Much socio-economic and demographic research conducted in Nepal based on both micro and macro-level data, basically focuses on the negative impact of population growth and the deteriorating resource situation (particularly land) in the country. Similarly a lot has been written about crops grown in permanently cultivated fields, as well as various aspects of agricultural development in Nepal, such as introduction of horticulture, and use of improved seed varieties, but no researchers have paid any serious attention to why and how Nepalese farmers utilise their marginal lands (i.e. steeply sloped, boulder-filled waste land or swamp land) to grow subsistence of cash crops. Marginal lands can provide good yields if properly taken care of. A modest increase in crop yields in these areas can greatly alleviate food shortages.
This paper is an attempt to explain why cash crops like big cardamom (Amomum subulatum) have been introduced in waste or marginal land in a village in eastern Nepal. Big cardamom is a sub-tropical, exclusively cash crop for Nepalese farmers. It is normally used as a spice or as a flavouring agent for sweets, coffee and tea and also as medicines in many parts of the world.
