KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 7
Japan has provided a grant of $43,175 (about Rs 6.6 million) to support the construction and renovation of a ginger and timur processing centre in Myagdi district.
Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru and Padam Raj Shrestha, executive director of Livelihood Education and Development Society Nepal (LEADS Nepal), signed the grant contract at the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu on Monday.
The project, funded under the Japanese government's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP), will be implemented by LEADS Nepal and benefit a women farmers' cooperative in Beni Municipality comprising around 600 women farmers.
The project will support the construction and renovation of processing facilities and installation of modern equipment to improve the efficiency and quality of ginger and timur processing.
Myagdi is known for producing ginger and timur, which are important sources of income for local farmers. The improved facilities are expected to help farmers produce higher-value products, increase their incomes and strengthen their livelihoods.
The Embassy of Japan said the initiative was aimed at supporting sustainable rural development and women's economic empowerment in Myagdi.
The project comes as Nepal and Japan mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.