Terms of Reference for conducting Training to lead farmers on Seed Production and Seed Conservation (Vegetable and Cereal Crops) at RM Level

Terms of Reference for conducting

Training to lead farmers on Seed Production and Seed Conservation (Vegetable and Cereal Crops) at RM Level

A. Background

Shechen Karuna is working in Nepal since 2020 with the vision to create a just society without poverty, a society in which all women and men live a life of dignity, enjoy their rights as active citizens of Nepal. Through integrated development program it aims to provide people with better livelihood opportunities, improved health conditions, sustained environment, quality education and continued economic development, ensuring that development-related activities are demand driven and sustainable. As defined by the VISION 2025, a strategic guidance, Shechen Karuna Nepal has been working in three regions Terai, Mid-Hills and High-Hills (mountains) in five inter-connected thematic sectors;

1. Health and Hygiene 
2. Education
3. Food Security
4. Economic Development
5. Environment

By working in these sectors, Shechen Karuna aims to provide people with opportunities to reduce poverty, vulnerability and inequality, ensuring that development-related activities are gender sensitive, socially inclusive, demand driven and sustainable, and that the most vulnerable are empowered to sustained their effort. Shechen Karuna works in close coordination local governments and civil society organizations to support marginalized, socially excluded and economically poor communities. 

Agriculture is a major livelihood source in Nepal, where access to quality seeds remains a key constraint for improving productivity. Many farmers rely on informal seed systems, leading to low yields and poor crop performance. Strengthening farmers’ capacity in improved seed production techniques—especially for vegetables and cereals—can enhance seed self-sufficiency, income generation, and food security.

This training aims to build technical knowledge and practical skills of farmers and stakeholders on scientific seed production practices, local seed selection, quality control, and post-harvest handling.

Shechen Karuna Seeks to engage a qualified consultant to design and facilitate a two- days intensive training in Shechen Karuna working area:

The consultant will deliver four separate training events:

• Ruby Valley (Dhading):  28th April to 29th April,2026
• Khaniyabas (Dhading): 1st May to 2nd May, 2026 
• Bijayanagar (Kapilbastu): 5th May to 6th May,2026
• Yesodhara (kapilbastu): 7th May to 8th May,2026

B. Objectives/ output of the Workshop: 

2.1 General Objective

To enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills on improved seed production and seed conservation techniques of vegetable and cereal crops across selected project areas.

2.2 Specific Objectives

1. To build capacity on scientific vegetable seed production practices and seed conservation in hill regions (Dhading) 
2. To strengthen cereal seed production techniques in Terai regions (Kapilbastu) 
3. To promote quality seed production, processing, and storage practices 

C. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the overall planning, design, and implementation of the eight-day training program on vegetable and cereal seed production and conservation across Dhading and Kapilbastu districts. The scope of work will include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

The scope of work for the workshop includes:

1. Develop a detailed training plan, and session-wise curriculum for both vegetable and cereal seed production and conservation, Prepare training materials, manuals, presentations, and practical guidelines in a context-specific and user-friendly format.
2. Facilitate interactive training sessions using practical exercises and Nepal-relevant success examples
3. Apply participatory and practical learning approaches, including demonstrations, group discussions, and field-based exercises
4. Prepare and share reports, including feedback and recommendations with Shechen Karuna.

D. Training Methodology

The training should use adult learning principles, including

• Group discussions and reflection
• Role play and case studying
• Coaching-based facilitation approach 
• Experiential learning

E. Outcomes of Workshop

The training program is expected to generate the following key outcomes across the project areas in Dhading and Kapilbastu:

• Participants will acquire improved technical knowledge on vegetable and cereal seed production and conservation practices
• Farmers will understand key principles such as isolation distance, roguing, pollination, and seed selection
• Availability of quality seeds at the community level 
• Reduced dependency on external seed sources 

F. Deliverables

• Training materials (presentations, tools, exercises)
• Facilitation of 2-day training
• Participant action plans
• Brief final report

G. Special Terms & Conditions / Specific Criteria for Consultant (Firm/Individual)

For Individual Consultant

• Minimum Master’s degree in Seed Science, Agronomy, or Horticulture preferred
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in seed production, agricultural extension, or farmer training 
• Proven experience in delivering training on vegetable and/or cereal seed production 
• Strong facilitation, communication, and reporting skills 
• Experience working with University/NARC/ INGOs/development sector
• Understanding of Nepal context preferred

For Consultant Firm

• Must be a legally registered organization in Nepal with valid PAN/VAT registration 
• Minimum 4–5 years of proven experience in agricultural training, particularly in seed production or crop management 
• Demonstrated experience in conducting similar training programs in hill and Terai regions 
• Availability of qualified technical experts in seed science, agronomy, or horticulture 

H. Application Process

Interested individuals/consultant firm are invited to submit applications to Shechen karuna office- nepal@karuna-shechen.org with the title: Training on Seed production and seed conservation by no later than 19th April,2026, 5:30 PM, along with following documents. 

• Cover letter
• Technical proposal
• Financial proposal with breakdown
• Proposed CVs of key personnel (maximum 3 pages each)
• Relevant experience or references
• Organization registration certificate
• VAT Certificate
• Tax Clearance Certificate FY 081-82

I. Ethical Considerations

The Consultant will be required to take all the necessary actions to handle the collected information responsibly to ensure privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality.

J. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Shechen Karuna is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff, consultants, and volunteers to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work within our values are selected to work for us.  

K. Confidentiality/ non-disclosure

All documents issued in connection with this ToR shall remain the property of Shechen Karuna and shall be used only for the consultancy purpose. All information provided shall be kept confidential and returned to Shechen Karuna after completion of task. 

During the performance of the assignment or at any time after expiry or termination of the Agreement, the Consultant shall not disclose to any person or otherwise make use of any confidential information which s/he has obtained or may in the course of this agreement relating to partner organization/Shechen Karuna, the respondents or otherwise. 

L. Intellectual Property, Copyright and Ownership

The Consultant shall warrant that all arising Intellectual Property, materials and/or products produced in pursuit of this assignment shall be original, and shall not infringe on any third party’s claim. Shechen Karuna shall retain all reference materials provided as background used by the Consultant in the delivery of this assignment.  All arising intellectual property, ideas, materials, processes, or processes formed in contemplation, course of, or as result of this work shall be passed to Shechen Karuna without restriction. 

Copyright of all arising documents, data, information, or reports produced by the Consultant under this agreement shall belong to Shechen Karuna and will be passed to Shechen Karuna without restriction. Such documents, data, information, and reports shall not be used by the Consultant for any other purpose other than in conjunction with this assignment, without the express written permission of Shechen Karuna. 

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Shechen Karuna reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal or application without assigning any reason.