KATHMANDU, JUNE 18
The Government of South Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has committed USD 12 million in grant assistance for a six-year project aimed at boosting climate-resilient rice production and food security in Nepal's Terai region.
A Record of Discussion (RoD) for the project, titled "Climate-Resilient Rice Production and Productivity Increase in the Terai Region of Nepal (CRRPPI-T)", was signed on Thursday by KOICA Nepal Country Director Mooheon Kong and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Hari Bahadur K.C.
The project, to be implemented from 2026 to 2031, will cover Banke, Bardiya, Dang and Kapilvastu districts in Lumbini Province and Kailali and Kanchanpur districts in Sudurpashchim Province. It aims to increase rice productivity and promote climate-smart and sustainable farming systems through improved seed systems, post-harvest management and market access.
The project will be implemented by KOICA in partnership with federal and provincial governments, with technical support from the Nepal Agricultural Research Council and the International Rice Research Institute.
At the signing ceremony, Agriculture Secretary Rajendra Mishra said the project would strengthen Nepal's rice value chain, improve food security and increase farmers' incomes. KOICA Country Director Kong said the initiative reflected the shared commitment of Nepal and South Korea to enhancing agricultural productivity, climate resilience and rural livelihoods.