WFP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific - 2016 SPRs RBB 2016 SPRs by project type | Page 195

Standard Project Report 2016
Fish is said to be the cheapest source of protein but it rarely reaches economically disadvantaged people because
of low farming technology, leading to high retail prices. Thus, WFP recognised the need to promote sustainable and
low-cost aquaculture technologies to provide better options for improving livelihood, food security and nutrition for
vulnerable households.
WFP in collaboration with local partner Manahari Development Institute (MDI), first attempted to promote a species
of carp in 2014, which was recognised as the best variety to spawn and survive in colder, high-altitude Jumla
district, which is one of the most food-insecure in Nepal. Linked with WFP’s maternal and child health and nutrition
(MCHN) programme, this project complemented the promotion of locally available food or local agricultural
production to provide a balanced diet at the household level. Realising the potential for addressing undernutrition,
all stakeholders including the Government supported the programme.
Two farmers—Bal Bir Mahat from Tatopani VDC and Rudra Krishna Adhikari from Garjyangkot VDC—who already
had their own fish ponds growing local Asla fish (Schizothorax sp), were selected for the pilot project. They were
looking for faster-growing fish species and so agreed to participate in the project. Once the carp fingerlings were
delivered, they were introduced into the ponds, earthen structures with a small cement tank. The source of water
was an irrigation canal from a small spring situated close to the tanks. After daily feeding with locally available
ingredients and commercial pellet feed, the carp grew to a maximum weight of over a kilogram and over 76 percent
of the fish survived. The market price of fish in Jumla is about NPR 500 (approximately USD 4.69) per kilogram.
This indicated that common carp are the most viable species for growing in colder regions with satisfactory growth
performance. The study team recommended the promotion of carp on a wider scale throughout the high-altitude
region at 2,550 metres. The successful pilot awaits resources to scale-up the farming of the common carp, in
collaboration with the Government and international organizations.
Nepal, State of (NP)
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Country Programme - 200319