Saptari, Nepal - In a bid to enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and bolster the resilience of vulnerable communities, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has introduced climate-resilient rice varieties—Swarna Sub-1 and Radha-12—through its Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (RWEE) and Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) initiatives in Nepal.
Targeting some of the most flood-affected regions, the RWEE project has reached approximately 1,410 households across five rural municipalities, including Tilathi Koiladi, Chinnamasta, Sakhuwanankarkatti, Laxmipur Patari, and Karjanha. Each household has received 7–9 kilograms of resilient rice seeds, enabling them to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that combat erratic weather patterns and flooding.
Similarly, through its TCP initiative, FAO has supported an additional 1,350 households in Hanumannagar Kankalini and Tilathi Koiladi, providing 17–20 kilograms of rice seeds per family. This intervention focuses on reviving rice production, a critical crop for food security in these regions, while simultaneously building resilience to future climatic shocks.
By empowering rural women farmers—often disproportionately affected by climate change—FAO Nepal’s initiatives not only address immediate food security concerns but also contribute to long-term development and sustainability.
These projects underscore the importance of integrating gender equity and climate resilience into agricultural development strategies, aligning with Nepal's broader goals of sustainable development and climate adaptation.
About the Varieties:
The Swarna Sub-1 and Radha-12 rice varieties are specially bred to withstand submergence caused by flooding and other climatic anomalies, making them a vital tool in Nepal’s efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change on agriculture.
FAO Nepal’s commitment to scaling these initiatives reflects its dedication to fostering resilient livelihoods and a sustainable future for the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
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