Soil fertility has been identified as the most important constraint for increasing maize production in the hills of Nepal. Farmyard manure is the primary means of providing external nutrients to the soil. Fertilizer is becoming a critical input for increased maize production. A survey was conducted to determine factors affecting the use of fertilizers in the hills of Nepal. Maize farms were found to be largely subsistence. Of the two districts Dolakha was better developed than Dailekh in terms of infra structure and educational level. All farmers used farmyard manure. Most farmers in Dolakha and 58% in Dailekh used urea. Rates were far less than recommended. No P containing fertilizers were used. Of the variables included in a probit analysis, Khet area, household labor, years since improved varieties first cultivated, literacy, district (Dolakha), and nearness to market positively influenced fertilizer use, while livestock number negatively influenced its use. Income from crops, contact with extension personnel, hired labor, caste and household head working on the farm did not significantly influence fertilizer use. These data demonstrate the influence of general development on the adoption of fertilizer. They also indicate that there is scope to improve its adoption even within the lesser developed areas of the country.

English

0501|AGRIS 0501|AL-Maize Program

Juan Carlos Mendieta

CIMMYT Staff Publications Collection