23rd February 2024, Kathmandu
The Government of Nepal, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, had remarkable presence in the recently concluded 37th FAO Asia Pacific Regional Conference. Led by Honorable Dr. Beduram Bhusal, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Nepalese delegation actively addressed major programs, with a noteworthy focus on the Digital Village Initiative.
The conference shed light on Nepal’s proactive stance in implementing digital innovation and technology in agricultural transformation. The delegation’s insights into this initiative garnered significant attention from stakeholders, showcasing Nepal’s commitment to revolutionizing agriculture through modern technological advancements.
Nepal, in alignment with the “One Country One Priority Product” initiative, highlighted its dedication to promoting large cardamom. The ongoing export of large cardamom has proven instrumental in contributing to the national economy. The discussions encompassed production, processing systems, and strategic approaches for accessing both domestic and international markets for promoting large cardamom.
The conference’s ministerial-level meeting homed in on the agricultural agenda and priorities for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and landlocked Development Countries (LLDC). Nepal, taking the platform, presented perspectives on technology adoption in agriculture, commercialization, and market access. The emphasis was on advocating collective action to address challenges faced by these regions in revitalizing agriculture and upscaling the SDG’s targets.
Nepal, in its comprehensive country statement, outlined agricultural sector priorities and areas of cooperation. Expressing gratitude for FAO Nepal’s support, the government underscored the importance of prioritizing hill farming systems as the nation’s unique geographical features. Plans were unveiled for collaborative initiatives such as the Hand in Hand Initiative, Digital Village Initiative, One Country One Priority Product (OCOP), and Green City Initiatives aiming to foster the Nepal’s agricultural sector forward in the upcoming decade.
Throughout the sessions, Nepal remained actively engaged in the Hand in Hand Initiatives, jointly promoted by FAO. Discussions centered around Nepal’s ongoing efforts in agriculture and food systems, emphasizing the critical need to boost investment in this sector from various funding partners.
In the 37th APRC, Nepal reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with FAO. bilateral meetings between Honorable Minister Dr. Beduram Bhusal and Mohamed Manssouri, Director of FAO Investment Center, prioritized collaborative strategies to enhance investment in Nepal’s agricultural sector.
The Nepalese delegation participated in a field visit program organized for participants from the host country, Sri Lanka. This initiative provided valuable insights as delegates had the opportunity to observe various innovative programs, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and ideas among nations.