Status of Agriculture Genetic Resources in dolakha, Nepal

Status of Agriculture Genetic Resources 

Nepal is agricultural based country. The number of farmers are 1,52,10,000 in the country which is 65.7% of total population. About 57% of the total households ie 32,33,800 are farm houses. Average family size in the farm household is 5. About 21% (3.2 million hectares) of the total land area of Nepal is used for cultivation and the principal crops are rice (45%), maize (20%), wheat (18%),millet (5%) and potatoes (3%), followed by sugarcane, jute, cotton, tea, barley, legumes, vegetables and fruits. Crops such as rice, rice bean, egg plant, buckwheat, soybean, foxtail millet, citrus, and mango have high genetic diversity relative to other food crops. Crop species in Nepal owe their variability to the presence of about 120 wild relatives of the commonly cultivated food plants and their proximity to cultivated areas that have been listed 60 food species (fruit, vegetables, legumes) and 54 wild relatives of food plants. Majority of the farms produce agricultural products year round for home consumption. Among the total angiosperm families in the world, almost 50% are represented in Nepal. The Biodiversity Profiles Project (BPP 1995) ranked Nepal as having the tenth richest flowering plant diversity in Asia and 31st in world. Diversity in edible genetic resources indicates availability of 599 species, of which 225 indigenous species are under cultivation .

fig . Representative percentage of total biodiversity of the world in Nepal (Land share of Nepal in earth is 0.1%). 

There are several examples of crop variety improvement through the use of plant genetic resources in Nepal. A total of 216 improved varieties of 44 crops have been released representing cereals, legumes, oil seeds, potato, vegetables, industrial crops and forage. 

Genebank has encouraged other existing supplementary mechanisms for conserving agro-biodiversity in Nepal. Existing supplementary mechanisms are i. Ritual practices of Hindu with regards to some plants, ii. Culturally protected areas (temple and other religious places), iii. Leasehold, community and private forests, vi. Farmers seed network system and vii. Protection of some plant species .

Genetic Diversity of Crops in Nepal 

In case of major crops of the country, many landraces are being lost and many of them are under threat and many endangered rare and endemic species should get due attention for effective conservation. The genetic diversity in high hill has been maintained due to specificity of landraces, undisturbed forests, remoteness etc. while in Terai area e.g. Kapilbastu and Banke districts level of genetic erosion is maximum in the major crops. Many rice landraces like Anadi, Tauli and Thapachiniya are vanishing from general cultivation. Overall diversity of major crops is decreasing trend and genetic erosion is apparently visible.

While talking about minor crops , the list of underutilized species is quite large. Available information indicates among its 60 reported species of amaranth in the world at least 11 species have been reported with cultivated types for grain, green vegetables, wild and weedy types. Among 32 species of Hordeum species described around the sorld, only 3 species have been reported. Hordeum vulgare is the only cultivated species and the rest two are wild type. Covered and naked barley are commonly available and used for diverse purpose including religion use of the train by rural and urban community. Diversity in buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp.) and finger millet (Eleusine sp.) in wild and cultivated form has been described by several authors .

It is reported that 83 different wild relatives of 46 genera under 18 families of 36 agricultural crops exists in the country. Besides major crops, different wild species of grain legume crops were found in Nepal. In Kakani Mountain near Kathmandu valley is the forest of Atylosia species. Similarly, Literatures indicate that at least 4 wild species of Atylosia, 3 wild species of Cicer and 5 wild species of Lathyrus have been reported. These wild species are locally used as fodder & feeds, ornamental plants, etc. Numerous wild relatives of fruit crops are found as the wild habitants in the temperate region of Nepal. At least, 9 species of Prunus, 3 species each of Castanopsis, Malus, Morus, Pyrus are mentioned as temperate wild fruit relatives in the country. It is also observed that wild mango Mangifera sylvatica in the Lothar forest of Chitawan district while searching for wild rice . Wild banana, Musa nepalensis is found in the lower hills of Churiya range. There is ample scope for selection of promising clones from these existing wild relatives through systematic evaluation and selection. They are the building blocks of new varieties.

while talking about wild species, the larger plants group alone is believed to be existing as 7 thousand in species. In case of food plants, 172 families, 296 genera, 599 species and 35 sub-species are found in the country. Out of them 60 families, 155 genera, 225 species and 31 sub species are in cultivation and rest is in wild states. Out of 599 species of food plants 400 species belongs to horticultural groups of which 200 species are vegetable crops. Out of 200 only 50 species are in cultivation. The vast number of wild relatives or species are ignored or remained unknown. Wild relatives of vegetable crops recorded in Nepal are colocasia (3 spp.), Amaranthus (4 spp.), Chenopodum (2 spp.), Rumex (3 spp.), Pisum (3 spp.), Allum (3 spp.), Ipomoea (5 spp.), Dioscorea (4 spp.), Mentha (3 spp.), Trigonella (2 spp.), Solanum (2 spp.), Curcuma (5 spp.). It is an irony that we are lack of awareness and attraction towards our own precious green wealth.

Wide spread diversity within a very short space has provided Nepal with about 7 000 species of flowering plants. Of the total identified 71 wild relatives of food crops under 42 genera of 28 families, 43 species are the habitants of the temperate region. Nine species of Prunus, 3 species each of Catanopsis, Malus, Mores and Rubus and 2 species each of Barberies, Ficus, Hippophae, Olea, Pyrus and Vitis are tabulated as temperate wild fruit relatives. 

Conservation System and  Status of Genetic resourses in Nepal

 Old collection sites as well new sites have been regularly explored and collected the PGR. After 2010, a total of 30 exploration and collection missions have been carried out in 218 village development committees of 37 districts from where, 85  species were collected including both orthodox and recalcitrant types. Genebank-NARC has requested to all NARC stations to collaborate during exploration and collections of PGR and requested to send all PGR available in the station .

1. Seed Bank : Under the ex-situ conservation of orthodox seeds, more than 9,000  accessions are conserved in seed bank  along with their passport and  characterization data. One of the seed rack is allocated for conserving breeders' materials as  black box system. Breeder who has good materials and could not store for longer period and  could not regenerate annually can use the space. 
2. Tissue Bank: To conserve the recalcitrant types of crop species and vegetatively propagated crop species, Tissue Bank has been established. Protocols for potato, sweet potato, banana, sugarcane, taro and cardamom have been verified. Currently 11 accessions of potato both local and improved are being conserved as plantlets in tube using MS media . 
3. DNA Bank and Molecular Research Lab: With the financial support form Korea,  facility is created for molecular research and tissue culture. The extracted DNA samples have been started to keep in deep fridge at -40o  C as a DNA bank. DNA work is focused on  diversity assessment, identification and genes tagging and mapping. DNA works has been initiated in sugarcane and large cardamom with RAPD and SSR markers. Some of research  works in the lab are linked with the master thesis of University students. Currently there are now four students.
4. Field Genebank: There are about 45 accessions in field genebank in Khumaltar. Field  genebank is eessential for those crop species having recalcitrant seeds and vegetatively  propagated and apomictic crop species for conservation, characterization, evaluation and utilization. NARC has therefore, started establishing sub field genebanks in its all research stations across the country (Figure ). As a sub field  genebank, there are 29 accessions of taro in Agricultural Research Station, Pokhara. 

   

    Figure . Country map showing NARC stations where Field Genebank is planned to established

5. On-Farm Conservation: It is a dynamic conservation of local and important crop varieties in farming community. Local landraces are being conserved through supporting   community seed bank (CSB) and community field genebank (CFGB), by promoting kitchen  garden, by strengthening household seed bank, by enhancing genetics of landraces, by recognizing diversity rich farmers and by strengthening seed networks .
6. Nepalese Germplasm under Global Crop Gene Pools: After the establishment of NAGRC, a total of 1727 accessions of 8 crop species have been safely duplicated in different CG banks. Those crops are 1. Maize- 122, 2. Wheat - 210 , 3.Grasspea - 100 , 4. lentil - 171, 5. Barley - 172 , 6. chickpea - 191, 7. Finger millet , 8. Rice - 496

Collection and preservation of germplasm in gene bank

Here is the list of some varieties and landraces that are commonly cultivated by farmer in Dolakha Nepal 

1. Rice 

Boyo Dhan (Pakhe), Darime, Dhan, Jadan Dhan, Jumli Local, Kalo Dhan, Kalo Marshi, Lahare Dhan, Majhaula Marshi, Mahele, Mehele and Darime Dhan, Patle Dhan, Ratanpuri, Rato Dhan, Rato Marshi, Rato and Seto Marshi, Rato and Kalo Marshi, Seto Local, Seto Marshi, Seto Seed, Sijalalya, Anga, Barmali, Basmati, Bayarni, Bayarni Jhinuwa, Bichara Ghaiya, Biramphul, CH-45, Chobo, Dhave Jarneli, Ekle, Gauriya, Ghaiya, Gurdi, Gurdi Ghaiya, Jarneli, Jetho Budho, Jhauri, Jhinuwa, Jhinuwa Basmati, Jhinuwa Ghaiya, Jhyali Rato Ghaiya, Jire Ghaiya, Juge Bayarni, Kalo Bayarni, Kalo Gurdi, Kalo Jhinuwa, Kalo Tude Jhinuwa, Kanajire Ghaiya, Kanchi Mansuli, Kathe Gurdi, Katuse Ghaiya, Kaude, Kaude Anadi, Kunchali Ghaiya, Lahare Ghaiya, Lahare Gurdi, Lame, Madhese, Mala, Manamuri, Mansara, Mansuli, Masino Ghaiya, Masino Jhinuwa, Naltume, Naulo Madhese, Pahenle, Pakhe Jarneli, Pakhe Ramani, Radha, Radha-7, Radha-9, Ramani, Rate, Rato Anadi, Rato Ghaiya, Sano Gurdi, Sano Madhese, Seto Anadi, Seto Bayarni, Seto Ghaiya, Seto Gurdi, Seto Jhinuwa, Tende, Thapachini, Thulo Gurdi, Thulo Madhese, Tude Jhinuwa ,China-4, Anadi, Anga, Ashanni, Basmati, Basmati Lalka, Batsar, Bhathi, CH-45, Chandina, Dadha-5, Dipahiya, Dudhisaro, Dudhraj, Ekahatar, Faram, Gajargaul, Ghuthani, Jaya, Jiri, Karma, Kataush, Kheraha, Kunchali Mansuli, Lajhi, Lalka Farm, Lalka Katika, Latongad, Mallika, Mansara, Mansari, Masula, Masuli, Masura, Meghdut, Mutmur, Muturi, Nakhi, Nakhi Saro, Nat Masuriya, Net Masuli, Philips, Rango, Ratrani, Sabitri, Sarho, Sathi, Satraj, Sokan, Sona Masuli, Sotwa, Television, Usha

2. Wheat 

 Dabdi local,Siddhartha, Lumle local, Balangkha local, Ning , Change local, Ning , Masino wheat, Siddhartha, Sano wheat,Pangdure wheat

3. Maize

sano pahelo makai , makai mangre, thulochura, seto local , seto makai , mahelo makai , mailisathiya makaica, amrikane makai , bhirkaule makai , saathiyamakai , lokal seti makai , dharim choti makai ,  paheli makai 2, sadiya makai , purano local , seti makai 2, rato makai 

4. Finger Millet

Auli Kalo Kodo, Auli Kodo, Auli Rato Kodo, Dabli Kodo, Dabli Rato, Dalle, Jumli Kodo, Kalo Kodo, Kangcho Kodo, Murli Kodo, Rato Kodo, Seto Kodo, Arghumle Kodo, Asoje Kodo, Dalle, Dudhe Dalle, Dedhe Kodo, Dudhe Seto, Hetaude, Hetaude Seto, Jhyape, Kalo, Kalo Dalle, Kalo Jhyape, Kartike, Kukur Kane, Laphre, Majhthane Dalle, Mansire Jhyape, Rato Jhaype, Samdhi Kodo, Seto, Seto Dalle, Seto Jhyape, Thulo Kodo, Thulo Kalo Dalle, Dudhe Dalle, Hetaude, Jhyape, Kalo, Kalo Jhyape, Laphre, Madi Pare, Samdhi Kodo, Seto Dalle, Jhalari, Jhalariya, Jhalaro, Local, Muna (Mahamuna), Muturiya, Satputiya.

5. Barley 

Chawali, Gharelu Jau, Lekali (Pahabai), Lekhali Takulo, Takullo Pahaba

6. Buckwheat

Batule, Bhadule, Mithe Phaper, Murali, Tilkhude, Tite Phaper, Auli, Auli Panhelo, Jalgi Kankro, Jumli Local, Jumli Seto, Jum, Bhaktapir Local, Chaite, Chhoto, Dalle, Dalle Bhunte, Bhunte, Ghiu Kankro, Hariyo, Kalo Kankro, Khir Kankro, Lamcho Thulo, Madale, Madhyan Pahenlo, Seto Dalle, Seto Local, 

7. Sponge Gourd

Chhoto, Hariyo, Hariyo Chhoto, Hariyo Lamo, Hariyo Dalle, Hariyo Madhyam, Hariyo Basaune, Kalo Chhoto, Kalo Lamo, Seto, Seto Bose, Seto Chhoto, Seto Lamo, Seto Madhyam, Seto Dharse, Balma, Baisakha, Basmati, Bhadaiya, Dudhi, Galphuli, Galphuli Hariyo, Galphuli Seto, Ghiuwa, Hariyo Lamo, Hariyo Local, Muturiya, Seto Lamo, Tagwa, Seto Tagwa, Ujala (Uja/Ujarka)

8. Taro

Chhaure, Dalle, Dudhe Karkalo, Hattipau Pidalu, Juke, Kalo Karkalo, Kalo Pindalu, Khajure Rato Pidalu, Khari Pidalu, Khujure Seto, Lahure Karkalo, Rato, Rato Khari, Rato Lamo, Rato Mukhe Pidalu, Rato Panchamukhe Pidalu, Rato Pidalu, Satmukhe, Seto Karkalo, Seto Lahure, Seto Pidalu, Seto Mukhe, Thado, Thado Rato Mukhe

9. Pigeon pea 

Chanki, Pajawa, Rato Local, Seto Local, Sthaniya Mins

 

 

Organisation that are currently working for Agriculture Genetic resources conservation in dolakha are as follows :

1. Horticulture Farm, Boch, Dolakha

Horticulture farm boach dolakha was establishment in 2045 , with the aim to conserve and produce rootstock of temprate fruits including kiwi , walnut, chestnut etc . Horticulture boch farm is primerily focused in kiwi seedling production and distribution . Farm is providing internship opportunity for diploma level student as well as TSLC students nowdays .  This farm conserves 2 species of kiwi and more than 8 variety of kiwi , 4 species of walnut and other temperate fruits including peach, plum , pear etc. This farm is currently focusing in rootstock production of different  fruit variety.

2. Nucleus Potato Center, Nigale, Dolakha 

Nucleus potato center Nigale is currently focusing in development and coservation of TPS seed of potato along with the coservation of local variety . Productivity of potato of the district is pretty much high than the average nepali production that is around 12 to 14 mt per ha. Dolakha is superior in potato production and cultivation. Infestation of late blight is seen low in the district so environment is much favourable in the district . NPC is currently conserving more than 6 variety of potato found in this district .

3. Hill Crops Research Program, Dolakha 

National Hill Crops Research Program (NHCRP) was started from the fiscal year 2043/2044 (1986/87). Until 2044 (1987) this program was run from Central Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Division, then its headquarters was moved to Kabre Agricultural Farm. The farm is located in the rural and mid hill area, 160 km by road east of Kathmandu. As a national program testing is also carried out at sites across the high hills, mid hills and tarai where millet, buckwheat, barley and amaranthus are important.

The main objective of this program is to increase the availability of food grains for the Nepalese hill people by raising and sustaining the production and productivity of finger millet, barley, buckwheat and grain amaranth as part of improved agricultural systems. NHCRP is trying to develop appropriate improved technologies for its four mandate crops with disciplinary approach through:

Conclusion 

Nepal is rich in agricultural biodiversity (BPP 1995, HMG/MFSC 2002, Upadhaya and Joshi. The nation holds less than 0.1% of earth’s land mass, however, supports 2.2% of flowering plants, 1.4% of reptiles, 2.2% of fish, 8.5% of birds, 4.2% of butterflies and 4% of mammals . Estimated number of angiosperm species endemic to Nepal is 246 . There are many governmental and private organisations working for genetic resources coservation in Nepal. After 2010 , By different organoization and farms , total of 30 exploration and collection missions have been carried out in 218 village development committees of 37 districts from where, 85  species were collected including both orthodox and recalcitrant types . There is a need of extensive characterization, evaluation and tagging of economically important traits to facilitate and utilize the plant genetic resources. Many accessions in the collection may be duplicates. Duplicates identification mechanism should be developed and should be initiated to remove duplicates . Genebank has just started in-vitro conservation. There is limited technical manpower specially on in-vitro conservation, cryo-preservation, seed health testing. Therefore, there is need of improving capacity of the manpower in these areas for better conservation of genetic resources .  The government needs to prioritize Community-based Biodiversity Management (CBM) programme and Communitybased Biodiversity Registration (CBR) across all regions. In particular, technical and financial support for community seed banks for seed conservation and participatory plant breeding (PPB) for seed development should be extended to all parts of the country. The national policy, legislation should encourage the benefit sharing and safeguard the Intellectual Property Right and Farmer’s Right for the farmers who are conserving and managing PGR. 

Prepared By : Bibek Budhathoki 

Exam Roll no : 652

Roll no : 26