Just how ‘organic’ are organics? Over the past few years a number of organic markets have shot up throughout Kathmandu. So what makes these markets different from other markets around town?The very word ‘organic’ makes us think that these markets are selling everything that is wholesome and fresh. But what does organic really mean? Warning: advertorial coming up! With regard to organic farming, only natural materials are used; no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This prolongs the longevity of the land (heavy chemicals ultimately reduce its production capacity) and maintains ecological balance. In the past this was the normal way to farm (no chemicals available back then) but now agriculture sans chemicals is known as ‘organic’ farming.

 

As a child, before big supermarket pre-packaging, I regularly found insects in the vegetables on my din­ner plate. Those were the tiny ones that had escaped my mother’s atten­tion in the rinsing process. How often do you come across an insect in your vegetables here in Nepal? Not very often I bet.

 

While there have always been people encouraging the use of a traditional, natural approach to farming, it’s not until quite recently that we have seen the label ‘organic’ in the Kathmandu Val­ley. But does that mean every product in the market is certified? There are private organizations providing organic certification in Nepal but as far as I am aware, the government does not have its own system of certification yet. So to my mind, those who are enthusiastic about natural farming or wild-harvesting will maintain standards which will reduce defor­estation and encourage respectful and sustainable agriculture farming systems, thereby protecting the local environment. Unfortunately, currently, there is too much at stake for the average farmer to invest time and effort into an organic farming method which is more labor intensive and which will take longer to achieve the same results. And anyway, who in the local markets is interested in paying more for organic products?

 

Which brings us back to the ‘organic markets’ in Kathmandu. Go along to any of these markets on the weekend, or now during the week also, and you will see that the vast majority of people who are buying are expats. And when you take a look at the prices being charged, you will understand why. Fruit and vegetables are not the only things that are more expensive here. It is a good place to source cheeses, pumpkin and chai seeds, natural body lotions, breads of all different varieties, home-made and restaurant-made food to eat in or take away, honey, etc. That cannot be denied. But shoppers pay dearly for the convenience and ambiance. And is everything ‘organic’ anyway? Without a thorough background check, how would we know?

 

But while many go there to shop, just as many go to socialize. It’s certainly a meeting ground for expats and middle class Nepalis alike. Some of the markets have value added events selling artwork, and handicrafts made in Nepal, or have live music to attract custom­ers. The original organic markets seem to have spawned other mar­kets which don’t sell food but art, jewelery, handmade bags and other hand-made or community-made goods. Many of the stalls highlight the fact they work with local women or craftspeople, which makes the buyer feel they are giving back by making their purchases there. Don’t get me wrong, yes, on the whole they seem to be fair trade stalls. But again, how would we know?

 

One of the first—then we didn’t call it organic—markets was at the Sum­mit Hotel on a Sunday morning. In those days it was mainly vegetables they sold—things like lettuce which were not readily available in the local shops—and bakery products. At that time, they even provided free coffee to the shoppers. Ah for the good old days of free coffee and non-‘organic’ prices!