They made a 14-point recommendation to the government and the media groups at a two day workshop on ´Media´s role in promoting Democratization of Agricultural Research in Nepal´ that concluded Saturday.
“Recognize the farmers´ knowledge, experience and skills in agriculture and make them joint agenda makers in agriculture research and development as well as in agriculture policy making,” reads one of the recommendations.
In their recommendations they also stressed the need to narrow down the gap of technological knowledge between scientists and farmers through government efforts for establishing co-ordination between agriculture research and extension.
Participants also urged in the recommendation that the government should recognize framers´ rights to access to market and good price for their produces.
Acknowledging the significance of farmers´ indigenous knowledge in agriculture production, the recommendations also suggested that formal agriculture research should be done in collaboration with farmers´ knowledge.
The recommendations highlighting the role of the media say the media should give priority to the issues of democratization of agricultural research and development with farmers on focus.
On the occasion , the participants raised concerned over increasing threats to long-term the food security caused by climate change and increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Agriculture scientists, government officials, farmers and media persons participated in the workshop organized by Agro-bio-diversity Development Association Nepal (ABDAN).
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