Global fund to support food security program in 20 districts

KATHMANDU, Jan 6: The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) under the Global Agriculture Fund (GAF) is extending US$46.5 million to Nepal to enhance food security in 20 food-deficit districts in hilly and mountainous regions of far- and mid-western Nepal.



Nepal government is also contributing $11.5 million to the program that is expected to commercialize the farm sector in the targeted districts that have long been facing food shortage.[break]



The World Bank, on behalf of the GAF, and the Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD), are signing a technical deal in this regard on Monday.



“The GAF is supporting us to enhance farm production in areas facing perennial food insecurity where commercial farming is yet to be practiced. The support is being extended as per our request,” Ram Prasad Pulami, joint secretary at the MoAD, told Republica on Saturday.



The US$ 58 million project for the food security will be implemented in all districts except those lying in the Tarai.



Under the project, the plan to commercialize production of cereal crops, vegetables, fruits and livestock, among others, is tied-up with programs aimed at raising production level and strengthening the market access of local farmers.



“Programs are focused on boosting production and productivity in the farms and enhancing the market access of producers. Besides, programs on transfer of knowledge on production of farm inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, among others, are also included” said Pulami.



Pulami also said the seven-year project will include programs aimed at enhancing nutrition intake of local people.



Other programs include, building infrastructure such as roads, market centers and service centers that is necessary to reap maximum benefit from farm commercialization, and capacity building of local farmers.

According to Pulami, around 150,000 farm households are expected to benefit from the project, which will be jointly implemented by the MoAD and the Ministry of Health and Population.



Lack of infrastructure, including road, processing facility and markets for farm produces, has long been hampering the commercialization of the farming sector.

Nepal has been facing food insecurity not only during years of food deficit but even during food surplus years due to inability to transport food grains to food deficit districts in absence of a proper distribution channel. Around three dozen districts have long been witnessing food deficit.

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