4th August 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant boost to Nepal’s burgeoning organic agriculture sector, the Royal Thai Embassy, in collaboration with FAO Nepal, has launched a high-impact Organic Farming Training program in Surkhet, Karnali Province.
Empowering Karnali sustainable development
This collaborative initiative, bringing together government officials, farmers, traders, and processors, aims to transform the region into a national hub for sustainable and ecological practices.
A Partnership for Growth and Knowledge Exchange
The training, initiated by the Royal Thai Embassy as a testament to the growing Nepal-Thailand agricultural cooperation, is a crucial step towards fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future for Karnali’s rural communities. FAO Nepal is providing essential on-ground coordination, ensuring a meaningful and practical knowledge exchange on key aspects of organic agriculture, including traceability and sustainable practices.
Karnali’s Vision for Organic Leadership
Speaking at the inaugural session, Mr. Arun GC, AFAOR-Programme, commended Karnali Province’s proactive approach. “Karnali has taken significant steps to establish itself as a national hub for organic farming,” he stated, “aligning its plans and programs to prioritize ecological practices that transform rural livelihoods.” This vision is at the core of the training, which seeks to equip stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to realize this ambition.
Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Organic Sector
This initiative is a powerful affirmation of FAO Nepal’s commitment to strengthening organic agriculture in the province. The training program focuses on delivering context-specific organic production techniques and, importantly, promoting an enabling environment for private sector engagement and investment. By fostering a strong foundation for the emerging organic sector, this collaboration is not just about farming – it’s about building a resilient, inclusive, and economically vibrant future for Karnali.
Key Takeaways:
Royal Thai Embassy and FAO Nepal join forces: A strong international partnership is driving the development of organic agriculture in Karnali Province.
Holistic Training Program: The training targets a wide range of stakeholders, from government officials to local farmers, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
Karnali Province as a Pioneer: The initiative supports Karnali’s strategic goal of becoming a leader in ecological and organic farming.
Empowering Livelihoods: The program aims to transform rural livelihoods by promoting sustainable practices and creating new economic opportunities.
Future-Focused Investment: By encouraging private sector engagement, the collaboration is laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining and prosperous organic sector in Nepal.
FAO in Nepal
Nepal became a member of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on November 21, 1951. Since that time, Nepal and FAO have been cooperating to improve the agricultural and rural development in the country.
FAO supports the Government of Nepal in addressing priorities through capacity building, institutional development, and agriculture-focused initiatives. It aids in implementing the Agriculture Perspective Plan (1995–2015) and collaborates on the Agriculture Development Strategy and National Food and Nutrition Security Plan, both with 20-year visions.