At Khetipati Organics, we hold smallholder farmers in high regard as essential custodians of our planet, akin to bees whose role is irreplaceable. They safeguard biodiversity, a cornerstone of our ecosystem’s health. The smallholder farmers we collaborate with inherently practice integrated farming, cultivating a diverse mix of crops, plants, and livestock. This holistic approach not only enriches the soil with organic matter but also nurtures biodiversity.

Many of our farmers cultivate seasonal, annual, and perennial crops together, employing organic farming techniques and nutrient-rich fertilizers derived from co-raised livestock. Unfortunately, most perceive this integrated approach as a necessity rather than a choice. The allure of large-scale, mechanized farming showcased on television and glamorized by the West—a sea of monoculture year after year—often eclipses the realities faced by smallholder farmers.

Monoculture can offer efficiencies and economic benefits, especially in areas with limited market access and transportation infrastructure. However, it differs significantly from the circumstances faced by smallholder farmers in Nepal’s rural hills and Himalayan regions. Nepal is highly vulnerable to climate change, a reality already affecting smallholder farmers. Monoculture is often unsuitable in these areas due to geographical conditions, cultural factors, and economic realities. 

Given market fluctuations, price volatility, and the unique environmental challenges posed by climate change, we believe in the beauty of integrated farming for its holistic approach to environmental sustainability and natural resource management. These principles drive us to work closely with smallholder farmers, promoting integrated farming practices that make economic sense and safeguard our planet’s health—keeping agriculture’s essential bees thriving.