Consultancy Service: Prepare Technology Menu for Paddy and Maize Storage

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultancy Service:

Prepare Technology Menu for Paddy and Maize Storage

KISAN II Project Overview

The USAID-funded Feed the Future Knowledge-based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture in Nepal (KISAN) II project operates in 25 districts within four provinces. By focusing on five commodities: vegetables, rice, maize, lentil, and goats, KISAN II is working to increase the resilience, inclusiveness, and sustainability of income growth through agriculture development. Through a private sector-led facilitative approach, KISAN II identifies and addresses constraints within key market systems to strengthen and improve agriculture markets, improve value chain efficiency, and manage unexpected shocks. The project contributes to the objectives of the Government of Nepal’s agriculture development strategy and the US Government’s Feed the Future Initiative. The KISAN II project has five specific components: 

• Improved productivity of selected agricultural market systems, 
• Strengthened competitiveness, resilience, and inclusiveness, of selected agricultural market systems, 
• Strengthened enabling environment of selected agricultural market systems, 
• Increased ability of vulnerable communities to act on business opportunities within selected market systems, and 
• Collaboration, learning and adaptation (CLA) applied to market systems development. 

KISAN II works in the following Zone of Influence (ZOI) 4 provinces and 25 districts given below:

• Bagmati Province: Makawanpur, Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhupalchowk, Nuwakot
• Lumbini Province: Kapilbastu, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Pyuthan, Rolpa and Rukum (eastern part)
• Karnali Province: Dailekh, Surkhet, Jajarkot, Salyan, Rukum (western part)
• Sudur Paschim Province: Doti, Accham, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, Baitadi

A.   Rationale and Approach 

KISAN II is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MOALD) and departments under it such as the Center for Agricultural Infrastructure Development and Mechanization Promotion (CAIDMP) and the Center for Crop Development and Agro-Biodiversity Conservation (CCDABC)to prepare a menu of proven modern technologies for grain storage. The objective of the menu is to prepare a roster of technical information on successfully adopted post-harvest technologies or infrastructure associated with paddy and maize storage. This storage menu will facilitate the selection of suitable technologies for farmers or other users through promotion at federal, provincial and local levels. 

In the context above,in-house study by KISAN II for the preparation of available proven post-harvest technologies/ infrastructures associated with storages of paddy and maize has been done. KISAN II has drafted a menu on select successfully adopted storage technologies forpaddy and maize; thecontents for this menu isas follows: 

• Categorization of storage structures based on potential use by different farmers level/potential application in Nepal.
• A brief introduction, specific types/models, capacity, dimensions, air flow rates, labor requirements, and benefits of each type of storage structure/systems.
• Features of the model/type: designs, construction/manufacturing/fabrication; operations, temperature/airflow regulations, retrofitting prospects, availability of spare parts, repair and maintenance, operational costs, etc.
• Information on pre-requisite requirements (available space, electricity, etc.) for establishment and operation of storage structures.
• Government policies on storage facilities.
• Showcase of instances where the specific type/models have been successfully used.
• Origin price and price in Nepal (to the extent possible/available).
• Estimated cost of specific type of storage, its installation, and operational cost.
• Sources and contact addresses of manufacturers/dealers/supplier/importers).
• Pictures, sources and references.

KISAN II now seeks an a short-term consultant to provide technical services for structuring and editinga draftmenu that will be suitable for publication. 

B.   Specific Tasks to be Undertaken by Consultant

The consultant will:

• Review and edit the draft grain storage technology menu developed by KISAN II to ascertain whether all important aspects have been covered.
• Review government policies on promoting storage facilities; custom duties/excise duties, other taxes/VAT, access to finance, interest rates for storage structures, subsidies/incentives availability. 
• Suggest storage structures most suitable for small, medium and large farmers/organizations.
• Collaborate/consult with government agencies (CAIDMP and CCDABC), private sector, and concerned farmer stakeholders in the process of finalizing the menu.
• Sequence and structure draft contents such as texts, figures, tables, and references, ensuring that information contained will contextually relevant to Nepal and will not infringe on copyright and trademarks. 

C.   Qualifications and Experience 

The consultant should be a Nepali citizen, have a Master’s degree in agricultural engineering or post-harvest technologies(or relevant subjects), along with 10+ years’ experience in post-harvest technology development/promotion/research; strong communication skills with both oral and written fluency in both English and Nepali. Strong command of Microsoft Office suite is a must.

D.   Level of Effort (LOE) 

The proposed level of effort (LOE) for this consultancy is 21days desk work including necessary consultations with GON and stakeholders.

E.   Timeframe for the Assignment

The proposed timeline for this consultancy is for 1.5 months period beginning on or about March 2021. 

F.   Selection Criteria and Weightage 

Consultant will be selected based on the following weightage value of Technical and Financial score.

G.   Deliverables and Timelines

The consultant will prepare and submit the following deliverables: 

• Draft final report for feedback, at least 15 days before the deadline of final document.
• Final report incorporating suggestions and comments from KISAN II.

Instructions for Applicants 

• Application letter and stating why you are suitable for the assignment including relevant experience
• Updated CV
• Expected gross daily rate 
• Copy of PAN registration certificate (copy of VAT certificate is must if the total consultancy value exceeds or equal to NRs. 500,000
• Copy of contract/agreement, or other proof of documents of two latest assignments.

Disclaimer:

Issuance of this notice does not obligate Winrock International to award a Consultancy Service, nor will Winrock International pay any costs associated with the preparation or submission of application.  Furthermore, Winrock International reserves the right to reject any and all applications, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of Winrock International.  The consultancy service is contingent upon donor approval.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates can post the required documents at eoi.KISAN@winrock.org within March 3rd 2021. Applicants should reference Consultancy Service: Prepare Technology Menu for Paddy and Maize Storage in the subject line. Applications received after the stipulated date will not be entertained.