Sustainable rural development schemes unveiled

KATHMANDU,JUL 19 - The European Union (EU) is set to provide a 360-million-euro assistance to Nepal for a period between 2014 and 2020, with main focus on sustainable rural development.

As part of the new aid commitment, the EU on Friday launched three pilot projects under the “Sustainable Agriculture Development Projects for Mid and Far Western Nepal”, which will be implemented through its partners ADRA Nepal, Dan Church Aid, iDE Nepal and Practical Action.

The projects are aimed at inspiring Nepal’s rural development through sustainable agriculture and food security initiative for vulnerable people in the districts of Mid- and Far-western regions.

Andreas Rottger, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the EU, said the main focus of the initiative, which will be carried out from 2014 to 2017, is on improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods, food security and child nutrition.

The project is expected to benefit 26,000 vulnerable households in seven of the poorest districts—Accham, Bajhang, Bajura, Banke, Dang, Doti, and Rolpa. “The challenges are huge, but also the potential to deliver on a brighter future with better livelihood opportunities across the country,” he said, expressing confidence that the joint initiative will make a “meaningful contribution”.

Minister for Agricultural Development Hari Prasad Parajuli, who inaugurated the EU-funded projects, highlighted the importance of developing the capacity of non-state actors to accelerate agricultural development. He also welcomed the initiative as timely and important to contribute to the government’s vision to graduate Nepal into a developing country by 2022. “Effective technology transfer, high-yield seeds, capacity enhancement and strong and resilient grass root institutions are among the key ingredients to make this peaceful agricultural revolution happen,” he said.

Source: The Kathmandu Post