Author: Sanjeev Gurung

On the occasion of the 45th World Food Day and the 18th International Rural Women’s Day, a special dialogue, targeting youth, rural women farmers and policymakers, was conducted on 15^th October 2025, at the premises of the Department of Agriculture, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur. The event was organised by ForestAction Nepal, the secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), in collaboration with AAF members and the 45^th World Food Day Committee, Government of Nepal.

Held under the theme “Hands in Hand for better foods and a better future”, the program witnessed the participation of around 200 attendees, including Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Director General, Deputy Director Generals, Officers and other staff of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Livestock Services, the Agriculture Information and Training center and heads and representatives of various government bodies, Agricultural Development Officers from local levels,  representatives of I/NGOs, civil society groups, AAF members,  rural women farmers, representatives from agricultural cooperatives and farmers’ groups, agri-entrepreneurs, young farmers, students, professors, media persons/journalists, and other stakeholders.

The program was inaugurated with a welcome speech from Ms. Anita Basnet, Vice President of the National Farmers Group Federation (NFGF), and was chaired by Mr. Uddhav Adhikari, Coordinator of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food. The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

The program was conducted in two sessions. The first session, focused on the theme “Roadmap of Nepalese Agriculture”, featuring a presentation and an interactive discussion. Mr. Uddhav Adhikari, Coordinator of the AAF, presented an overview of current agricultural issues, future pathways, and strategies for sustainable agricultural development. Following his presentation, Mr. Thakur Bhandari, Chairperson of the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN); Mr. Prayas Adhikari, a climate activist; Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development; and Ms. Rita Bastakoti, a lead women farmer, shared their perspectives as commentators, highlighting interlinkages among forest, climate, and agricultural development, and the crucial role of women in agriculture. The session concluded with remarks from Mr. Prakash Sanjel, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, who moderated and summarised the key discussion points and outcomes of the session.

The second session featured a panel discussion on the theme “Youth Engagement in Agriculture.” Panelists included Mr. Gaurav Neupane, Agricultural Development Officer of Khairahani Municipality, Chitwan; Ms. Nima Yangchen Hyolmo, a woman Agri-entrepreneur; Ms. Sarita Tharu, an agricultural journalist; and Mr. Dipesh Nepal, a Gen-Z farmer. The session was moderated by educator Mr. Tika Bhattarai.

The panelists shared their experiences, insights, and the challenges faced by agricultural technicians in government institutions, as well as by field practitioners and farmers. They also discussed practical solutions to recurring issues, highlighted social perceptions regarding youth involvement in agriculture, and explored the scope of natural farming. In addition, the conversation covered market opportunities and challenges, along with strategies to engage more youth in the agricultural sector.

Following the panel discussion, Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, delivered his remarks, emphasising the vital role of youth in transforming the food system and highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to address their concerns. Mr. Lyam Darjee, Chairperson of the National Land Rights Forum, concluded the event by delivering a vote of thanks to all participants.

Alongside the presentations and discussions, various exhibition stalls were displayed within the venue premises, showcasing local and indigenous seeds collected from across the country, as well as art and crafts related to the food system, alternative agricultural technologies, and informative posters, including 3D models of farming systems.

At the end of the event, guests were served local cuisine to promote indigenous food culture and celebrate the country’s rich diversity.

With the aim of fostering an understanding of sustainable farming among the younger generation ForestAction Nepal, a secretariat of Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF) organised a Walking Training to strengthen capacity. As we believe that theoretical and traditional classroom-based knowledge alone is not sufficient to truly understand agriculture. Therefore, three years ago, we adopted a transformative approach through this walking training, where participants learn directly by observing and engaging with farmers’ practical knowledge in the field.

In total, 16 participants, including the organizing team, attended the training. Most of the participants were young graduates in agriculture, while some were still pursuing their studies, and a few came from different academic backgrounds.

This year, a five-day walking training was scheduled from 8–12 September 2025. However, it had to be cancelled after the second day due to nationwide protests led by “Gen Z” across Nepal. Despite this, we successfully completed the first two days of the training.

The training began with a brief introductory session at Lamatar, the starting point of the walking route, where participants were oriented about the purpose of the training. The group discussion provided a platform for participants to explore and highlight contemporary issues in food and agriculture, raise key questions, and share their curiosities about the subject. The discussion revealed how modern farming has become more harmful over time. Our food often contains chemicals that threaten both human health, leading to diseases like cancer, and the environment. To reinforce this message, the participants watched the “Satyamev Jayate” episode on toxic food, which helped them better understand the urgency of transitioning toward natural and sustainable farming practices.

Following the orientation, the journey started from Lamatar to Lakuribhanjyang on the first day. Along the way, participants observed the surrounding forests and discussed how forests are closely connected to agriculture, recognizing that traditional farming practices often emerge from lessons learned through the forest.

On the second day, the walk continue passing from small village bhimsendada way to  Kushadevi, Kavrepalanchok. During the journey, participants interacted with local farmers and learned about their cropping patterns, cultivation methods, and perspectives on sustainable farming. While industrial and modern farming was less visible in the area, participants noticed the declining involvement of young generations in agriculture. They also learned how local seeds are increasingly being replaced by hybrids, yet some villagers continue to conserve local varieties of local seed.

The Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), in collaboration with the Centre for Educational Policies and Practices (CEPP), Dignity Initiative (DI), and the Mahottari Network of Youth, successfully conducted the second series of the Apprenticeship Modular Course on “Social Studies for Madhesh Transformation” from 27^th  to 31^st  August 2025 in Dhanusha.

The training aimed to build the capacity of young people from Madhesh Province to understand and respond to pressing social challenges, particularly in the areas of social and environmental justice, while also promoting personal growth and leadership skills.

The major theme of the second series focused on environment and development. The discussions emphasized that global warming and climate change have deeply impacted the entire world, primarily due to the overexploitation of nature through human activities such as deforestation, industrialization, and the excessive reliance on fossil fuels.

We also emphasis on the theme of state and power, with sessions facilitated by Tula Narayan Saha. He encouraged participants focusing the dynamics of authority, governance, and electoral politics in Madhesh. Through interactive discussions and reflections, participants examined how political structures shape decision-making processes and impact the everyday lives of people in the region. Voices from the margins remain silenced, as those in power continue to control everything.

The sessions on world, environment, consumerism, and climate change offered participants a broader perspective by linking global environmental challenges with local realities. Discussions emphasized how even individual actions can significantly impact nature, highlighting the urgency of adopting sustainable solutions and embracing practices such as reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize excessive consumption and better align with ecological balance.

The training also placed strong emphasis on development and the Chure region, resource exploitation, and environmental degradation in the Chure hills are closely connected to the challenges faced in Madhesh. Discussions highlighted current issues of late rainfall and the government’s announcement of deep boring as a response. Participants reflected that this approach offers only a short-term solution, while the long-term water security of the Terai depends on conserving the Chure, which plays a vital role in natural groundwater recharge.

Beyond classroom sessions, field observations provided exposure to the impacts of climate change on agriculture, such as changing rainfall patterns, soil degradation, and challenges faced by local farmers.

Alongside thematic discussions, the course also covered sessions on practical skills for career growth and guidance on CV writing, career planning, and overall professional development. Through activities centered on self-awareness, empathy, stress management, and interpersonal skills, participants were encouraged to strengthen their resilience and enhance their potential to become future  positive change-makers within their communities.

On the final day, public speaking exercises boosted participants’ confidence, perspectives, and communication skills.Overall, the course not only deepened participants’ understanding of social, environmental, and power issues in Madhesh, but also equipped them with practical skills and personal development tools.

 

On 2nd August 2025, a half-day interactive session was organized with students from Lamjung Campus. The event was attended by around 50 students currently pursuing their bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, along with the campus chief, professors, and FAN team members. The session focused on a range of topics, including contemporary issues and challenges of conventional agriculture, the future of our agriculture sector, the role of youth in this sector, and other multi-dimensional aspects of agriculture that students were curious about. Students actively engaged in the discussion, sharing their journeys in the field of agriculture and reflecting on their aspirations and visions for the future. They also expressed concerns about the growing disinterest among youth in agricultural studies and farming, along with dissatisfaction towards our education system that remains heavily theory-oriented, offering limited practical exposure. The genuine concerns expressed by the students highlight significant challenges in the sector. All stakeholders must respond proactively to ensure a supportive environment for the future leaders of agriculture.

As per the decision of the Council of Ministers made on 23rd Ashad, 2082, National Millets Day will be celebrated nationwide on Shrawan 16 every year. Accordingly, this year marked the first-ever celebration of National Millets Day across Nepal under the slogan, “Diet of Millet-Based Dishes: Foundation of Food Security and Healthy Living”.

In this context, ForestAction Nepal, serving as the secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), in collaboration with Youth for Community Transformation (YCT) Nepal and Sundarbazar Municipality, and with support from Lamjung Krishi Campus, organised a series of events to mark Millets Day on the campus premises.
The program was attended by around 300 participants, including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer, an agriculture technician from Sundarbazar Municipality, the Campus chief, professors, technicians, and students, other staff from Lamjung Krishi Campus, representatives from Besisahar Municipality, an agriculture technician from Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Lamjung, lower secondary and secondary level students from different Schools in Sundarbazar, AAF members, lead farmers, representatives of FECOFON and AFFON, and journalists representing various media houses in Lamjung.

The program was officially inaugurated by transplanting millets in the campus field, followed by a formal session where guests delivered speeches highlighting the importance of millet in our daily diets and the need for an awareness program to conserve and promote our local and indigenous crops that are now on the verge of extinction.

During the event, students from the Lamjung Campus also performed a drama titled “Kodoksi” following the format of Shark Tank, the popular global business pitch show. The drama highlighted the potential of millet-based enterprises by showcasing the international branding of a locally produced millet-based alcoholic beverage.

Additionally, an exhibition was set up to showcase local and indigenous seeds of various crops, including medicinal plants, collected from different parts of the country. The exhibition also featured 3D models of alternative agricultural practices, such as permaculture, integrated farming, rainwater harvesting, and other low-cost technologies, including mulching, vermicomposting, and Azolla cultivation, as well as post-harvest technologies. Additionally, various infographics on Nepalese agriculture and artworks emphasising the importance of sustainable agriculture were displayed within the campus premises.

This year, the 22nd national paddy day and rice planting festival was celebrated nationwide on the 15th of Ashad under the slogan “Intensification in Rice Cultivation: Food Security and Self- Reliance.” In this context, ForestAction Nepal, as the secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food, in collaboration with Madi Municipality, Chitwan, organized a rice plantation program in Madi.

The event was held in the Tharu community, known as Bhumiputra, for whom farming holds deep cultural and significant meaning. More than a celebration, it honors their labor, traditions, and close bond with nature, highlighting the vital role of agriculture in the lives of marginalized groups such as indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, women farmers, and the landless.

The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Madi Municipality, Ward Chairpersons, heads of various municipal departments including agriculture, the coordinator and members of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food, the Vice President of the Tharu Welfare Council, representatives from banks and financial institutions, journalists, and local farmers.