Kathmandu, Nepal: The Government of Nepal, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of the People's Republic of China, has officially launched the "Strengthening Agrifood Systems in Nepal" project, a major initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience, food security, agricultural productivity, and sustainable rural development across the country.
The launch ceremony was attended by Hon. Gita Chaudhary, Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished participants included H.E. Mr. Zhang Maoming, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Nepal, Ms. Hua Yang, Director of FAO's South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division, and Mr. Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal.
Addressing the event, Minister Gita Chaudhary emphasized that the project will contribute significantly to advancing climate-smart agriculture, strengthening food and nutrition security, improving market access, and building more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for the people of Nepal. She noted that the initiative aligns with Nepal's commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector while addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Hua Yang highlighted the importance of strong national ownership and international collaboration in transforming agrifood systems.
"Strong country ownership and partnership are essential to transforming agrifood systems and delivering lasting benefits for farmers and rural communities," she said.
Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Zhang Maoming underscored the role of South-South Cooperation in promoting sustainable agricultural development. He stated that technology transfer and knowledge exchange under the initiative would strengthen Nepal's agricultural productivity, resilience, and food security while supporting the country's agricultural modernization efforts.
FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, Mr. Ken Shimizu, stressed that the project reflects the power of partnership, innovation, and locally driven solutions. He noted that the initiative would help create more resilient and inclusive agrifood systems capable of improving rural livelihoods, enhancing food security, and ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind.
The project is financed through China's Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and aims to strengthen Nepal's climate-resilient and inclusive agrifood systems by promoting agricultural innovation, expanding digital agricultural services, improving market access, and creating better economic opportunities for women, youth, and rural communities.
The initiative is expected to support Nepal's long-term goals of sustainable agricultural transformation while contributing to greater resilience against climate change and improving the livelihoods of farming communities across the country.
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