ADB assistance for commercialising agriculture in Eastern Region

Grant assistance of Asian Development Bank’s Asian Development Fund worth $18 million will help commercialize agriculture in Nepal’s Eastern Development Region to expand economic opportunities for the rural poor.

A news release issued by ADB said, the project will bring together key stakeholders, farmers, traders, and processors to work together toward improving the efficiency of production, marketing, and processing of high-value crops such as vegetables, fruits, tea and spices.

The project will be carried out in 11 districts, Dhankuta, Ilam, Panchtar, Terhathum, Udayapur, Jhapa, Morang, Saptari, Siraha, Sunsari, and Taplejung, which have favorable climates for agriculture, an existing entrepreneurial base, successful cases of commercial agriculture, and proximity to domestic and neighboring country markets.

“The project will help these districts build on existing strengths by helping the farmers to become more involved in commercial agriculture, and helping processors and traders to improve their links to farmers and small entrepreneurs,” the release quoted Jiangfeng Zhang, an ADB Project Economist as saying.

The project will promote the socially-inclusive participation of all stakeholders, including the poor, disadvantaged, and women in commercial agriculture, and help them receive fair benefits from such participation; and in turn contribute to restoring peace and stability in the region.

The fund will also support non-infrastructure investments that can add value to the agriculture products, such as pest management techniques, promotion of improved cultivation practices, greenhouse equipment, and laboratory equipment for product testing and quality control. Promotional activities like trade fairs will also be supported.

The project is due for completion in December 2012. nepalnews.com pb Nov 24 06