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This potential export offers many opportunities for Nepalese farmers in addition to Canadian companies. As the Royalty Purple variety has increased cold tolerance it is better suited for more upland vegetable farming (Yeager & Meader, 1957). Vegetable farming has been found in some studies to improve the socio-economic livelihoods, food security and social status of farmers (in particular, women and marginalized groups) (Tiwari et al., 2008). Beans are prolific producers and can be stored for long periods once dried (CGIAR, 2016). Many positive impacts of intercropping beans with cereal crops have also been observed by researchers. One study of a maize-bean intercropping system noted an increased nitrogen supply in the soil, the suppression of weeds and increased yields (Workayehu & Wortmann, 2011).
In regards to harvesting, the bright purple colour of the pods aid to increase ease in locating the ripe plant material. Green varieties can be more difficult to obtain as they are more likely to blend into the surrounding foliage. This is important as studies have illustrated that women bear the majority of labour burdens and that conservation farming methods that increased labour required to harvest and process were less sustainable in the long term (Halbrendt et al., 2014). The plant’s foliage has the alternate use as feed for livestock (another key aspect of the agri-food industry and food security in Nepal) (Pariyar, 2006). The beans themselves are a great source of nutrition that could improve the diet and health of the farmers and their families (especially the subsistence farmers that grow them) (CGIAR, 2016). They can be consumed in a variety of ways, (raw, blanched, roasted, boiled, etc.) depending on the preference and needs of the consumer. As an heirloom, open pollinated seed variety the Royalty Purple bean seeds can be saved, dried and used again the next year (The Incredible Seed Company, 2016). Seed saving empowers farmers in a way lost with hybrid seeds (as the farmer must annually repurchase the seeds). Reusing the seed also decreases the overall cost of the incorporation of the plant into the agricultural system as initial costs act as an investment to years of use.
To assist with this process both the Canadian and Nepalese governments offer different programs to promote agricultural trade relationships. Nepal has agricultural extension services that could be helpful in the distribution and encouragement to use new seed varieties with local growers (Government of Nepal, 2004). Nepal also has a Canadian trade commissioner service offering Canadian companies advice and insight into navigating the Nepalese market from a locally rooted perspective (Government of Canada, 2013). The Canadian government also has various programs and funds such as the Agrimarketing program (with branches aimed at medium and small scale Canadian producers) that assists agri-food producers to enter, compete and succeed in foreign markets (Government of Canada, 2016). They offer as much as 50, 000$ CDN through this program to qualifying Canadian exporters. Therefore, there are many economic, nutritional and social opportunities in this export venture.
In regards to harvesting, the bright purple colour of the pods aid to increase ease in locating the ripe plant material. Green varieties can be more difficult to obtain as they are more likely to blend into the surrounding foliage. This is important as studies have illustrated that women bear the majority of labour burdens and that conservation farming methods that increased labour required to harvest and process were less sustainable in the long term (Halbrendt et al., 2014). The plant’s foliage has the alternate use as feed for livestock (another key aspect of the agri-food industry and food security in Nepal) (Pariyar, 2006). The beans themselves are a great source of nutrition that could improve the diet and health of the farmers and their families (especially the subsistence farmers that grow them) (CGIAR, 2016). They can be consumed in a variety of ways, (raw, blanched, roasted, boiled, etc.) depending on the preference and needs of the consumer. As an heirloom, open pollinated seed variety the Royalty Purple bean seeds can be saved, dried and used again the next year (The Incredible Seed Company, 2016). Seed saving empowers farmers in a way lost with hybrid seeds (as the farmer must annually repurchase the seeds). Reusing the seed also decreases the overall cost of the incorporation of the plant into the agricultural system as initial costs act as an investment to years of use.
To assist with this process both the Canadian and Nepalese governments offer different programs to promote agricultural trade relationships. Nepal has agricultural extension services that could be helpful in the distribution and encouragement to use new seed varieties with local growers (Government of Nepal, 2004). Nepal also has a Canadian trade commissioner service offering Canadian companies advice and insight into navigating the Nepalese market from a locally rooted perspective (Government of Canada, 2013). The Canadian government also has various programs and funds such as the Agrimarketing program (with branches aimed at medium and small scale Canadian producers) that assists agri-food producers to enter, compete and succeed in foreign markets (Government of Canada, 2016). They offer as much as 50, 000$ CDN through this program to qualifying Canadian exporters. Therefore, there are many economic, nutritional and social opportunities in this export venture.