Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems

Nepal is renowned for its tradition of Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS), which involve collective engagement of farmers in irrigated agricultural development. These systems, ranging from highlands to mid-hills and the Terai region, provide irrigation services to approximately 70 percent of the country's total irrigated area. FMIS in Nepal are location-specific and reflect indigenous management practices, tailored to meet local organizational needs. These systems represent grassroots democratic institutions where communities take responsibility for natural resource management and allocation. FMIS play a crucial role in the sustainable management and development of Nepal's natural resources, with water being the most precious among them.