18th June 2025, Kathmandu
The provincial-level seminar held in Butwal, Lumbini Province, aimed to enhance access to banks for small farmers and simplify investments to boost agricultural production.
Lumbini Province Farmers’ Access
The campaign, which focuses on improving farmers’ access to financial institutions, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and cooperatives. The seminar was organized by Heifer International Nepal.
Nabaraj Nyaupane, Lumbini Province Director of Agricultural Development Bank Ltd., highlighted the importance of increasing the quantity and quality of agricultural products and strengthening market linkages.
He emphasized the need for farmer-friendly investment strategies from banks. He also acknowledged the effectiveness of Heifer’s “Bank Saathi” (Banking Partner) model in expanding banking access to small farmers and mentioned the VITA Project, which offers loans at a 6% interest rate to small farmers and cooperatives.
Smriti Shrestha, Provincial Manager of Prabhu Bank Ltd., affirmed that farmers who complete the necessary procedures are prioritized for loans. Sangita Dhital, Branch Manager of National Cooperative Bank, Butwal, noted her bank’s collaboration with Heifer Nepal in investing in social entrepreneurial women’s cooperatives without requiring collateral.
Prem Kumar Sambhyo, Senior Program Manager at Heifer International Nepal, shared that Heifer has facilitated NPR 2.4 billion in investments across Nepal, benefiting 11,695 individuals, through coordination with 17 banks.
In the Butwal regional office area alone, NPR 407.08 million has been disbursed to 321 women and youth entrepreneurs and 29 cooperatives in partnership with 16 financial institutions.
He also mentioned that programs are active in 12 local governments and 81 cooperatives in Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, and Syangja districts.
The seminar concluded with a commitment from Lumbini Province stakeholders to increase and properly utilize agricultural investments, recognizing that simplified and accessible investment mechanisms are key to boosting agricultural production.
The discussions, led by Sunaula K.C., a Bank Saathi, covered investment procedures, collateral assessment, Bank Saathi mobilization, insurance, financial literacy, and business meetings. Nagendra Bhatt, Financial Officer at Heifer International Nepal, presented on the current status, opportunities, and challenges of Heifer-facilitated investments, and Bishnu Pandey, Senior Program Officer at Heifer International Nepal, moderated the event.
For more: Lumbini Province Farmers’ Access