KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 7
The Government of Nepal and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) have signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks the next 10- year collaboration aimed at fostering improved agriculture production and market systems in Nepal.
This historic partnership solidifies the commitment of both entities to enhance agricultural science and contribute to the sustainable development of Nepal's agricultural sector, the statement issued by CIMMYT said.
"CIMMYT, a non-profit international public organization headquartered in Mexico, has long been entrusted with the critical mission of fostering agricultural advancements globally. Established as one of the 15 agricultural research centers under the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)."
CIMMYT contributes to the development of a world with healthier and more prosperous people - free from the threat of global food crises - and with more resilient agri-food systems. Through collaborative research, partnerships, and training, CIMMYT helps to build and strengthen a new generation of national agricultural research and extension services in maize- and wheat-growing nations, the statement said.
CIMMYT's engagement with Nepal, dates back to the 1960s when informal collaborations began through visits and scientist training. The official partnership was formalized in 1985, and since then, CIMMYT has been actively engaged in initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in Nepal. Importantly, this partnership solidifies the commitment to collaborative efforts in Nepal, particularly with the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) since its establishment in 1991. The synergy between CIMMYT and NARC has been instrumental in crop variety research and development, as well as the subsequent release of improved varieties tailored to the specific needs of Nepali farmers. This MoU further solidifies and expands upon this longstanding relationship, providing a framework for joint efforts and shared goals over the next decade, CIMMYT added.
"Over the years, CIMMYT has played a pivotal role in Nepal's agricultural development through various collaborative initiatives. Key areas of focus include the introduction of improved maize and wheat germplasm, facilitation on agricultural mechanization, development of digital soil map of Nepal and digitally enabled seed information system, human resource strengthening, climate change resilience, integrated soil fertility management, initiatives promoting gender equality and social inclusion and agriculture policy support etc."
According to the CIMMYT, the 10-year duration of the MoU reflects the commitment of both the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and CIMMYT to achieving lasting impacts in the agricultural sector. Through collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and the implementation of innovative technologies, the partnership aims to address the evolving challenges faced by Nepal's farmers and contribute to the Nepal's Agriculture Development Strategy (2015-2035).
The Government of Nepal and CIMMYT look forward to a decade of fruitful collaboration, leveraging their combined expertise to make significant steps in advancing agricultural science and fostering positive change in the nation's farming communities, it added.
