Villages surrounding Bardiya National Park in Nepal rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. However, farmers here face an ongoing struggle with wildlife from the national park and nearby forests. Elephants, monkeys, and wild boars frequently raid their fields, eating and destroying crops. This leads to serious losses in both food and income, fueling frustration and escalating human-wildlife conflict.
In addition to these challenges, the region is increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Reduced rainfall has made it harder for many traditional crops to survive. These overlapping threats have left farmers in a difficult position—with limited harvests and uncertain futures.
To address these issues, the EU-funded Samvardhan Project is working to reduce human-wildlife conflict and support farmers in securing sustainable, resilient livelihoods, while also protecting local ecosystems.
One promising solution promoted by the project is turmeric farming. Turmeric is both wildlife-resistant — rarely targeted by animals — and well-suited to areas with low rainfall. It also has added economic value, as it can be processed into turmeric powder and sold at higher prices.
Through Climate Field Schools (CFS), farmers are learning practical, discussion-based techniques to improve cultivation, adapt to changing conditions, and share knowledge across communities.
In the fertile plains of Bardiya, turmeric is emerging as a game-changing crop. The experiences of Ms. Khema Tharu from Madhuwan Municipality and Mr. Saduram Tharu from Thakurbaba Municipality illustrate how targeted support—such as access to inputs, technical guidance, and market linkages—can transform rural livelihoods.
Ms. Khema Tharu, a member of the Phulbari Farmer Group, supports her family of five through farming. With support from the Samvardhan Project, she received 22 kilograms of turmeric seed and cultivated it on 0.033 hectares (1 katha) of land. Her harvest reached 120 kilograms. She sold 100 kilograms as seed to local farmers and reserved the remaining 20 kilograms for future planting. Her adoption of improved practices not only increased her household income but also helped strengthen the local seed supply system.
Similarly, Mr. Saduram Tharu, from the Janachetana Farmer Group in Thakurbaba-8, received 40 kilograms of turmeric seed along with technical support. He cultivated 0.066 hectares (2 kathas) of land and harvested 213 kilograms of turmeric. He sold 90 kilograms as seed and 100 kilograms as processed turmeric powder, earning NPR 32,700 from his turmeric crop planted in small plot alone.
Both farmer groups received technical training through Climate Field School sessions and essential farming tools. These resources have helped improve both productivity and efficiency.
By empowering farmers like Ms. Tharu and Mr. Tharu, the Samvardhan Project is building a profitable and sustainable turmeric value chain in Bardiya—one that strengthens livelihoods while mitigating the risks of wildlife conflict.
In addition to agricultural support, the project is also working with Community Forest User Groups to promote sustainable forest management and the development of green, eco-friendly enterprises, creating broader environmental and economic benefits.
