Ministry of Commerce And Supplies - Enhanced Integrated ...

Appendix 7Good Agricultural PracticesAs Promoters of Yield and SustainabilityN T I S2010While it has been emphasized earlier that the implementation of GAPs is a business cost, the fact remains thatimplementation of the full standard more often than not improves business efficiency and crop yields reducesinput costs and most certainly improves long-term sustainability.Many farmers have introduced versions of conservation tillage into horticultural crops (the practice is wellestablished in field crops). The aim of these farmers has been to restore soil microbiology and from a bacteriallydominated one under conventional tillage (Figure 3) to a fungal/animal-based forest soil (Figure 4).Terraces in Kathmandu valley showing typical soilprofile and evidence of gulley erosion (background)Forest soil in the Kathmandu valley showing typicalorganic matter in upper profile and well structuredupper horizonThe techniques were originally developed in temperate farming systems in Europe and North America, butthe system has been successfully introduced into tropical and subtropical soils and farming systems in SouthAfrica and Mozambique.The results are that soil carbon and accompanying biodiversity have increased, together with other benefitssuch as increased soil water infiltration, reduced soil-borne diseases (fungal, bacterial, and nematode),reduced need for agrochemicals and fertilizers, and increased crop yield.NEPAL TRADE INTEGRATION STRATEGY 2010BACKGROUND REPORT311