Kathmandu, April 19

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development today launched the Agriculture Sector Development Programme (ASDP) to be implemented in Karnali Province.

Organising an event here today, Agriculture Minister Chakrapani Khanal launched the project worth $68 million for 10 districts of Karnali Province, aiming to uplift the livelihood of farmers.

The project was initiated by the government on June 4 last year, with financial support of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and programme implementation partnership of HELVETAS Nepal.

The project will be implemented in Surkhet, Dailekh, Salyan, Jajarkot, Kalikot, Jumla, Mugu, Dolpa, Humla and Rukum districts under the authorisation of the local governments, non-governmental organisations and private sector. The project will prioritise landless farmers, minorities, indigenous communities, Muslims and youths. The project is expected to directly benefit around 35,000 households and nearly 40,000 households indirectly.

The project will include farming and marketing of apples, ginger, turmeric, goats, off-season vegetables, honey, dairy products, walnuts and potatoes. To be carried out over six years, the project is expected to sustainably improve income and food security of low-income farmers and people living in abject poverty.

Speaking at the launch event, Minister Khanal requested the stakeholders to focus on result-oriented activities. “Such programmes play a vital role in the development of the agricultural sector,” he said, adding everyone should work transparently and responsibly. He further said that the project should be implemented effectively so that no targeted group is left out.

The project will work on two components. The first component is value chain development, under which the project will build inclusive and sustainable agriculture value chains, market-oriented infrastructure, rural financial service and agriculture services support innovation.

Similarly, the second component will be planning, monitoring and evaluation of the project.

The Programme Coordination Office has been established at Birendranagar in Surkhet district.