Kathmandu, November 29

Dipendra Karki from Surkhet was adjudged ‘Krishi Tara’ on the basis of his innovation, technologies, skills, impact and sustainability and awarded a cash prize of Rs 500,000 along with a winner’s certificate.

Karki bagged the award during the ‘Krishi Tara Award Ceremony’, the first annual national-level award, organised by the Embassy of Israel together with Avsar Foundation, an NGO initiated by Khetan Family here on Thursday.

The other top nine nominees were also honoured with ‘Felicitation Certificate’ by Yubak Dhoj GC, secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, as per a media release.

The first-of-its-kind award aims to honour deserving Nepali farmers and agri-entrepreneurs who have been purposefully contributing in agriculture through the use of innovations, technologies and skills learnt in Israel after returning from ‘Learn and Earn (L&E) Programme’.

The Embassy of Israel, in cooperation with Small Farmer Development Microfinance Financial Institute Ltd, started the year-long advanced agricultural training programme in 2013. Since then, around 2,700 Nepali youths associated with the aforementioned institute have already participated and this year, 540 students are partaking in the same programme.

Aiming to encourage local farmers to continue their profession in agriculture by recognising and rewarding their hard work and passion for agriculture, the application was open to the L&E returnees. The 10 best youth farmers were selected among the many applicants.

At the event, the agro products of the nominated farmers were kept on display, while video clips about their farms were also screened.

Congratulating the winner for his outstanding contribution and achievements, GC expressed his commitment, on behalf of the Nepal government, to onboard many youth farmers into the programme, to host them upon their return from Israel and to support them with programmes like agriculture subsidy and other measures.

Acknowledging contribution of farmers to the agriculture prosperity, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Benny Omer said, “We should encourage more females to participate in the L&E Programme and to work in the farm upon their return.”

Meanwhile, Nepali Ambassador to Israel Anjan Shakya said, “Israel has been supporting Nepal in agriculture and many other sectors.”

Karki, owner of Karki Cow Farm, said that his farm will continue to be purpose-driven than profit-oriented. His farm produces organic food.