Nepal Launches Agriculture-Food System Strengthening Project with Chinese Support

Kathmandu. A project for strengthening the agriculture-food system has been launched in Nepal with the objective of making Nepal's agriculture and food system more effective and robust. The project was inaugurated in Kathmandu on Monday. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chang Mao Ming stated that this project, launched with the financial support of the Chinese government, will further elevate agricultural cooperation between the two countries. The project will be operated through the 'Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund' under the Chinese agency for international development cooperation. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Nepal will coordinate and partner for the project's implementation. Ambassador Mao Ming mentioned that agriculture is the main basis for Nepal's socio-economic development, food security, and poverty alleviation. He stated that geographical proximity and historical relations between China and Nepal offer broad possibilities for cooperation in the agricultural sector. Previously, various agricultural programs have been implemented in Nepal with the support of the Chinese government, including the Chinese vegetable training center in Khokana, Lalitpur, livestock and fisheries cooperation in Jhapa, and hybrid paddy cultivation in Chitwan, which have played a significant role in increasing Nepal's agricultural productivity, Ambassador Mao Ming recalled. Citing China's success, Ambassador Mao Ming said, 'China has succeeded in providing food to about 20 percent of the world's population using only 9 percent of the world's arable land and 6 percent of freshwater resources.' Adding to his statement, he said, 'We are committed to sharing our experience and technology in agricultural modernization, having completely eradicated poverty, with Nepal.' This new project aims to enhance the capacity of Nepali farmers and increase the resilience of the agricultural sector through technology transfer, training, and knowledge exchange. This cooperation is expected to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and further strengthen Nepal-China friendly relations.