Apr 4, 2023
Spending 22 days to learn about agriculture technologies in Jinsekikogen-cho, Hiroshima prefecture, Japan, a place as cold and remote as Mustang, may seem a struggle for two Nepalese women who come from Pokhara and Sindhupalchok. Black coffee offered on every occasion by every Japanese was undeniably bitter to the taste for them who drink at least three cups of "guliyo chiya" daily in Nepal. From tasting Japanese wine and soya sauce that adds flavor to the Japanese “most spicy” chili paste, to savoring on the biggest strawberries and red kiwi unique to Japan, it was the onset of getting acquainted with many facets of Japanese food culture for the two. But all cultural and religious differences transcended when these two utterly Hindu women, Maya Nepali and Sarita Parajuli, had to learn about breeding of cows.
Into the bargain, the differences in agriculture and the technologies were also realized when the trainees visited mid to large scale agriculture farms and businesses in and around Jinsekikogen-cho. Discovering new ways to keep soil healthy, growing tomatoes in foreign soil, learning organic compost making and working in the Japanese organic agriculture field was an unparalleled experience for two Nepali farmers. The zeal and passion of the elderly Japanese who were the owners of most of the agriculture business were an inspiration for these younger women. As much as it was overwhelming to learn about the sophisticated agriculture technology and the governmental policies that promoted and protected agriculture in Japan, it also reminded them of how far behind agriculture and small holding farmers are in Nepal.
“There are two kinds of people in the world, one who knows what they want to do, and the other who has not figured out yet. You are the first kind who knows what you want to do. I urge you to help the second kind of people in finding their passion,” a quote said by the oldest farm owner in Mukaishima, offered a sense of hope; to take an initiative to build a supportive environment where farmers can find innovative ways to create a future for themselves, and also contribute to the societies and communities in which they live.
“Training on Agriculture Technologies”, was a 22 day training organized from March 1 to 22, 2023 by Peace Winds Japan at Jinsekikogen-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan for two Nepali women farmers.
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