Study of different kinds of plants, soil and climate and the quantitative analysis of vegetation structure and composition at the three VDCs of Siwalik hills of Ilam was undertaken. A total of 137 flowering plants and 9 pteridophytes belonging to 27 families of trees, 31 families of shrubs, 27 families of herbs and 7 families of ferns are reported. The tree diversity value was highest (2.235) from matured forests of Danabari (Sector II) and the least (2.021) from the regenerating forest of Chulachuli (Sector II). However, the species evenness was highest in sector III for shrub (0.183) and herb (0.128). The tree trunk volume was maximum (413623.13 m2ha-1) in case of matured forest at Danabari (Sector II). Shorea robusta, Terminalia alata and Semecarpus anacardium were the most dominant species in the entire study area. Sector I had the highest shrub and herb density of 1600 pl. ha-1 for Desmodium confertum and 4285.7 pl. ha-1 for Ageratum hustonianum respectively. Sector II has northern aspect and due to more precipitation record has rendered the land remain wet. The tree species of Semecarpus anacardium, Schima wallichi, some species of orchids along with various leguminous plants were recorded. The south facing sectors I and II were drier with more records of degraded land. The similarity index of tree species found in sectors I and II was recorded high (36.36). Soil present in sector III was found to be more acidic (pH 5.6). Organic matter and nitrogen content was higher in sectors II than that of sector I and III. Highest percolation capacity was found in the soil of sector I. Organic matter was positively correlated with nitrogen at the 0.05 level. As a whole, the vegetation was much more encouraging ecologically than expected from a distant observation.

Data set for the socio-economic, hydrology, agriculture, land use etc., of Siwalik Range in Ilam District of Nepal.

This book addresses some key strategic questions related to agriculture in the context of major contemporary developments and emerging challenges in Nepal such as the changing role of agriculture with economic growth, structural transformation in reducing poverty, improving nutritional outcomes, and addressing the challenges of climate change. The book also suggests policy measures to improve the delivery of critical inputs and services and ensure the participation of marginal and smallholders in high-value chains. Further, it discusses how the new federal system and governance structure will affect the delivery of agricultural technology and services. The book is divided into five parts. Part I discusses macro-issues in the agriculture sector, while Part II focuses on agricultural productivity growth and its main drivers. The third part explores diversification in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors by farmers and other rural people for livelihood improvement, while the fourth part deals with agricultural trade and marketing issues, highlighting policy implications and recommendations in the areas of immediate focus and further research. Lastly, Part V addresses institutions and governance issues, which are vital for agricultural development. In the final chapter, the editors summarize and synthesize the book’s main findings and develop a policy agenda for addressing the many challenges faced by the agriculture sector in Nepal, so as to make it more productive, competitive, sustainable, and inclusive. The book offers a rich source of analytical information on various aspects of agricultural development in Nepal and will be of immense value to policymakers, development partners, civil society, students, and those interested in the economic and agricultural development of not only Nepal, but also other developing countries.