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Ipil-ipil seedlings were distributed to both groups of farmers at the Pumdi
~humdi FSR site by the Livestock Farm in Lamepatan, Pokhara with the help of
FSR staff on-site. These seedlings were distributed to both groups not for trials but
as a service to the farmers. Technologies for ipil-ipil cultivation were provided by
the FSR staff to the intervened fariners only and performance was closely
monitored.
Plantations of ipil-ipil seedling gave mixed results in Pumdi Bhumdi. Ipil-ipil
planted in pasture land showed minimal growth, although its performance on
terrace edges was encouraging. Leucaena Ieucocephala could not be grown
successfully in the area. Leucaena diversifolia was tested in 1987 and found to give
good results. The general problems faced by farmers who grew ipil-ipil and Napier
grass along the terrace edges were shading of crops and reduced soil fertility (Table
13).
Vegetable-based cropping pattern
Before FSP, fariners usually grew vegetables in small areas during the winter season
and a few cucurbits in the inaize crops. After FSP was introduced, kitchen gardening
became well established and the farlners had a regular supply of vegetables
throughout the year. The most cominon vegetables were sponge gourd, beans,
pumpkin, bottle gourd, chilly, cauliflower, mustard, radish, cowpeas, snake gourd,
potato, carrot, brinjal , cucumber, garlic, and peas. The most common vegetablebased
patterns were maize/vegetables - vegetables and maize + vegetables -
vegetables (Table 14). Since the introduction of FSP, the area under vegetables had
also increased. The town of Pokhara is close to Pu~ndi Bhurndi; therefore, some
far~ners started to sell green vegetables in the inarket to generate cash income.
All intervened and control farmers grew vegetables mainly for home consumption.
Because of the consumption of vegetables, most far~ners had nutritious diets.
Furthermore, a few of the farmers had increased the number of buffalo, which
increased the quantity of milk and ghee. Those farmers who had more milk and
ghee, consumed milk and milk products, which further improved their nutritional
status.
Education and training
'I'he educational picture of Pumdi Bh~~mdi is encouraging. Although farmers had no
schooling, many of thein give priority to education. Most children of these farmers
are finishing secondary school and many are attending college. However, most
far~ners with higher education migrate to the towns and cities for other employment
(Foster 1990).