Regional Agri-Trade Collaboration Opportunities Making a case for Large Cardamom: A High Value Spice Grown by Smallholder, Women Farmers Proceedings of the Multi-stakeholder Consultation Understanding South Asia’s Large Cardamom Value Chain Development Prospects, Especially through Women’s Entrepreneurship Kathmandu, Nepal July 10, 2019 1 Table of Contents No Title Page Number I. Introduction 3 II. Key Highlights 6 III. Suggested Next Steps 8 IV. Detailed Notes on the Day’s Proceedings 9 V. Annexure 28 2 I. Introduction Agriculture in the Eastern Himalayan region - spread across Nepal, Bhutan, India, China and Myanmar - is typically driven by small subsistence farmers, most of whom are women. The rugged and remote mountain terrain adversely affects the presence and reliability of credible infrastructure, extension support, local capacity and access to markets. Changing climate conditions and rising population further compounds these challenges for agricultural products. However, the rich bio-diversity of the region and increasing global demand for many indigenous, natural products has resulted in their value rising consistently, albeit with no significant returns to the growers. These include medicinal herbs, aromatic plants, spices, natural dyes, and natural fibres like allo. There are two important characteristics of these commodities in the region. One, these value chains are predominated by women farmers and workers, whose efficiency is bogged down by traditional methods and tools as well as poor institutionalisation resulting in inconsistent and poor returns and failure to access profitable markets. Two, trade in these commodities is highly connected and regional in nature but remains inefficient due to its largely unorganised nature and the huge information and knowledge asymmetry that can be observed throughout the value chains. Strengthening these value chains, with measures to manage the production and market risks for the women farmers and supporting them to access profitable markets has immense potential to create income and job opportunities in the region. Organising trade and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders in the region, to make way for ease in access to technology, finance and markets can strengthen respective national economies and boost regional trade and development. Nepal is the largest producer of large cardamom followed closely by India (specifically areas in the North East) and Bhutan. Keeping this in mind, the large cardamom value chain was studied in depth recently and lessons from this exploration can possibly be applied to other high-value commodities of the region. Large Cardamom (LC) is a speciality spice which is mostly sought after by high end 3 markets in the Indian peninsula and Middle East. It is now gaining ground in global markets including Europe and United states. Nepal is the largest producer of large cardamom followed closely by India (specifically areas in the North East) and Bhutan. In 2018, HomeNet South Asia Trust (HNSA) and its facilitation partner, SABAH Nepal, conducted a study on “Understanding the Role of Women Home-Based Workers in Value Chains of Large Cardamom and Allo in Nepal”. The study was supported by the South Asia Regional Trade Facilitation Program (SARTFP), which is funded by the Government of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and administered by the World Bank. Conversations that began during the preparatory stages of the study culminated into interesting discussions among a wide variety of stakeholders especially those relating to Large Cardamom (LC) not just within Nepal but across the border - from Bhutan, India and Bangladesh. This wasn’t surprising as almost all of the world’s production is spread across Nepal, India and Bhutan even as Bangladesh is assessing opportunities to cultivate domestic production. While the study was first launched in New Delhi, India, earlier in 2019, it seemed judicious to bring together key stakeholders for a serious discussion on the challenges, opportunities and possible future actions to strengthen the large cardamom value chain and its actors. As interest grew, apart from institutions in Nepal, agencies from Bhutan, Bangladesh and India came on board to share experiences and discuss avenues for regional cooperation on the subject. The South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) also participated in the discussion. Large Cardamom is a lucrative crop for small subsistence farmers, most of whom are women, in all three countries of production. Thus, it is important from the livelihood perspective for the rural poor in the region including Bangladesh. Additionally, for Nepal it is the largest export revenue earner and is receiving top priority from the government in order to help reduce the economic pressure that is on the rise thanks to the country’s persistent trade deficit. While, large cardamom continues to be a valuable agri-product, there are many challenges that women, its key actors, face all along the value chain. At the producer level, women farmers engage in back breaking work - nourishing and harvesting the crops. However, with little access to credit and modern processing methods, their piece of the returns pie remains much smaller than the value they bring to the product. The final product sold in the international market is poor in quality and does not command a premium for being Nepali in origin. Moreover, in the recent past, crop disease has become a norm in the hills producing large cardamom. This is leading to growing expenditure on disease management and crop losses. Producers are left to grapple with the problem on their own and the institutional support system needs strengthening and could benefit greatly from collaborations between Bhutan, Nepal and India, the key production countries. Additionally, the recent emergence of a cheap but “fake Large Cardamom 1” crop from China and Vietnam is threatening Nepal’s market share. This makes actors all along the value chain, most of whom are women, extremely vulnerable. Building the capacity and skills of women can lead to the significant strengthening of this value chain, improve product quality and improve their ability to deal with external vulnerabilities. 1This refers to different but cheaper varieties of cardamom (Cuo Gao, a wild variety) that were mixed in full or powdered form during the years when the price of Large Cardamom skyrocketed. 4 At the producer level, women farmers engage in back breaking work - nourishing and harvesting the crops. In this direction, in 2017, the Government of Nepal announced its export strategy for large cardamom to give a boost to this sector and the actors involved. Targeted interventions to improve conditions for producers, especially women home-based workers, and to create opportunities for them to improve the product at the farm level can extend the benefits of this strategy. Building on this, the SARTFP project titled ‘Advancing Women’s Enterprises for Economic Gain in the Farm and Non-Farm Value Chains of South Asia’, partnered with HomeNet South Asia to map the large cardamom value chain and the contributions of its various actors with a special focus on the role of women in it. Full study available at: http://documents.worldbank.org At the Consultation, the study acted as a trigger for, what was commended to be, a very timely and wide-ranging assessment of the large cardamom value chain across Nepal, India and Bhutan. A large number of crucial and diverse national actors participated in the Consultation along with representation from Bhutan, Bangladesh, SAARC and its financial arm, SAARC Development Fund (SDF) – see Annexure 1 for the list of participants. Farmers and farmer institutions, processors, entrepreneurs, traders and trade associations, local and centrally elected leaders, the key ministries, non-government and research organisations, specialised technical agencies, and donors exchanged ideas at the Consultation which benefitted from the presence of a significant number of women representatives working across the large cardamom value chain. The discussions went much beyond deliberating on study findings to look at concrete and practical steps to address the current challenges, modernise the value chain to improve efficiency, and tap into existing and new markets. 5 II. Key Highlights During the day-long event, discussions on the large cardamom value chain brought about wide spread agreement, including from Government quarters, on the following: The predominance of poor women and the need to focus on them at all levels – farmers, processers, entrepreneurs, traders – to upgrade the value chain. A general and strong emphasis emerged on the need to put women actors at the centre of any support initiatives directed at the large cardamom value chain. Suggestions ranged from creating and strengthening women’s institutions; building their capacity to produce, process, market and conduct business in large cardamom and associated products; improving access to finance, insurance and information; to introducing labour-saving women-friendly technologies. Significance as well as the vulnerability of the value chain due to price reduction and losses resulting from crop diseases. Large Cardamom is an important cash crop for small subsistence farmers in the Eastern Himalayas but the crop losses incurred due to diseases, the declining international price in recent years, and the lack of any protection against such risks have made producers vulnerable. Weak data and information systems across the value chain: The available data is scattered, incomplete and difficult to verify, not to mention the almost total lack of women specific information. Most studies in the past have had to depend on conducting their own primary surveys. That limits a comprehensive analysis of the sector as studies have worked with relatively smaller sample sizes across narrow geographical areas. Moreover, there is hardly any demand analysis done for large cardamom and its associated products. While, large cardamom oil can be used in perfumery, cosmetics and medicines, nothing much is known about the exact market potential or buyer requirements. The understanding of the possibilities that diversified large cardamom products may offer is also at a very rough and nascent stage. Digital applications that generate quick and real time information on availability, especially pertaining to market prices or e-commerce gateways are a necessity in current times. Strengthening the national data systems to meet requirements will help consolidation at the regional level. This will prove to a be a firm foundation that can spur thought-out planning for the sector. Methods of production, processing and marketing in Large Cardamom are largely traditional. Echoing several participants, Mr. Tanka, the elected representative from Taplejung – one of Nepal’s leading districts in large cardamom, noted how lack of research, testing and development is hampering proper understanding and growth of the value chain. Increased and consistent research was suggested for a range of aspects including the role of women in the value chain, developing new varieties to suit the changing climate conditions, tackling crop diseases, introducing suitable equipment to improve the quality of the final product, designing financial and crop insurance products, identifying key characteristics of large cardamom, product diversification, and understanding new and existing markets. Need for regional collaboration to work on relevant issues jointly. Dr. Ramananda Gupta – a leading agronomist from Nepal - said that disease management was a regional compulsion, pointing to the risk of crop disease spreading across borders destroying production en masse. Knowledge exchange and collaboration on varietal development could be a win-win for all countries. Similarly, creating a unique identity for large cardamom in the international markets as a Himalayan product with special aromatic and medicinal properties could benefit the region as a whole. It will help position it as a spice distinctly different from the other varieties of cardamom that will, in turn, help target suitable markets. Testing and introducing women- 6 friendly technologies, developing women’s institutions, experimenting with diversified products, building a robust regional database and information system on the value chain are all areas ripe for regional collaboration. Some other important ideas that emerged included: • Establishing a clear and specific identity for large cardamom, different from other types of cardamom, in the international market: Early in the day, Dr. Surendra Joshi shared detailed information on 4 types of cardamom: Cuo Gao - the wild variety, Siam or white cardamom, green cardamom and large cardamom; and explained the general confusion among these types. International datasets club green and large cardamom together. Some traders reported mixing of Cuo Gao with large cardamom especially in the years when international market prices rapidly increased. Ensuring fair returns and targeting new markets would be important to clearly establish the identity of large cardamom as separate from the other types of cardamom. • Comprehensive demand and market analysis: While much of the discussion focussed on supply issues, it was noted that very limited demand analysis and forecast is available beyond the general idea of traditional uses and traditional markets. • Use of digital technology to reduce information asymmetry and expand markets: Nepal’s Ministry of Commerce was the leading voice in pushing for the harnessing of digital technology to improve the large cardamom value chain. Several others supported the idea. • Price stabilisation strategies, auction houses, and modern warehousing facility to reduce the impact of fluctuating prices: This was a demand that the traders and farmer groups put forth to reduce price risk and uncertainty at home while improving their holding ability that gave them the power to participate in international markets at favourable, more lucrative times. Many of these ideas were confirmed in one-on-one meetings with experts and representatives of key value chain actors before and after the Consultation. 7 III. Suggested Next Steps Based on the Consultation’s discussions, the following are some suggested immediate and concrete actions that will support women to upgrade the large cardamom value chain. Suggestion Expected outcome/mandate Stakeholder Timeline Agencies I. Design and develop a 1. Formulate the structure, functions, and the E.g. World 6 multi-stakeholder mandate of the platform which may Bank, months cross-country regional include: Australia’s to start platform on Large DFAT, with Cardamom • Varietal research and disease Netherlands management • Building of a robust regional database on the value chain including information on women actors • Market demand analysis for Large Cardamom and associated products • Establish a distinctive Himalayan brand identity for products from the region • Knowledge exchange on women’s institution building, women-friendly technologies and use of digital tools in the Large Cardamom value chain • Supporting resolution of cross-country trade issues • Support national-level strengthening of Large Cardamom value chain 2. Bring on board key platform partners including • Country government agencies • Farmers collectives • Processing and trade bodies • Research and promotion agencies • Regional agencies such as SAARC • Donors II. Design and conduct • Establish with evidence the centrality of E.g. Australia’s 6 comprehensive women to any enhancement of the value DFAT and months research on the role chain World Bank, of women in the large • Rigorous analysis to support any future and national cardamom value planning for women actors in the value level chain across Nepal, chain institutions Bhutan and India • Identification of areas for collaboration working on and knowledge exchange on supporting value chain women actors across the region III. Planning to Formulate country level plans to promote and National and 1 year to strengthen national strengthen the following: Local start with level nodal large governments - cardamom agencies - • Women-centred policies for access to their relevant government, research, skills, information, finance and crop departments, farmer groups, trade insurance; protection against price shock; interested promotion of entrepreneurship; 8 and business introduction of women-friendly donors, and associations - to be technologies countries with effective members of • Research on production, processing and shareable the regional platform marketing experiences • Modernisation of the value chain – introduction of suitable technology including use of digital tools and good practice across the value chain IV. Detailed Notes on the Day’s Proceedings I. Inaugural session The Inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Usha Jha of the Nepal Planning Commission. The Chief Guest was Mr. Yogesh Bhattarai, Member of Parliament (Nepal) representing Taplejung - the top producing district of Large Cardamom. The session started with a welcome address and remarks by Mr. Faris H. Hadad-Zervos – Country Manager – World Bank, Nepal – and His Excellency Peter Budd – The Australian Ambassador to Nepal. Welcome Mr. Faris H. Hadad-Zervos, World Bank, Nepal: It’s a matter of pride that Nepal is the largest producer and exporter of Large Cardamom in the world. The Government is focussed on strengthening the export environment through its 2017-2021 strategy addressing key challenges, including disease attacks, slow growth of production, poor quality of processing, lack of reliable information in the value chain, and threat of competition from cheaper substitutes. As a high value agro-product with increasing demand in global markets, large cardamom is a significant source of income and employment for farming households. Small, subsistence women farmers are the main actors in the value chain and that makes it necessary to take a women-oriented lens to understand its challenges and opportunities. This DFAT-funded study specifically explored the role of women in this value chain in Nepal and strongly concludes that a large number of measures suggested by the National Export Strategy have a high likelihood of succeeding through: • The establishment of a system of gender-disaggregated and gender specific data collection; • The introduction of women-friendly technology and tools for production and processing; and • Support for women’s institution building for skilling and marketing. 9 Faris Hadad-Zervos, Country Manager- Nepal, World Bank, pointed out that large cardamom is a significant source of income and employment for small, subsistence farming households in the country. Most of the large cardamom is produced in the Eastern Himalayan region of Nepal, India and Bhutan where farmers and other value chain actors face some similar issues. Can regional collaboration help reduce risks for the small farmers, processors and traders involved in the large cardamom value chain? Can it help build a Himalayan brand identity for the spice to counter the emerging competition from the new producers? What might be the mechanics of such an arrangement to make it effective? He hoped that some answers to these would emerge through the day’s consultations. His Excellency Peter Budd, Australian Ambassador to Nepal: Women’s economic empowerment through women-centred focus on transport, trade facilitation and trade policy, local enterprise development and economy can help women politically, socially and economically. In order to achieve this, partnerships between the government and the private sector are crucial. There is a need to harness the strength of women HBWs to solve regional challenges and replicate the success of organisations like BRAC in Bangladesh elsewhere. Australia is strengthening its regional points on all fronts and it is undertaking initiatives towards this by learning from discussions and lived experiences. This was followed by presentations on the uniqueness of large cardamom, its significance for Nepal and the region, potential for regional collaboration, and the opportunities pointed out by the study. 10 Summary Presentation and Key Recommendations Dr. Surendra Joshi- ICIMOD: There are four types of cardamom – Cao Guo (a wild variety), Elaichi or large cardamom, Siam or white cardamom, Sukmel or small/green cardamom. However, in published literature and in popular knowledge, large cardamom, except among the communities where it has been used traditionally, is not seen as a unique spice. Because of this, growth of large cardamom, the subject of our consultation, is hard to track at least in the more distant past. Thus, when international trade statistics list Guatemala as the largest exporter of Cardamom, the figures include small as well as large cardamom. It is through national statistics on Nepal, India and Bhutan that we can say clearly Nepal is the largest producer of large cardamom at least over the last 15 years. In published literature and in popular knowledge, large cardamom, except among the communities that have traditionally used it, is not seen as a unique spice. Even among the three largest producers of large cardamom – Nepal, India and Bhutan – the terminology differs. In India it is called large cardamom, in Nepal Everest Big Cardamom, and in Bhutan it is referred to just as cardamom. For marketing this product there is a need to refer to it by the same name to help create a clear identity for identification, tracking and marketing. There needs to be more research on the different varieties, there chemical composition and essential elements. Such research in large cardamom would be essential for Nepal and other countries growing it. It will be particularly relevant for ideas that lead to product diversification and to determine market positioning. The cost of cultivation for different varieties also differs and there is a chance of mixing the Himalayan large cardamom consignment with some of the other varieties especially where cost of cultivation is lower as in the case of white cardamom 11 and Cuo Gao which is collected from the wild. In powdered form this becomes easier to do so. However, the difference is evident in the flavour and aroma. In Nepal, the land area under large cardamom cultivation has expanded, but the yield is not keeping pace. That puts upward pressure on cost of cultivation in new areas of production. ICIMOD through its initiatives has tried to increase the yield, reduce the impact of diseases, expand income portfolios, product diversification, risk spreading, and better access to services. Study findings on Significance of Large Cardamom and Opportunities: Shalini Kala and Navya D’Souza, HNSA Nepal, India and Bhutan lead global production of large cardamom. Nepal is the top producer and exporter of the crop. Even though large cardamom is a miniscule part of the international spice trade, it is an important cash crop for the subsistence farmers of the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal, India and Bhutan. For Nepal it is the top export revenue earner and for Bhutan too it is a vital export item. India is the aggregating point for all production in the region from where it goes to other export destinations. However, much of the total production is consumed within India. Poor women predominate the value chain as producers and processors. As a spice distinct from other types of cardamom, large cardamom has different attributes and demand patterns but any large cardamom-specific analysis is challenged by the lack of large cardamom-specific datasets. Much of the available international data clubs all types of cardamoms together. Currently, there are several risks that the value chain faces including its traditional and largely informal nature, changing climate, reducing international price and alleged emergence of new growing areas such as in China and Vietnam. In addressing these risks the study findings point to the need to take a women-oriented lens in modernising the value chain, creating and strengthening women’s institutions, strengthening data systems, and collaborating with key stakeholders to formalise goods production, processing and marketing practices; fortify disease management; build robust data systems; and create a unique identity for the Himalayan Large Cardamom. Effective national support in Nepal, India and Bhutan and a regional collaboration on issues such as disease management, data systems, women’s institutions and trade can establish Eastern Himalayas the powerhouse of large cardamom. Could this lead to a Himalayan brand to market the spices and condiments of the region in the long term? Specifically, the study conducted by HomeNet South Asia (with SABAH Nepal as a facilitation partner), delved into the role of women home-based workers (HBWs) in two agriculture value chains, including large cardamom, in Nepal. A small sample of a few hamlets in Taplejung, the top producing district, were chosen for primary data collection. Though the study period was short and the study area was limited, the findings highlighted the high dependence of the value chain on the contributions of its woman actors. It reported: • Women HBWs play a significant role in production and processing of large cardamom • Livelihoods can be improved with skilling and capacity building with the use of improved processing technology and access to markets and credit • Good practice to deal with changing climate as it can help stem crop loses • Full and accurate data will help reduce information asymmetry in the value chain Going forward, the study pointed to some specific opportunities: 12 1. Promote cardamom for value up-gradation and global market positioning • Build a collaborative alliance between Nepal, Bhutan and India to promote varietal research, disease management, mechanisation and marketing in large cardamom • Strengthen the largely unorganised trade • Track and strengthen execution of national policies that centre around large cardamom. Create a national level support structure for effective regional collaboration • Research to build credible and quick flowing data sets, for the three countries to plan better and track the sector’s progress. 2. Introduce women-friendly, improved production and processing technology along the value chain • Essential to adopt a women-centric lens because they are predominant in the value chain • Promote the testing and use of women-friendly technologies that will automate manual processes improving worker efficiency and quality of the final product • Identify and promote institutional and other arrangements to scale-up promising technologies. 3. Promote women’s enterprises and institutions • Invest in establishing and strengthening women’s enterprises, collectives, work groups and their federations for skill building, aggregation, and diversification • Encourage the development of women’s enterprises and institutions by advocating for appropriate government policies, such as concessions in tax, transport duties, and bank loans. Launch of the Study Next, the study report was unveiled by the distinguished guests. Key Note Speaker – Chandni Joshi, Enforcer, HomeNet South Asia: For a meaningful conversation to result in practical action that supports women in the Large Cardamom value chain - in Nepal - apart from the Ministry of Agriculture it was essential to bring in the Planning Commission. This is why, it is important that Ms. Usha Jha, Ministry of Women and Children and the Ministry of Commerce that has been instrumental in formulating the large cardamom trade policy in Nepal be a part of the Consultation. I thank World Bank for engaging all key actors in the deliberations. In general, when it comes to their role in value addition or enterprises, women are constrained by many issues. The first in the list is the stereotypical mindset that deems - ‘can women do this’? This mindset needs to change. In agricultural value chains, in particular, women actors are mostly stuck in lower, less remunerative stages. Even though they are really the backbone of large cardamom production and do back- breaking, labour-intensive work, their incomes and profits are not commensurate with the effort they put in and the risks they take. The Nepali proverb “Jasle maha katyo tasle hat chatyo” (whoever cuts the honey comb licks the hand) does not hold in this case. 13 The question then is what can be done for women to be equal actors and to access their share of fair returns? Women need more practical skills including technology, need good quality information to support disease management, improve production and reduce loses. At the national level there is need for quality testing labs, better prices, reliable markets, upgradation of women’s skills for value added products. There is need for more user-friendly data to support ongoing research apart from basic investigations on the qualities of large cardamom which are hidden at the moment. Potentially, large cardamom can be used for a variety of products – medical, food, perfumery, and so on. Further, there is a need for a collaboration in the region, between key actors, on large cardamom, and this will also help nations achieve their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). And learning from others in similar value chains such as the Darjeeling Tea and African coffee will be essential. Finally, large cardamom should be a positioned as a unique product of the Himalayas that is produced by women in South Asia and could help in delivering SDGs 1, 2, 8, and 12. Special Remarks With Dr. Usha Jha of Nepal Planning Commission at the helm as Chairperson, each of the distinguished guests briefly shared their opinions on the subject. Presented below are some of the key points made by the speakers. Mr. Chandra Kumar Ghimire, Ministry of Women and Children, Nepal. For the current times and compulsions that Nepal is facing, the subject of the consultation is very relevant. Trade deficit is a pressing issue while the Government aims at 8+% of GDP growth. Large Cardamom has become very critical in this scenario as it is the largest export revenue earner for the country. Among the products exported from Nepal, large cardamom engages a relatively large number of the rural poor among whom the women predominate. A large number of economically disadvantaged people share the benefits in this value chain. Women are still disadvantaged, their engagement in post-production work is still minimal. They need access to information, finance, training, technology and networks. Large Cardamom could be the symbol of alliance in the region and we would encourage bilateral and multilateral efforts to support this value chain Ms. Maya Gurung, Chandan Fibre Udyog, Taplejung, Nepal. When prices of Large Cardamom began declining, I thought of using the plant’s stalk to draw out fibre and make something out of it. The stalk is not used for anything and is a complete waste. The fibre is natural and very strong. It has the potential to do well in the natural fibres market, many people like it. I founded Chandan Fibre Udyog and started making mats. Currently, the company employ 10 women and makes 25 to 30 different products. However, these are expensive and need to be made affordable for wider outreach. Nepali and other governments support similar products through subsidies and technical assistance schemes. Cardamom fibre products also need this kind of support to reduce costs, diversify the product basket, and expand the market. This sector can also help create additional employment opportunities. Ms. Ishrat Jahan, SAARC Secretariat. A quarter of the world’s population resides in South Asia, most live in rural areas and derive their livelihood from the agriculture sector. There are 14 several challenges that South Asia faces including increasing population, climate change, natural disaster, and plant disease. SAARC accords high priority to regional cooperation in agriculture and has recently adopted the “SAARC Agriculture Vision-2020” to strengthen food, nutrition and livelihood security in the region. Notably, while women are key actors in agriculture in the region they continue to face challenges in accessing resources and benefitting from effective participation in value chains. In this context, SAARC attaches great importance to the value chain approach for development of sustainable food systems. Through its centre of excellence - SAARC Agriculture Centre –it has been supporting various value chain development programs. We wish to request the World Bank to consider developing a regional project on developing and promoting Large Cardamom Value Chain in South Asia in collaboration with SAARC. Dr. Fatema Wadud, Dept of Agriculture Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh. Within the South Asian region, Bangladesh has improved in many sectors, 10% of women are engaged in some kind of entrepreneurial activity. But in agriculture, their work is not really recognised as that of other women in the region. It would be good to take lessons from this Consultation to see how they can be applied in Bangladesh, particularly to develop the large cardamom value chain. Large Cardamom is used during festivals and much of it is consumed in the northern region. Bangladesh spends Taka 3000 crore on the import of spices. Large Cardamom can be grown in the hills of Bangladesh where between 80 to 92 percent tribal women are already engaged in cultivating ginger, flowers, and tobacco. There is a huge opportunity in exploring Large Cardamom production in the country. Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Nepal. The Government of Nepal has given top priority to the production and development of large cardamom among a basket of twelve selected products. Government has announced a 5% cash incentive on exports of large cardamom that eligible farmers can avail. Large Cardamom has gone beyond South Asia. It has mass market prospects in Europe, USA and Canada. There is huge potential for the concerned countries to jointly develop and promote large cardamom in the global market and strengthen this value chain. Here, we must involve women in enterprise building and branding. There is a wide variety of issues on which BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) countries connect. That can help bring about shared prosperity in the region. There are SAARC Secretaries in each country. We can connect producers and buyers of large cardamom with support from governments. How can we utilize digital development for the people and for the promotion of large cardamom, especially in the area of marketing? Regional connectivity and e-commerce play an important role in diversifying and expanding markets for niche products like large cardamom. We need a joint effort. Mr. Tanka – Elected Representative, Province 1/Taplejung, Nepal. Production, processing and marketing along the large cardamom value chain need attention. In Nepal, we need to move towards improved, modern methods for this purpose. The first step is to invest in research. For this, we need to strengthen the Cardamom Development Board or create a new research centre, and then conduct comprehensive research on all aspects of the value chain. For instance, if there is a disease, how can we control it? Which other plants can be planted after planting large cardamom to stem disease? How can cultivation be strengthened? It is known 15 that farmers need training and access to credit and insurance services. How can this be done? Similarly, in processing there is need for modern drying mechanisms for good quality. What existing technologies work the best? Is their need for further development or customisation? Where are the current and potential markets for large cardamom and its products? What kind of diversified products can be produced from large cardamom? What are its nutritional and medicinal characteristics that can help position and brand it appropriately in the market? As far as information on the movement of large cardamom is concerned, we know that collection happens at Birtamod from where it moves to India. Some says it’s exported to Middle East; some say products are being made. But there is no comprehensive data on what is exactly being made, where it goes, and at what price. The Nepal government needs to use World Bank’s technical support as best as possible in this regard. A long-term, collaborative approach is needed to support the large cardamom value chain comprehensively, creating value and employment. Regional sharing and knowledge exchange with other countries growing and trading large cardamom is also much needed. Chief Guest – Mr. Yogesh Bhattarai, Member of Parliament, Taplejung, Nepal. There is a very big gap between the international retail price of large cardamom in markets such as Dubai or Doha and what the farmers sell at. We need to have a wider discussion on this price gap and how can farmers get a better return. Further, in Nepal, migration is an issue. If we can promote the production of Large Cardamom, we can decrease the issue of migration and address employment and livelihood issues in the hilly and mountainous region of the country. Large Cardamom is a great opportunity for such people especially the mountain women. We lack skilled manpower to cultivate large cardamom, we are talking to CTEVT to offer educational courses on Cardamom so that we can address this. The Large Cardamom value chain can help maintain trade equilibrium and minimize trade deficit. There are many support programmes in agriculture. But the large cardamom sector uses these minimally. I would flag this as there is a need to use this support. Government is considering Large Cardamom very seriously and would like to provide more support to the sector. Support programmes are needed for production diversification. I would like to request for further research in this area so that the Government could take up necessary initiatives. Chair - Dr. Usha Jha, Nepal Planning Commission, Nepal. As far as women are concerned, we have a strong, inclusive Constitution now and would like to make its best use. We need to challenge our mindset in thinking of women’s engagement. Large Cardamom has a lot of scope. Women are part of this value chain. Support to this sector can help improve women’s economic status. We listen to women being part of the value chain, but in the formal engagement its mostly men. We need to honour her in the production, processing and marketing. Women should have knowledge on pricing, she should be the one to decide the pricing of her produce. Appreciate Maya in delivering her story, and she has challenged the Government. Why haven’t Government services reached farmers? We have strong commitments from the Ministry of Commerce, Women and Children and Parliament. We need to take forward these commitments. Session 2: Discussion on Study Findings and Recommendations 16 The session started with a more detailed look at the study findings and recommendations to open it for wider reflection among the various stakeholders who were present. Presentation by Robin Amatya, CEO, SABAH Nepal, and Shalini Kala, Lead Researcher, HNSA The study that was led by HomeNet South Asia (with SABAH Nepal as a facilitation partner) between April and October 2018, based its findings largely on a literature survey of existing research, primary data collection in Taplejung, and interviews with experts. It aimed at developing an understanding of the role of women, home-based workers and their working conditions in the large cardamom value chain. Main study objectives were: • Map the supply chains from raw material to finished goods, and into the local and export markets • Identify the roles of women and men home-based workers (HBWs) and their working conditions • Identify bottlenecks and solutions to help women HBWs expand their economic gains. The study aimed at developing an understanding of the role of women, home-based workers and their working conditions in the large cardamom value chain. Nepal is the largest producer of large cardamom in the world with the current annual production pegged in the range of 5000MT to 6000MT. A lucrative cash crop, it is being grown in 41 of the 75 districts of the country employing close to 70,000 farmers. About 98% production is reported to be exported, over 90% of it to India. 17 As per the Nepal Labour Force Survey (2008, there are 920,000 Home-Based Workers in the country. Home-based work is a major source of employment for women and a majority of women HBWs can be found in retail trade and the manufacturing of food products and beverages. In the rural areas, there is large presence (90%) of them in agriculture including in the production of large cardamom. Though they are heavily involved in growing, harvesting and drying of large cardamom, they remain restricted to repetitive, labour-intensive tasks that command low wages. However, large cardamom farming has been instrumental in the empowerment of women especially for those from marginalised communities. Some of the key findings that the study lists indicate that farmer incomes are vulnerable to volatile international markets, women HBWs are heavily involved in farming but their engagement with markets is minimal, climate change is triggering crop disease leading to losses, farmers are looking for better drying and farming technologies, and lack of full and accurate data hampers a complete mapping of this value chain. The experience of two innovative enterprises – Himalica and Chandan Fibre Udyog – was also shared. While Himalica is largely run and owned by women who produce and market large cardamom spice mixes and large cardamom tea, Maya Gurung makes large cardamom fibre products under her company Chandan Fibre which is an all women outfit. The study identified several issues that need to be addressed for women HBWs to become more efficient participants in the value chain and in turn upgrading it. Key recommendations were provided for each issue. These included: Issue Recommendations 1 Lack of robust data sets including • Set-up a robust system for regular data collection with a focus on gender-disaggregated data information related to women HBWs • Forge an alliance between the government and other institutions with expertise and interest in women HBWs • Support regular analysis on women HBW issues based on quantitative and qualitative data, engaging a wider set of interested agencies 2 Need to strengthen governmental • Conduct a study to estimate the economic loss due to policies to support women HBWs suboptimal working conditions of women HBWs • Conduct a larger study across key districts for a clearer picture of the issues facing women HBWs in the value chain • Formulate a set of women-friendly policies for the consideration of the government • Use outputs of studies and policies for discussions with relevant central and district government agencies for policy formulation 3 Traditional, drudgery prone • Use government and non-government channels to promote processes testing and use of women-friendly technologies that will automate manual processes: • Study best practices in these areas • Identify key areas for intervention • Engage relevant agencies to identify and promote/test appropriate technologies • Identify and promote institutional and other arrangements to scale-up promising technologies. 18 4 The lack of women’s institutions • Invest in establishing and strengthening women’s groups and federations • Encourage development of these institutions by advocating for concessionary government policies, in tax, transport duties and bank loans • This will encourage women’s interaction with the market. 5 Weak brand identity of Nepal in • Build an alliance between Nepal, Bhutan and India to promote international markets varietal research, disease management, improved technology, and marketing in large cardamom • Track and strengthen the execution of Nepal’s National Policy for Cardamom Exports Group Discussion Following the detailed presentation on the study findings and recommendations, four themes were proposed for discussion in small groups. Group facilitators were assigned. Groups were asked to come up with key challenges in the large cardamom value chain and suggestions to address these. A list of indicative triggering points for discussion was shared with each group – see below. The themes were: Group 1 Sustainable Production System of Large Cardamom and Managing Associated Risks led by Ms. Anu Shrestha, Value Chain Specialist, ICIMOD. Group 2 Expansion of Markets and Products Diversification Opportunities, led by Mr. Raj Kumar Karki. Chairman, Federation of Large Cardamom Association of Nepal Group 3 Strengthening Women’s Participation, their Role in the Value Chain and Building their Entrepreneurship led by Ms. Sristi Joshi Malla, Chairperson, SABAH Nepal Group 4 Value Chain Stewardship: Support for Policy, Data Analytics and Multi-Stakeholder Platforms, led by Mr. Budhi Upadhya, Under Secretary Ministry of Commerce and Supplies. INDICATIVE TRIGGERING POINTS FOR GROUP DISCUSSIONS Group 1: Sustainable Production System of Large Cardamom and Managing Associated Risks Challenges and suggestions for improvement related to:  Planting material / germplasm  Extension services  Producer collectivization  Technology availability and adoption  Key production risks and their management measures  Pest and disease management without compromising food safety and environment  Sanitary and phytosanitary standards and quality assurance Group 2: Expansion of Markets & Product Diversification Opportunities 19  Barriers to expansion of markets (trade practices, policies, infrastructure, access to financing etc.)  New application areas (cosmetics / beverages / health supplements / flavours etc.)  New product ideas  Key influencers of product consumption (spice marketers / chefs / nutritionists / recipe books / wellness product developers / bloggers etc.)  Creating new stories / narratives about large cardamom  New and innovative distribution and marketing channels for reaching consumers in key markets (India / Pakistan / Middle East)  Tapping large buyers (marketing companies / spice companies / modern retail chains / ecommerce)  Success stories in value addition / marketing of large cardamom Group 3: Strengthening Women’s Participation, their Role in the Value Chain and Building their Entrepreneurship  Key tasks handled by women in cardamom production, harvesting and post-harvest management  Major challenges faced by women across these stages in terms of skills, resources, technology, infrastructure, working conditions, policy support  Experience (success stories), interest and opportunities for entrepreneurship among women involved in large cardamom value chains through individual / family / collective enterprises  Enabling policies and measures in Nepal for promoting women entrepreneurship Group 4: Value Chain Stewardship: Support for Policy, Data Analytics and Multi-Stakeholder Platforms  Enabling policy measures required for improving competitiveness of large cardamom from Nepal  Major knowledge and learning gaps due to lack of proper data and information about large cardamom across various stages of its value chain  Interest, experience, challenges and opportunities for improving coordination among value chain actors of large cardamom within Nepal and with other production countries and markets  Key actors in Nepal relevant for improving cooperation and coordination within the ecosystem for large cardamom in India. Roles and responsibilities of such actors in multi- stakeholder platform Following is a summary of ideas that each group presented to the house after the discussion. Group 1 Challenges listed were lack of general technical advisory services including nursery management, water-use, preparation and use of organic manure; high labour costs; poor access to easy and cheap finance; and no incentive to grade cardamom at the farm level Suggestions related to policy, research, market, and institutional development were shared. These included: Policy: Need for organic certification aimed at better price realisation, minimum support price to tackle price fluctuations, easy access of priority bank lending for large cardamom farmers, 20 access to crop insurance, and clear and specific focus on large cardamom reflected in government plans and budget lines. Research on appropriate varieties, disease and pest management, suitable labour-saving and efficiency- increasing tools and technology – especially drying, distinctive characteristics of large cardamom including nutritional and medicinal attributes. Market development support through awareness, linkages with new markets, brand building for large cardamom, reduced cultivation costs, and strengthening of farmers network across the region. Institutional development of farmers groups and cooperatives to facilitate input supplies, introduce improved technology and lobby. Group 2 Challenges listed by the group included high taxes within the country as well as when exporting to Bangladesh, lack of modern warehouse and auction facility at Birtamod, sub-standard quality due to traditional drying methods, lack of food testing and quarantine facility, Indian GST, over-dependence on India for market, no clear identity of large cardamom especially the Nepali large cardamom, insufficient participation in international trade events, and the weak situation of the one thousand women that process and pack large cardamom at Birtamod. The group suggested that there needs to be effort to reduce dependence on India to export directly to other markets. Creating a brand identity for Nepali large cardamom, reducing tariff barriers like with Bangladesh, and creating an export hub in Birtamod for international buyers will help. There needs to be an exploration if Green Cardamom can be produced in Nepal. It commands a much higher price in the market. Group 3: Challenges: As their key concerns Nepal included lack of awareness about the essential value of large cardamom and other information, lack of capital especially for entrepreneurial initiatives, poor access to credit and finance that leads to distress sale generally before the Dashain festival 2, weak business skills among women, lack of production aggregation, and lack of women-centred policies. Bhutan mentioned limited actors in the value chain, lack of assessment of role of women in the value chain, GST in India and the current low price of large cardamom as key challenges. Suggestions included upgrading role women in the value chain by institutionalization of cooperatives, sharing information on ways to utilize policies on women empowerment for the betterment of women actors, and improving access to digital financial services. Group 4 Policies: Promote women-centred policies enhancing their capacities and skills while recognising their contributions, establish the large cardamom brand through Geographical Indication (GI) and other such efforts, encourage participation in international trade events for knowledge exchange, promote women-friendly technologies across the value chain in production, processing and packaging, invest in research and development, strengthen extension services, set-up auction centres , arrange for necessary testing and certification for 2 The most important festival for Nepal when families spend lavishly on new clothes, food, and other festivities. 21 exports, inter-government dialogue to reduce tariff barriers, stabilize price, subsidised and easy credit facilities along with tax exemptions, support cooperatives, disseminate information on policies at the grass roots and utilise e-commerce opportunities for trade. Data information: Information on all aspects - production, demand, price etc.- of the value chain including disaggregated data on women’s contribution. District data can be a powerful driver for action by local governments now that political and executive power is more decentralised. Mobile applications for easy access and quick dissemination of information. Networks and Connectivity: At the national level constitute a Multi Stakeholders committee/mechanism to provide overall policy guidance and also act as monitoring and facilitating body. It would collaborate with the government at all levels. A similar sub-regional institutional mechanism between India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh could be set up. This would help in the exchange of knowledge and build a collective force to promote large cardamom as a unique regional product. Policy makers and influencers need to play their role in policy dialogue and advocacy, M&E, information management, capacity building, knowledge sharing and demonstration of success stories, and national and sub-national regional connectivity/collaboration. Session 3: The Way Forward on Strengthened Regional Cooperation This session began with a presentation on multi-country and multi-stakeholder cooperation in the food sector. A panel discussion followed moderated by Raj Ganguly of the World Bank. Multi-Country and Multi-Stakeholders’ Cooperation in the Agro-Food Sector by Raghvendra Singh Mr. Singh raised pertinent questions regarding the need to identify areas where public private participation might work best and areas where regional cooperation can become a vehicle for shared benefits. What is the big picture? How can this dynamic opportunity and platform be put in place to take the agenda forward to enhance the large cardamom value chain? While clarifying the principles of setting up a regional programme, he shared global examples of single as well as multiple commodity platforms along a spectrum of dominant-broad based public support to funding-institutional assistance. These included the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), Global Coffee Platform, GrowAsia, Feed the Future and IDH Sustainable Trade. A more elaborate account of BCI and IDH’s origins, execution and success was provided along with indicative options in designing a regional platform for large cardamom. Several options were listed for each design element including the targeted stage in the value chain, coverage of commodity and geographic area, anchoring or steering entity, major partners, target buyer segments, funding, developmental goals, and the role of the public sector. Panel Discussion: Socio-Economic Opportunities in High Value Agri Commodities through Enhanced Trade Integration and Value Chain Development Raj Ganguly spoke to the expert panellists representing almost the entire gamut of key large cardamom value chain actors. A summary of their views follows: Mr. Arjun Thapa, FAO, Nepal. On issues relating to cultivation, in general production practices followed in the region are weak and there is need to upgrade them especially in the context of changing climate. Good extension services are still lacking. While, there is still not 22 sufficient knowledge among farmers regarding disease management, more needs to be done to collect and share good practices that already exist on the field. Men and women who are involved in different cultivation processes, we need to gather information from them. To contain disease outbreaks from spreading, a joint effort is needed among the producing countries. Ms. Sonam Pem, Tarayana Foundation, Bhutan. There isn’t much information on the large cardamom value chain in Bhutan. There are limited number of studies, data is not being collected regularly, and there is no assessment on the role of women and the extent to which they are engaged in the value chain. Market is mostly informal and there are no diversified products being produced. There are many challenges that the value chain actors face – quality of product, ease of doing business, climate change leading to production stress, price fluctuations, etc. For instance, with the recent reduction in large cardamom prices there is concern that farmers need good understanding in the area of balancing their food sufficiency and their cash needs while allocating farm land for each of these purposes. Introduction of General Services Tax (GST) in India has adversely affected price realisation for value chain actors in Bhutan. On trade, it takes about 29 days to export goods from Bhutan to Bangladesh, hence it becomes less attractive than sending it to India. If some of these issues are resolved, it would be useful for the value chain. Dr. Purna Chettri, World Bank, Nepal. Farmers get affected by many things. Many of them start with the production process and then look for market instead of doing it the other way around. This leads to distress especially since currently, value chain actors do not have reliable access to market. There is lack of proper research to support farmers whether in production, processing or marketing. On top of this, even though there are state benefits meant for farmers, they do not even know these exist or how to access them. While it’s important for the government to provide services based on farmer demand, there is also a need to inform and build the capacity of farmers. The next round of the study should look at the obstacles that farmers face and possible solutions. Mr. Nirmal Bhattarai, Federation of Large Cardamom Entrepreneurs, Nepal (FLCEN). Currently, low price is discouraging expansion in production and some support is needed to address this. The other issue is of quality. We are working at improving quality right from the farm level to the point from where it is exported. We can aim to directly export a superior quality product to markets beyond India. We have been participating in international trade fairs to promote the Nepali large cardamom in order to achieve this. Product diversification is also going on. We need government help without which integrating into the international market would be difficult. For instance, Nepali large cardamom exports have to face 35% tax in Bangladesh. Similarly, modern warehousing is important so that exports can be made at an appropriate time and not in distress. There is also need for access to subsidised finance – 0% interest rate on loans for the sector. Dr. Bishwa Bandhu Raj Singh, Economist - Large Cardamom Expert, Nepal. Nepal is unable to directly service the demand from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and United Arab Emirates. All production is exported through India. Apart from India, Bangladesh is the closest market for Nepal but the high tax imposed by Bangladesh is a problem. There is room for trade benefits if Nepal sells directly to Bangladesh once the tax issue is resolved among the countries. The point is that there needs to be an alternate to India as a trading hub. 23 Mr. Bhushan Shah, Nepal Agribusiness Innovation Centre. Should we look at large cardamom only in its traditional use in the kitchen? There are new opportunities in terms of flavouring, mouth fresheners, cosmetics, perfume, and medicine including those recommended by the ancient Ayurveda system. And to make it happen we need to do many things - support entrepreneurship, market research, and demand analysis. Where does large cardamom go after reaching India and how is it used? There is scope for public-private collaboration especially in promoting entrepreneurship. Last month we conducted a programme for 30 entrepreneurs, 10 were women. Support from the Government of Nepal can accelerate promotion of women entrepreneurship. Dr. Fatema Wadud, Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh. In Bangladesh people use large cardamom but don’t know where it is coming from. The country has started research on large cardamom varieties that can be grown domestically. It is a lucrative crop that will attract farmers. However, our understanding of the market has to be enhanced to fine tune the production system to manage market risks. More studies are required. In terms of trading with Nepal, there needs to be a win-win for both countries. Reduction in knowledge asymmetry at all levels will be helpful. Demand analysis, market research and support to entrepreneurship are needed to create these new lines of business in large cardamom. Closure - Next Steps for Action Ms. Chandni Joshi led this discussion to encourage views on immediate and long-term actions. 24 Susma Paudel, Member Central Committee, FLCEN. Way forward – Need a clear pathway on policy, programme and institutional mechanisms to support large cardamom and the women actors of this value chain. Need a collaborative and multi-stakeholder effort to discuss all issues and plan for action to implement policy and programmes. There needs to be clarity on building its identity – what is its nutritional and medicinal value apart from its unique geographical indicator. Focus on women both at enterprise and production level will help identify and augment their position in the value chain. Identifying the challenges at the production, processing and market levels in the value chain will help tailor solutions to address these. The demand for large cardamom is increasing. More stakeholders including the government are on board. Support from different stakeholders helps to voice the issues surrounding large cardamom. Support improvements in production, processing and marketing. It would be timely to build capacity in new and tested innovations and value additions like biryani masala, tea and fibre. Bhutan Representatives Having joined this Consultation, we realise there is a lot for us to learn. We just grow large cardamom, dry it and sell it. We do not make any other products from it. Cardamom fibre is another new thing. These can create employment opportunities for farmers. While farmers are mostly illiterate, we can introduce educated youth and introduce gender friendly technology, so that more livelihoods are created. Representative of Traders from India Nepal needs to focus on production and new markets. There is a need to identify places where there is demand. A storage space is required in Birtamod, the collection and export hub of large cardamom in the country. If the Government of Nepal sets up food testing labs like the Indian Central Food Laboratory system, it will reduce the testing time from the 10-12 days that it currently is for each sample. It is important for the traders to deal with India and other countries. Production area has expanded in Nepal. It is also expanding in India and Bhutan, which means increased competition for Nepalese produce. People are also slowing trying to improve the quality of production for the purpose of market. Representatives from Nepal Large Cardamom Farmers Women are working in the large cardamom sector. Many young men are migrating which has left women to do the job. Large Cardamom is considered a black diamond, which is more expensive than gold. If we can increase production, people do not need to migrate for better livelihoods. The large cardamom produce is bought to Birtamod where women segregate it into different grades. But they are not provided safety materials or decent working conditions. They get neither insurance nor proper wage facilities. We need technical support from the World Bank. Closing Remarks by Ms. Chandni Joshi, Enforcer, HomeNet South Asia She shared her happiness about this “small” study by HNSA that was conducted in partnership with SABAH Nepal and was supported by the World Bank - triggering a positive debate on the role of women in the large cardamom value chain. She emphasised three points as the key messages from the session: 1) There is potential for large cardamom to be the black diamond for Nepalese women farmers. Research should be continued on each aspect of the value chain. 25 2) Today it became amply clear that there is widespread interest on the subject. Government has requested outputs and the way forward. Now it’s time to lobby and engage in dialogue. There needs to be a dialogue between different layers and a coordination mechanism needs to be put in place. We also need to bring in SAARC into the conversation especially since they are working with gender. 3) Way forward: Let this discussion be the beginning and we would need to continue. We have to bring in the World Bank and other like-minded institutions. 26 V. Annexure Annexure 1: List of Participants Name Designation Ministry City Country 1. Arjun Baral Economist Strategy Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Kathmandu Nepal Development 2. Hon'ble Dr. Usha Jha Member National Planning Commission Kathmandu Nepal 3. Budhi Upadhya Under Secretary ITC Focal Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Kathmandu Nepal Point Supplies 4. Madhu Kumar Joint Secretary Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Kathmandu Marasini Supplies 5. Badri Prasad Dahal Senior Agi. Development Ministry of Land Management and Kathmandu Nepal Officer Agriculture, Province 1 6. Mahesh Kharel Under Secretary National Planning Commission Kathmandu Nepal 7. Chandra Kumar Secretary Ministry of Women, Children and Kathmandu Nepal Ghimire Elderly 8. Hon'ble Yogesh Member of Parliament Taplejung Nepal Bhattarai 9. Prem Guragain Secretary to Member of Taplejung Nepal Parliament 10. Dr. Fatema Wadud Deputy Director Department of Agricultural Marketing, Dhaka Bangladesh (Shila) Ministry of Agriculture 11. His Excellency, Peter Australian Ambassador to Australian Embassy Kathmandu Nepal Budd Nepal 12. Mr. Padam Bhusal Livelihoods Program Manager Australia's Department of Foreign Kathmandu Nepal Affairs and Trade 13. Swechya Mathema Business Development Netherlands Development Organization Kathmandu Nepal Coordinator (SNV) 14. Yamuna Ghale Senior Programme Officer & Swiss Development Corporation (SDC) Kathmandu Nepal Gender Focal Person 15. Raj Kumar Karki Chairperson Federation of Large Cardamom, Nepal Ilam Nepal 16. Susma Paudel Member Central Committee Federation of Large Cardamom, Nepal Ilam Nepal 17. Nirmal Bhattarai Immediate Past Chairperson Federation of Large Cardamom, Nepal Ilam Nepal 18. Kusum Dahal Member Central Committee Federation of Large Cardamom, Nepal Ilam Nepal 19. Nimesh Kumar Mittal Member Central Committee Federation of Large Cardamom, Nepal Jhapa Nepal 20. Tanka Kattel Member Central Committee Federation of Large Cardamom, Nepal Jhapa Nepal 21. Anil Dhungana Office Manager Federation of Large Cardamom, Nepal Ilam Nepal 22. Matrika Ghimire Secretary Federation of Large Cardamom, Nepal Ilam Nepal 23. Suvas Bhattarai Member Central Committee Federation of Large Cardamom, Nepal Jhapa Nepal 24. Bal Bahadur Gurung Ward Chair/ Cardamom Taplejung Nepal Producer 25. Maya Gurung (A) Large Cardamom Chandan Fibre Udhyog Taplejung Taplejung Nepal Entrepreneur 26. Raj Kumari Gurung Large Cardamom Producer Taplejung Nepal 27. Bhim Bahadur Gurung Large Cardamom Producer Kanchanjunga Himalica Agriculture Taplejung Nepal Udyog 28. Lila Devi Dahal Large Cardamom Producer Kanchanjunga Himalica Agriculture Taplejung Nepal Udyog 29. Ms. Uma Devi Large Cardamom Producer Taplejung Nepal Pokharel 30. Govinda Raj Baral Ward Member & L. Cardamom Taplejung Nepal Trader 31. Maya Gurung (B) Large Cardamom Producer Taplejung Nepal 32. Laxmi Prasad Gurung Large Cardamom Producer Taplejung Nepal 33. Khem Natha K.C Large Cardamom Producer Taplejung Nepal 27 34. Ms.Kinzang Lhamo Cardamom Producer Tsirang Bhutan 35. Ms.Chung Lham Doya Cardamom Producer Samtse Bhutan 36. Lilu Poddar Proprietor Delhi India 37. Mrs. Hari Devi Vice President Business and Professional Women Kathmandu Nepal Shrestha (BPW), Nepal 38. Bina Pradhan Adviser Business and Professional Women Kathmandu Nepal (BPW), Nepal 39. Geeta Shrestha Director of Business Services Business and Professional Women Kathmandu Nepal Center (BPW), Nepal 40. Chandni Joshi Enforcer HomeNet South Asia Kathmandu Nepal 41. Shalini Kala Lead Researcher HomeNet South Asia Delhi India 42. Sarbani Kattel Project Coordinator HomeNet South Asia Kathmandu Nepal 43. Pradip Maharjan Consultant-Facilitator HomeNet South Asia Kathmandu Nepal 44. Navya D'Souza Communications and Project HomeNet South Asia Delhi India Coordinator 45. Santosh Acharya Program Manager SABAH Nepal Kathmandu Nepal 46. Sristi Joshi Chairperson SABAH Nepal Kathmandu Nepal 47. Robin Man Amatya Chief Executive Officer SABAH Nepal Kathmandu Nepal 48. Aashma Bhatta SABAH Nepal 49. Sonam Pem Program Director Tarayana Foundation Thimphu Bhutan 50. Dr. Hari Prasad Chief Executive Officer Agro Enterprise Centre, Federation of Kathmandu Nepal Neupane Nepali Chamber of Commerce and Industry 51. CP Bhattarai Director Environment Conservation and Kathmandu Nepal Development Forum (ECDF) 52. Shiba Neupane Cardamom Expert Federation of Nepali Chamber of Kathmandu Nepal Commerce and Industry 53. Shanker Man Singh Federation of Nepali Chamber of Kathmandu Nepal Commerce and Industry 54. Ms Neeru Rayamajhi Second Vice-President Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Kathmandu Nepal Khatri Association, Nepal 55. Bhushan Shah Chief Executive Officer Nepal Agribusiness Innovation Centre Kathmandu Nepal (NABIC) 56. Dr. Tek Bdr. Gurung Executive Director Nepal Agricultural Research Council Kathmandu Nepal (NARC) 57. Manoj Kadel Director Nepal Agricultural Research Council Kathmandu Nepal (NARC) 58. Ms Ganga Laxmi Awal President Nepal Federation of Women Farmers Kathmandu Nepal 59. Renu Chamling Rai Gender and Social Inclusion Practical Action Kathmandu Nepal Sp. 60. Sujan Piya Thematic Lead- Agriculture Practical Action Kathmandu Nepal 61. Mr. Bishwa Bandu Raj Economist and Senior Kathmandu Nepal Singh Researcher 62. Mim Hamal Programme Manager, Rural Delegation of the European Union to Kathmandu Nepal Development Nepal 63. Mr. Arjun Thapa Programme Officers Food and Agricultural Organization of Kathmandu Nepal the United Nations 64. Anu Joshi Shrestha Value Chain Specialist International Centre for Integrated Kathmandu Nepal Mountain Development (ICIMOD) 65. Dr Surendra Joshi Program Coordinator, International Centre for Integrated Kathmandu Nepal Himalica Mountain Development (ICIMOD) 66. Vijaya Sthapit NTFP Team Leader International Development Enterprises Kathmandu Nepal (iDE) Nepal 67. Mr. Ramananda Gupta Agronomist International Fertilizer Development Kathmandu Nepal Centre 68. Saurabh Shah Project Coordinator International Labour Organization (ILO) Kathmandu Nepal 28 69. Ms Ishori Rai Senior Program Officer, Social SAARC Development Fund Thimphu Bhutan Window 70. Ms Kinley Zam Program Officer, Social SAARC Development Fund Thimphu Bhutan Window 71. Mr Dorji Wangdi Assistant Director, Social SAARC Development Fund Thimphu Bhutan Window 72. Ms Rinzi Pem Assistant Director, Social SAARC Development Fund Thimphu Bhutan Window 73. Ms. Ishrat Jahan Director SAARC Secretariat Kathmandu Nepal 74. Pramila Rijal President South Asia Women's Development Kathmandu Nepal Forum (SAWDF) 75. Bhushan Karki Swiss Contact Kathmandu Nepal 76. Saroj Nepal National Program Coordinator United Nations Capital Development Kathmandu Nepal Fund (UNCDF) 77. Monisha Shreshtha Fund Mechanism Officer United Nations Capital Development Kathmandu Nepal Fund (UNCDF) 78. Faris H. Hadad-Zervos Country Manager-Nepal World Bank Kathmandu Nepal 79. Raj Ganguly Senior Rural Development World Bank Delhi India Specialist 80. Raghvendra Singh Value Chain Expert World Bank Delhi India (Consultant) 81. Monica Raina Senior Enterprise World Bank Delhi India Development Specialist 82. Bigyan B. Pradhan Sr. Operations Officer World Bank Kathmandu Nepal 83. Purna Chhetri Senior Agricultural Specialist World Bank Kathmandu Nepal 84. Karishma Wasti Agricultural Specialist World Bank Kathmandu Nepal 85. Sunita Yadav Program Assistant World Bank Kathmandu Nepal 86. Richa Bhattarai Communications Associate World Bank Kathmandu Nepal 87. Sharad Bhandary Media National News Agency Kathmandu Nepal 88. Subina Acharya Media Kantipur Daily Kathmandu Nepal 89. Devesh Malipa Media Triage TV Kathmandu Nepal 90. Arpana Magar Media The Himalayan Times Kathmandu Nepal 91. Sushma Bhandari Media Kathmandu Nepal 92. Sujan Gurung Media Gorkhapatra Daily Kathmandu Nepal 93. Muna Sunawar Media Republica Kathmandu Nepal 94. Ram Kafle Media The Rising Nepal Kathmandu Nepal 95. Janak Tiwani Media Nepal Informer.Com Kathmandu Nepal 29 Annexure 2: Agenda PROGRAMME AGENDA – July 10, 2019 (8.30 AM to 05.00 PM) 8:30– 9:00a Registration and Walk Through the Knowledge Corridor; Seating of Participants Inaugural Session 9:00–9:10a Welcome and Introduction to the Consultation – World Bank 9.10-9.20a SARTFP perspective 9:10–9:25a Summary presentation and Key recommendations of the study - HomeNet South Asia 9:25-9:30a Launch of the study by distinguished panel of hon. guests 9:30-10:50a Growth and Prospects of Large Cardamom in Himalayan Region: Reflections on the Study Recommendations • Key Note Address: Ms Chandni Joshi, Enforcer, HomeNet South Asia • Chief Guest: Mr Yogesh Bhattarai, Member of Parliament, Taplejung, Govt. of Nepal • Mr. Chandra Kumar Ghimire, Secretary, Ministry of Women, Child and Senior Citizen, Govt. of Nepal • Mr Madhu Kumar Marasini, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Govt. of Nepal • Ms Maya Gurung, Large Cardamom Entrepreneur, Taplejung • Ms. Ishrat Jahan, Director, SAARC Secretariat • Dr Fatema Wadud (Shila), Deputy Director, Dept. of Agriculture Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of Bangladesh • Chairperson: Hon’ble Dr. Usha Jha, Member, Nepal Planning Commission 10:50-11:10a Tea Break Study Presentation and Consultative Groups 11:10-11:30a Presentation of detailed study- survey, findings, challenges and recommendations - HomeNet South Asia and SABAH Nepal 11:30-1.15p Themes Group Anchor Sustainable Production System of LARGE Mr. Surendra Joshi, CARDAMOM and managing associated risks ICIMOD Expansion of Markets & Product FLARGE CARDAMOMEN Diversification opportunities Strengthening Women’s participation, their Ms Sristi Joshi, SABAH role in the value chain & building their Nepal entrepreneurship Building Robust Data systems: Government of Nepal Strengthening information flow across the value chain The thematic based groups will discuss, within themselves, for 45 minutes (including preparing the presentation); each group will be allotted 10 minutes to report back, followed by Q/A. 1.00: -2:15p Lunch 30 Panel Discussion: Pathways for Enhanced Regional Opportunities in Strengthening Market Opportunities in High Value Himalayan Agri-commodities like Large Cardamom; Global Examples 2:15-3:30p • Mr Bhushan Shah, CEO, Nepal Agribusiness Innovation Centre • FLCEN • Dr Fatema Wadud (Shila), Deputy Director, Dept. of Agriculture Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of Bangladesh • Mr Arjun Thapa, Program Officer, FAO • Mr Bishwa Bandhu Raj Singh, Swiss contact • Mr Purna Chhetri, Senior Agriculture Specialist, World Bank Moderator: Raj Ganguly, Senior Rural Development Specialist, World Bank 3:30—3:45p Tea Break Closure Session: Next Steps for Action 3:45-5:00p • Chair: Hon’ble Dr. Usha Jha, Member, Nepal Planning Commission • Ms. Chandni Joshi, Enforcer, HomeNet South Asia • FLCEN • Ms Lila Devi Dahal, Large Cardamom Producer, Taplejung • Dr Fatema Wadud (Shila), Deputy Director, Dept. of Agriculture Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of Bangladesh Wrap-up and Thanks 31