Structural reform and development initiatives in Nepal has failed to be oriented toward increasing rural income by properly defining the widely used term ‘sustainable development’ in successive plan documents. As sustainable development is considered to be the appropriate policy intervention, the initial task is to clearly define what sustainable development means. In this context, sustainable development can be defined as the development that meets the needs and aspirations of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Such development should, therefore, be ecologically-sound, economically-viable, socially-just and culturally-appropriate. This necessitates linking environment and development in plan document.
The countries can no longer afford to increase opportunity costs in nation-building by not integrating the values of natural resources into their annual budgets and periodic plans. The works conducted globally in green economy have necessitated integrating the value of ecosystems into our national processes. The countries are depleting their wealth. Depletion of natural capital means depleting country’s wealth . Also, the problems of poverty and social marginalization are closely linked to environmental degradation. Increasingly, severe floods in recent years are a tragic symptom of an environmental crisis. This is the reason why the concept of green economy has been frequently featuring in global forums and also in G20 meetings.
Sustainability requires the elimination of poverty and deprivation; the conservation and enhancement of resource base; and broadening of the concept of development that covers economic growth together with social and cultural development. This is compatible with UN´s Agenda 21 that calls for the harmonization of national strategies for sustainable development in economic, social and environmental policies and plans that are operating in the country. The UN´s Millennium Declaration is in conformity to the millennium development goal of environmental sustainability.
One of the principles of green economy is developing agriculture to obtain higher yield and increased income of the farmer without affecting the environment. Green Technology (GT) is an environment-friendly technology that reduces environmental damages. Sustainable agriculture through GT should help maximize food production within constraints of profitability. There is virtually no reserve land with crop production potential. In last 30 years, about 13 percent of agricultural land is being expanded at the cost of lowland forests and their rich biodiversity. Asian Development Bank estimates land use/person will fall from 0.17 hectares in 1990 to 0.12 hectares in 2010.
Study has shown every 1 percent increase in per capita agricultural output has led to a 1.61 percent increase in the incomes of the poorest 20 percent. Similarly, cross-country analysis showed that on an average every 1 percent increase in agricultural yields reduced the number of people living on less than US$1 a day by 0.83 percent. Therefore, as noted, available technologies such as biotechnology and genetic engineering should be assessed to find out which are most suited and affordable technology for making applied technology competitive and sustainable.
The initial task is to clearly define what sustainable development means. In this context, sustainable development can be defined as the development that meets the needs and aspirations of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Under GT and their interlinkages, several studies have shown agricultural technology adoption has a robust and positive effect on farm household well-being. It is so largely because sustainable agriculture integrates three goals – environmental health; economic profitability; and social and economic equity. One of the major concerns of GT is the challenge to devise the technology that will save the environment without sacrificing growth.
Study has shown improvements in agricultural technology are a pre-condition to, and have a significant positive impact on, long-run growth. The technology that supported yield-increasing per hectare and labor-releasing for the employment in non-farm activities has contributed to rural income by raising investible capacity of the farmer. Gains from agricultural trade have declined because of high transaction costs per unit of output and tough conditionality of importing countries.
To become competitive, countries should learn to formulate regulatory measures of global standards and adequate technology. As genetic modification of micro-organisms through biotechnology has made agriculture competitive, efforts have been made in India to apply biotechnology in agricultural processes. The development of virus-free potato seed, banana and micro-propagation of sugarcane through tissue culture has become possible through biotechnology.
World Wind Energy Association observes that worldwide capacity in 2005 reached 60,000 MW with 11,300 MW installed and it is expected to double the capacity by 2010. Wind energy produces less air pollutants or greenhouse gases. It contributes only 1 percent of global electricity generation but some countries are already producing up to 20 percent. In Nepal, river corridors have been observed to have high wind potential. This needs to be further investigated.
Biofuel as bio-ethanol and bio-diesel have the potential to assume an important portfolio in future energy platter. On sustainable basis, biofuel as GT should be assessed with caution. In Nepal, Jatropha, a non-edible oilseed bearing shrubs, is estimated to be climatically favorable in 30 percent of Nepal’s land. Similarly, biogas is an appropriate green agricultural technology, which serves to meet energy requirements for cooking, lighting, refrigeration, electricity generation, and internal combustion engines. It utilizes organic agricultural waste and converts it to fuel and fertilizer. Nepal carries the potential of 1.9 million biogas plants. Biogas stoves are 1.07 times more efficient than LPG stove, 1.22 times efficient than kerosene stove and 3.15 times efficient than traditional fuel wood stove. Biogas Support Program (Phase I-IV) has been instrumental in promotion of biogas in Nepal.
With regards to hydropower, Nepal’s potential is believed to be 42,000 MW. Solar thermal, improved water mill, geothermal energy are the technologies that add value to agriculture product. Improved water mills in Nepal have made milling efficient (up to 3kW can be generated) and reliable. About 25,000 traditional mills are still in operation. Most bio transgenic (BT) technologies also referred to as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) increases yield, reduce pesticide costs, reduce post harvest loss and offer drought-resistant and nutritional quality-enhanced crops. These technologies are in research and development and comprehensive results have not been ascertained.
Appropriate technology requires fewer resources, is easier to maintain, and has a lower overall cost and less of an impact on the environment. Although GT can operate in diversified areas, the merit of the application of available technologies depends on country-specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Technologies should be examined with respect to environment-friendly agriculture; poverty; rural environment; income generation; gender and other related indicators. The successful technologies are those that are largely selected on the basis of their link with the people’s livelihood; potentiality; and existing performance in the national economy.
bishwambher@yahoo.com
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