The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial assistance of NRS 22,471,530 to GLM Institute, in Japan’s Fiscal Year 2012 under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects Scheme of the Government of Japan.

GLM Institute, in close coordination with a local NGO called Sirjansil Welfare Society, will implement the Project for Improving Livelihood of Farmers through Environmentally Harmonizing Agriculture in the Hilly Areas of Sindhuli District.

A Grant Contract relating to this project was signed and exchanged on Thursday between Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Kunio Takahashi and Wakana Nishiyama, Project Manager, GLM Institute.

Agriculture is the major contributor to the Nepalese economy. According to the Department of Agriculture, the agricultural sector contributes 39% to the GDP of Nepal, and therefore has been given priority from the beginning of the national periodic plans. Nevertheless, farmers in Nepal, especially in rural areas, face many problems due to lack of infrastructure and poor technical skills and capacity, including marketing strategies. Moreover, deforestation and haphazard use of chemical fertilizer and pesticide has caused environmental degradation, which deteriorates the productivity of rural farmland.

According to a statement issued by the Embassy of Japan regarding the financial assistance, the grant will be utilized to improve the livelihoods of people in Kuseswor Dumja VDC of Sindhuli District by introducing environmentally harmonizing agricultural technology to local farmers. According to the results of the preliminary survey conducted by GLM Institute in the targeted area, it was found that local farmers are having difficulties due to lack of skill and knowledge of appropriate farming technology which could  help them make the best use of the geographical and meteorological conditions in their locality. Under this project, GLM Institute is going to implement various agriculture related activities such as skills development training on high value crop farming and animal husbandry. Participatory workshops regarding water resource management and soil conservation in the community will also be held. The project  includes the construction of micro-irrigation facilities to provide those involved in water related training with suitable infrastructure.

Speaking at the function, Ambassador Takahashi reiterated the importance of agricultural development in rural Nepal.  At the same time, he expressed his belief that this project will benefit local farmers and contribute to improving the livelihoods of the people in the area, and, in addition, will play a significant role to strengthen the friendly relationship between Japan and Nepal. nepalnews.com

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