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The price of gold has dropped by Rs 1, 200 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 150, 800 per tola today.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 20 and is being traded at Rs 1,840 per tola today.

Human-wildlife conflict in the buffer zones of Nepal’s national parks is a persistent issue, causing economic losses, endangering livelihoods, and posing risks to both humans and wildlife. These conflicts are particularly severe in the buffer zones of Chitwan National Park (CNP) and Parsa National Park (PNP). Spanning 750 square kilometers and 285.3 square kilometers respectively, these buffer zones include forests, private lands, and cultivated areas that support endangered species such as one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.

In the fiscal year 2023/24 alone, 11 people in the CNP buffer zone lost their lives to wild animal attacks. Rhino attacks caused five deaths, tigers claimed four lives, and mugger crocodiles killed two people. These statistics highlight the ongoing and dire consequences of human-wildlife conflict.

Buffer zones are co-managed by park authorities and local communities, with portions of park revenue allocated to community development and natural resource management. These areas aim to balance ecological preservation and community involvement. Yet, the challenges remain immense, particularly as locals struggle to maintain livelihoods while coexisting with wildlife.

In Icchyanagar, Thori Rural Municipality-2, Parsa, residents like Krishna Bahadur Jyoti are finding innovative ways to secure their livelihoods while reducing wildlife conflict. Once burdened by financial losses—including a tiger killing his goat—Jyoti now keeps 25 goats in predator-proof corrals. Built with support from the Buffer Zone User Committee and local resources, these corrals have stabilized his finances.

Jyoti’s wife, Durga, recalls their hardships: “Three years ago, a tiger killed a goat we bought with a loan. Now, with the corrals, we sleep peacefully, pay for our children’s education, and manage daily needs.”

This initiative, part of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) program, has been instrumental in reducing conflicts. According to Prem Poudel, eastern cluster in-charge of TAL, similar corrals built in Thori and other buffer zone areas have reduced annual goat losses from 30–40 to near zero.

In Gopalnagar of Madi Municipality, Chitwan, locals have shifted to fish farming as a way to mitigate losses from crop damage and livestock predation. Led by community leader Kamal Bhujel, the establishment of the Gopalnagar Fisheries Farmers Cooperative Society has transformed the area into a fisheries hub, producing seven tons of fish annually across 105 hectares. Fish farming has proven to be five times more profitable than traditional agriculture.

Additionally, trenches, dams, and solar-powered fences constructed with TAL program support have reduced wildlife incursions, saving both lives and livelihoods. These measures have also helped prevent migration triggered by conflict.

In Ayodhyapuri, Madi Municipality, women from the Bote community have embraced entrepreneurship by managing community homestays. Previously reliant on fishing and farming, these women now host 7,000–10,000 guests annually across 12 homestays, offering organic meals, cultural performances, and eco-tourism experiences.

Prakash Dhungana, chairperson of the Buffer Zone Management Committee, notes that this initiative has empowered women and fostered biodiversity conservation by encouraging coexistence with wildlife.

In Meghauli, Chitwan, duck farmers like Chameli Chaudhary have found success using river weeds (sewar) as duck feed. Once collected from Chitwan National Park, sewar is now cultivated in nearby community forests through initiatives by the Meghauli Intermediate Consumers’ Committee. This shift has reduced the risks of wildlife encounters and contributed to river conservation.

Duck farming has become a profitable livelihood, with ducks sold at Rs 2,000 for males and Rs 1,500 for females. Additionally, locals have shifted the cultivation of edible ferns (niuro) from national park premises to local farmland, further reducing conflicts.

To minimize crop losses, communities in Meghauli and surrounding areas have also turned to turmeric and lemon farming, crops that are not targeted by wildlife. These alternative practices provide sustainable income while ensuring safety from wildlife incursions.

Despite these measures, challenges persist. Solar-powered electric fences, while effective in keeping wildlife at bay, carry risks of accidental electrocution. Continuous awareness campaigns and safety measures are essential to mitigate such risks.

Behavior Change Communication (BCC) classes have been introduced in areas like Pandabnagar, Madi, to educate locals on coexistence strategies. Youths such as Poonam Pariyar are now sharing this knowledge within their communities, fostering greater awareness and cooperation.

“In Shikaribas, Thori Rural Municipality-3—a critical corridor linking PNP, CNP, and India’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve—similar community-led efforts are underway,” says Poudel. “These initiatives aim to reduce conflicts while maintaining the ecological balance necessary for the survival of species like tigers and elephants.”

While predator-proof corrals, electric fences, and sustainable farming practices have significantly reduced human-wildlife conflicts, the road to coexistence remains complex. Local communities, conservationists, and government bodies must continue collaborating to balance ecological integrity and human safety.

With an abundance of investable capital in the banking system and loan interest rates dropping to single digits, investors’ interest in margin-based loans, where shares are used as collateral, has surged. While entrepreneurs in other sectors remain hesitant to take loans, capital market investors are actively borrowing for transactions, as recent data reveals.

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, margin-based loans against shares increased by 32.78 percent by the end of the current fiscal year (2024/25) compared to the same period last year. As of the first four months of the current fiscal year, the flow of such loans reached Rs 107.76bn, up from Rs 81.16bn in the same period last year.

Despite having an estimated Rs 500bn to Rs 700bn in the banking system, the central bank has expressed concerns about monetary management. Bankers report limited demand for new loans. Ganeshraj Pokharel, CEO of Citizens International Bank, attributes this to reduced confidence among entrepreneurs. “Although we are allowed to lend up to 90 percent of the credit-deposit (CD) ratio, we are currently at 83 percent. Even with seven percent additional lending capacity, loans are not being issued. Many entrepreneurs seem to be in a ‘wait and watch’ mode,” he said.

Pokharel noted that sluggish real estate transactions and minimal economic activity have contributed to the lower demand for loans. However, he expressed optimism about gradual improvements, emphasizing the need for more lending to stimulate economic growth.

Meanwhile, margin-based loans from the 20 commercial banks, which hold over 90 percent of the market share, have increased by 35.08 percent this fiscal year. These banks disbursed Rs 8.59bn in margin loans, up from Rs 6.36bn during the same period last year. Similarly, the 18 development banks operating in the country recorded a 25.07 percent rise in margin loans, with lending growing to Rs 1.76bn from Rs 1.4bn last year. Additionally, 18 finance companies saw a 22.02 percent annual growth, disbursing Rs 4.23bn in the first four months of this fiscal year compared to Rs 3.47bn in the previous year.

The central bank’s 2022 amendment to its integrated directive raised the limit on margin loans against shares. Individuals can now borrow up to Rs 150m, while institutional investors can borrow up to Rs 200m. Previously, there was no cap for institutional investors.

Earlier, the central bank had imposed limits on margin loans, categorizing the capital market as an unproductive sector. However, following criticism from investors, the limits were relaxed, allowing borrowers to access up to Rs 120m from multiple licensed institutions.

Shree Thangpal Valley Secondary School, located in Panch Pokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk, uses vegetables grown in its own garden for lunch.

The vegetables, cultivated in a tunnel by members of the school’s eco and health clubs, are incorporated into the school’s midday meals, according to Principal Raju Tamang. “The vegetables we use in lunch are produced here. This initiative allows students to generate income while also benefiting from fresh, nutritious produce,” said Tamang. “Aligning with state policy to link knowledge with skills and labor, we aim to foster self-reliance among students by creating opportunities for income generation.”

Principal Tamang explained that the school vegetable garden program was launched to achieve several goals: providing organic lunches, enhancing the greenery of the school premises, and utilizing resources that would otherwise go to waste. By consuming vegetables grown on-site, students enjoy healthy and sufficient lunches at a lower cost while gaining practical knowledge about vegetable farming.

School Management Committee Chairman Sundar Sapkota highlighted the program's effectiveness. He shared that the initiative helps eliminate junk food in the school and provides students with skill-based education. “We plan to transform the school into a model institution and eventually a technical school by offering practical and experimental education. This will involve requesting support from the rural municipality as well as state and federal governments,” said Sapkota.

The program receives additional support from KOICA’s ERCN project, which provides training on nursery management, seasonal vegetable production, and fertilizer preparation. KOICA field coordinator Kumar Bhattarai noted that the vegetable garden initiative equips students with valuable knowledge and skills. The organization has observed that students often apply these skills at home, increasing their families’ income.

The school has also used the proceeds from vegetable sales to fund public awareness programs and activities organized by the children’s club. Sapkota himself contributes to the initiative by planting and watering vegetables during vacations and holidays.

The garden serves as a practical learning space for students in grades 6, 7, and 8, who plant crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, coriander, spinach, and chili. These vegetables are purchased by the school and used to prepare midday meals, reinforcing the program’s objectives of sustainability, education, and self-reliance.