Multi-sector platform aims to scale irrigation, climate-resilient farming and clean energy innovations
KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 17
CGIAR and its partners on Tuesday launched the Scaling Hub South Asia in Nepal, a multi-sector platform aimed at accelerating proven innovations in agriculture, water and energy to strengthen food and water security amid growing climate challenges.
The Hub was launched during a Strategic Partner Dialogue in Lalitpur, with Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Madan Prasad Pariyar attending as chief guest. Led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) under CGIAR's Scaling for Impact programme, the initiative brings together government agencies, research institutions, universities, development partners, financiers and private-sector actors from across South Asia.
Government partners, including the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation (DWRI) and the Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC), committed to advancing irrigation modernisation, groundwater management, digital advisory tools, clean energy solutions and climate-resilient technologies. Officials also signalled intent to expand digital tracking systems and improve service delivery through the Hub.
Deputy Director General of DWRI Basudev Timilsina said evidence-based scaling of innovations is critical to meeting Nepal's goals in irrigation modernisation and climate resilience. Universities and private-sector partners, including Nepal Investment Mega Bank, also pledged support in bridging research, financing and field-level adoption.
The Scaling Hub will begin co-designing joint activities in early 2026 and will operate alongside similar hubs in South Africa and Latin America, linking science, policy and investment to deliver long-term development outcomes.
