ABSTRACT
In Nepal, community seed banks hold great potential for improving food security and community resilience by promoting local crop varieties. This chapter identifies gaps and constraints in policy, law, regulatory and legal frameworks and administrative procedures concerning community seed banks in Nepal. The Seed Policy emphasizes organization and management related to the formation of farmers' groups, revolving fund support and management, technical services and a transportation subsidy on seed with a focus on remote areas of the country. The Plant Variety Protection Act recognizes plant breeders' efforts and farmers' knowledge and resources used in developing new varieties. It allows room for community seed bank members to test promising local varieties and release them in their own name. The Community Seed Bank Guideline is a comprehensive document developed to guide appropriate planning, implementation and regular monitoring of community seed bank activities.
