US trained Police and Royal Nepalese Army for extrajudicial arrests, killings, rapes, torture, disappearances and attacks on fundamental civil liberties, leading the Asian Legal Resource Center (ALRC) in 2005 in a 124-page report, to state that “the rule of law has ceased to function in Nepal.”
By the beginning of 2006, the Democratic Parties have gone though much self-criticism and have initiated an unprecedented 7-Party Alliance with all major Parliamentary Parties agreeing on a common platform to restore Democracy. With the continued Government oppression, many of the parties now demand an END TO THE MONARCHY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REPUBLIC.
In the last month the 7-Parties have reached out to the Maoists and struck a 12-Point Agreement that would cause the Maoists to abandon the People’s War and join in the democratic process. The US Ambassador, James Moriarity, said to be an intelligent and kind man by many, saddled with the
unintelligent and unkind Bush Doctrine, has skittered between the Democratic Parties, much like Chicken Little, warning of dire consequences if there is any compromise with the Maoist rebels.
The 7-Parties, now pushed to brink of civil-war, have called for 4 days of peaceful-protest throughout the Kingdom to start April 6. The campuses have turned into battlegrounds with many students being beaten and tear-gassed, as the evenings are marked by torchlight protests.
The Government, a day before the protest, on April 5, has proclaimed that anyone who demonstrates with the 7-Parties also helps the cause of the Maoists and a curfew has been imposed from 11pm till three a.m.. All buses have been stopped from moving toward or entering Kathmandu. Many vehicles have been seized from private citizens. Politicians, journalists, party and student leaders have been placed under arrest and authorities warn of “orders to shoot.”
With former US President Jimmy Carter’s expected arrival in Kathmandu and the 7-Parties readying to take to the streets, the Maoists have declared a unilateral cease-fire in the Kathmandu Valley and the next few days will determine for the near future if Nepal will escape the grip of dictatorship and stage it’s own ORANGE REVOLUTION.

Junar in Nepal

Junar is another product selected under OVOP Program. Ramechhap and Sindhuli district are famous as Junar producing region. Therefore, the program has selected these two districts to develop Junar particularly focusing on improving its marketing side through quality improvement and value addition in the products.

The program aims at improving the internal markets in primary stage and then to export promotion developing its own brand with OVOP Nepal tag. With this prime objective, the program has selected two VDCs from each district i.e. Okhreni and Sukahjor in Ramechhap and Baseswor and Ratnachura in Sindhuli as the Junar villages.

The program has given special attention to develop the existing Junar orchard in the selected VDCs because the program has its own norms and value that no quality product is possible without improving the orchard condition. For the betterment market management, the program has also formed to Junar Cooperatives in each district. The program has also provided post harvest training to the farmers and the Cooperative's staffs, developed grading machine and the packaging boxes for "A" grade Junar. Finally, "A" grade Junar of both Ramechhap and Sindhuli have been marketed in Kathmandu market and other major markets in the chain.

The tabular information below highlights the current situation of Junar program after launching the OVOP program in Nepal.

Peak, Pass and Mountain Ridge in Nepal

There are hundreds of mountain peaks and ranges in Nepal. The chure, the Mahabaharat and the Himalayas are the three major systems of Mountains. The Chure Range lies at the lower elevation in the Tarai. The Mahabharat Range lies above the Chure. The Himalaya Range (Himal) lies in the northern most part of the country. These mountain ranges, i.e. the Himal, the Mahabharat and Chure are horizontally distributed from notrh to south respectively.

There are several mountain ranges in the Himal where the most notable peaks are elevated. Some of the major mountain ranges ae Mahalangur, Kumbhakarna, Rolwaling, Singhalila, Lantang-Lirung, Ganesh, Larke Himal, Annapurna, Dhawalagiri, etc. There are many passes in the mountain ranges. Mount Everest (8848m), Choyu (8153 m), Lhotse (8501 m), lie in the Singhalila mountain range, Machhapuchhre (6993m) and Annapurna (8091m) are in the Annapurna mountain range and Dhawalagiri (8137m) lies in the Dhawalagiri mountain range.

Physiography in Nepal

Physiography refers to the study of surface landform charactristics. Physiography on Nepal has been mainly divided on the basis of river, felief, structure, altitude and georaphical distribution.

Nepal has diverse geological and geographical structure. The country has thousand of rivers flowing from north to south forming gorges, river basins and valleys. There is a maximum relief, steep slope and rugged terrain that have resulted in distinct landforms and topography. For the sake of convenience, the physiography of Nepal is divided as high Himal, High Mountain, Middle Mountain, Siwalik and Tarai from north to south.

The Tarai is the flat land velow 300m elevation formed by alluvial deposition. The Siwalik, Churiya, lies just abobe Tarai. It ranges from 300-900 metre elevation in general. It is formed with conglomerates.

Soil Types in Nepal

There are different types of soil in Nepal. Various factors such as geology, climate and vegetation types have resulted in variations in soil properties. There is very limited research about soils in Nepal. So far, soils of Nepal can be divided into six broad types such as alluvial soil, sandy gravel soil, lacustrine soil, rocky soil and mountain soil. 

Alluvial soil is found in Tarai and in river basins. It is formed by the materials deposited by rivers and it's very fertile. The sandy gravel and gravel soils are found in Churiya where gravel and conglomerate are predominantly found. This is not fertile soil. There are various types of soil in the middle Hill. But rocky soil is predominant. The lacustrine soil is found in the Kathmandu Valley.

Minerals Distribution in Nepal

The Mountan, Hill and Tarai regions of Nepal have varied geological structures. Thus, various types of minerals are found in the country. Most of the minerals are concentrated in the Hill area of the Central and western development Regions. Among various minerals, copper, magnesite, iron, lead and mica are common minerals found in different parts of the country. Gold is found in Ilam and Kathmandu. Similarly, coal is found in Western and Eastern Tarai. However, there are several other pospective areas where different types of minerals can be found.

So far, very limited minerals are explored and used for industrial purposes. Limestone and marble have been explored to some extent for industry. Because of limited survey, research and studies, one has still not been able to explore the condition of those minerals in the country.

Protected Areas and Major Tourist Places in Nepal

Along with her natural beauty, Nepal is the country of cultural and biological diviersity. Nepal has different types of conservation areas for the protection and management of endangered species and other valuable mammals, flora and fauna such as one horn rhino, spotted tiger, red panda and many plants species.

There are nine national parks, four conservation arreas, three wildlife reserves and one hunting reserve in Nepal. The different types of conservation areas have covered 16.49 percent (24284 sqkm) area of the country. The Royal Chitwan National Park is the oldest National Park, it is also included in the world heritage site.

Among the national parks, She-phoksundo national park is the largest (3,555 sqkm) and Rara National park is the smallest (106 sqkm). Out of the four conservation areas, Annapurna Conservation Area (7,629 sqkm) is the largest and Makalu Barun Conservation Area (800 sqkm) is the smallest.

Nepal is famous for trekking, mountaineering and wildlife tourism. About 85 percent tourist visit Nepal for the purpose of pleasure and for trekking. Besides these conservation areas in the different parts of the country, there are several places of historical, cultural and religious importance. Not only the green tea garden but the beauty of landscape as a whole in Ilam in the east is outstanding. Similatly, Dharan, Dhankuta, Hile and Basantapur, the Kathmandu valley. Helambu, Dolakha, Shivapuri, Gorkha, Chitwan, pokhara, Palpa, Lumbini, Bardiya, the Marnali region are the most attractive places of interest. In addition, the mountain region as a whole is very beautiful and attravtive.

Mean Summer Temperature in Nepal

Summer remain hot and moist in Nepal in general. But the generalization of climatic condition is too difficult. Variation can be noticed in places within the same altitude and latitude. This variation is resulted by the physical diversities of the country. Like the winter season, the temperature zones in summer also run in east we4st direction parallel to the topographic leatures. The temperature in May, June and July remains the highest throughout the country. 

In summer, southern Tarai belt experiences hot weather condition with 27 to 30 degree temperature. Western Tarai experiences even higher temperature than the average of Tarai and sometimes 'hot wave' also takes place.

Airports in Nepal

The importance of air service is immense in our country. It carries people and goods to and from different places very quickly. Air service in Nepal was started after establishing the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC). it provides both domestic and internaltional services. In addition to RANC, there are also many private airlines in Nepal.

There are 45 airports in Nepal. The Tribhuwan Internation Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the only international airport. The big jets at first land here and tourist and other people fly to other places by small aircrafts operating as domestic flights. Most of the domestic flights to Hill and Mountain areas operate from Kathmandu and a few from Biratnagar, Pokhara and Nepalgunj too.

In additional to TIA, there are 33 all weather airports from where flights operate in the rainy season too. Out of the total aorports, 13 are in tarai districts, 16 in Hill and remaining 15 airports in Mountain districs.

Tea and Coffee Production in Nepal

Tea and Coffee are the most important cash crops which are getting higher importance in the country. Tea is cultivated in Ilam, Jhapa, Panchthar, Terathum, and Dhankuta districts of the Eastern Development Region. Ilam and Jhapa districts are famous for tea cultivation. Now, Tea is cultivated in 11,997 hectares area and its total production is about 6,638 metric tons.
Out of the total production of tea, Jhapa district produces 5538 mt (83%). It is produced 927 mt (14%) in Ilam and 137
% mt (2%) in Panchthar.

Coffee is mainly produced in Jhapa, Gulmi, palpa, Syangja and parbat districts. It is also produced in Nuwakot, Lalitpur and Ilam districts. Coffee is cultivated in 424 hectares in Nepal. Out of total production, 50 percent (50 mt) is produced in Jhapa followed by Gulmi with 18 mt, Palpa and Lalitpur come third and fourth in coffee production.

Maize Production in Nepal

Maize is the second most inportant crop on Nepal. It is cultivated in 824525 hectare area. Its total production as about 1484112 metric tons. Its average productivity is 1800 kilograms per hectare. The Hill area that extendeds from eats to west is the most important maize growing area. Eastern, Central and Western Hill are the highest maize growing areas of the country.

Chitwan district ranks first in maize production. It produces 4.12 percent of the total maize production. Kavre and Tanahun districts rank second and third position which produce 3.44 percent and 3.2 percent of this total maize productions respectively. Maize production is less in Munsang, Humla, Rupandehi and Siraha districts. The prodctivity of maize is observed highest in Kahtmandu while it is lowest in Manang and Gulmi.

Population Growth Rate in Nepal

Nepal has high population growth rate. The average population growth rate of 1991-2001 is 2.24 percent. The pattern of growth rate is very uneven.  A higher growth rate is noticed in Tarai (2.61%) and Inner Tarai (2.53%) followed by Hill (1.9%) . However, the growth rate of the Mountain is low (1.56%). In the context of district, Manang district has the highest (5.81%) population growth rate that is followed by Kathmandu district (4.71%). The other districts with high population growth rate are kailali (3.89%), Rupandehi (3.05%) and Banke (3.01%). The districts such as Mustang, Bhojpur and Khotang have the lowest population growth rate, that is less than one percent.