Students, farmers and communities engage in hands-on learning on sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship
KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 22
Project Resilient Minds has conducted a series of field-based and school-level programmes in Kavrepalanchok, focusing on green innovation, climate resilience, mental well-being and sustainable agriculture, engaging students, farmers and local communities.
In collaboration with partners including Ecorevive Research & Innovation, Glocal Pvt. Ltd., Himgiri Hygiene Pvt. Ltd., Bethanchowk Rural Municipality, Parbati Secondary School, AYON and British Council Nepal, the initiative aimed to strengthen youth leadership and community participation in climate-adaptive practices.
A two-day programme held on November 14 and 15 at Parbati Secondary School brought together students, teachers and community members. The first day focused on green entrepreneurship, innovation and student resilience, with 73 participants taking part in interactive workshops. Sessions addressed climate anxiety and mental health, led by Kathmandu University medical students, alongside practical activities on eco-innovation and low-carbon product prototyping.
Using locally available materials such as bamboo, pine, clay and upcycled waste, students developed sustainable product ideas and explored alternatives to single-use plastics, including cloth bags and leaf-based packaging.
"The sessions allowed students to openly discuss climate-related concerns while also developing low-cost, sustainable solutions rooted in local resources," said Sagar Budha, lead of Project Resilient Minds.
The second day focused on sustainable agriculture and coffee management, engaging 47 participants, including students and local farmers. Coffee expert Birdosh Lama led practical training on sapling care, soil preparation, pruning, pest management and post-plantation practices. Coffee and fruit saplings were planted on school and community land, followed by a student-led open workshop to share learning with farmers.
Building on this outreach, Project Resilient Minds also organised a field-based learning programme for 47 undergraduate agriculture students from Kathmandu University in Namobuddha Municipality, Kavre. Conducted with support from AYON and the British Council, the programme aimed to bridge academic learning with real-world agricultural practice.
Students received orientation on Nepal's agricultural landscape, agripreneurship opportunities and funding challenges before visiting Sanskriti Homestay, where they observed integrated farming systems, climate-resilient land use, grafting techniques and gravity-based rainwater harvesting. A separate on-site training at Shree Mathureshwor Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative Ltd. introduced cooperative farming models, post-harvest management, market linkages and value-chain development.
Organisers said the combined initiatives helped build technical skills, mental resilience and community engagement, while encouraging youth to view agriculture as a viable, climate-conscious livelihood. Future plans include innovation labs, mentorship for youth-led enterprises, continued technical support for coffee farming, and the publication of practical guides to support replication at the community level.
