HELVETAS-NEPAL’s RIVERBED FARMING: Climate-Adaptive And Resilient

Due to shifts in climate, leading to heightened rainfall, there has been an increase in the frequency of floods and soil erosion in the Rautahat district of Madhesh Province. In collaboration with Helvetas-Nepal, and in partnership with the Friends of Change in Nepal, a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has been working to enhance the resilience and adaptive abilities of farmers, thereby improving their annual incomes and reducing erosion in the flood-prone areas of the Bagmati and Lalbakiya Rivers.

By Keshab Poudel Jul 08, 2024

HELVETAS-NEPAL/ RIVERBED FARMING: A Path To Hope In Kankai River

For generations, impoverished and overlooked communities situated on the banks of the Kankai River in the ward 6 of Kankai Municipality, located 600 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Nepal, have endured constant turmoil and destruction from the river. However, with the introduction of the River Bed Farming (RbF) project by Helvetas Nepal in 2016, the rich soil, sand, and water from the annual flood of the Kankai River have played a significant role in uplifting the lives of these communities, moving them from poverty to wealth, and filling their lives with joy and contentment. The RbF program, spearheaded by Helvetas Nepal in collaboration with local NGOs such as Forward and the district governments, has effectively shown how the unused flood-prone banks of rivers, which mainly stem from the northern high hills, can be utilized to not only alleviate suffering but also to foster prosperity and happiness within rural communities. These communities, which have been plagued by the yearly devastation caused by the Kankai River, have managed to transform the disaster into a stepping stone towards prosperity.

By Keshab Poudel Jul 05, 2024

ENERGY TRANSITION: Nepal's LPG Import Decline

The decrease in Nepal's LPG imports can be attributed to the enhancement of electricity supply. The recent commissioning of the 400 kV Inaruwa-Dhalkebar transmission line by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), along with the ongoing progress in the Dhalkebar-Hetauda section, is set to improve the overall power supply quality in the nation. Consequently, the import of LPG, which began two years ago, is anticipated to witness a further decline in the upcoming year.

By Keshab Poudel Jul 02, 2024

Dr. ANANDA BAHADUR THAPA: Death Of A Legendary Figure

The demise of Dr. Ananda Bahadur Thapa, a renowned personality celebrated for his profound expertise in Nepal's water resources and his significant contributions towards their development, occurred at the age of 85.

By Keshab Poudel Jul 01, 2024

IFAD/ MOICS SAMRIDDHI : Returnee Migrants Find New Beginnings

Implemented jointly by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply (MOICS), technical skill training provided by Helvetas-Nepal, a partner of the Rural Enterprises and Remittances Project (RERPP) Samriddhi, has demonstrated that equipping returnee migrants with skills can successfully facilitate their reintegration. Under the Decent Job initiative, Helvetas-Nepal offers Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), integrating three key skill areas. Annually, around 500,000 Nepalese return home seeking employment, and TVET under the Decent Job initiative offers a viable solution for their integration.

By Keshab Poudel Jun 26, 2024

IFAD/MoICS/SAMRIDDHI Empowering Communities Through Financial Inclusion

Ensuring financial inclusion is essential to reduce poverty and inequality and achieve prosperity. The Rural Enterprises and Remittance Project (RERP) Samriddhi, jointly implemented by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply (MoICS), has demonstrated this by increasing access to the financial sector for poor and marginalized communities, women, returnee migrants, and migrant families. These groups contribute significantly to overall prosperity. Under the Financial Education and Entrepreneurial Knowledge (FEEK) program, which includes FEEK-1 and FEEK-2, the project had conducted numerous training sessions aimed at promoting financial inclusion and increasing access to finance in targeted areas. Dhangadhimai Sana Kisan Krishi Sahakari Sanstha Ltd, a beneficiary of the project from the Siraha District of Madhesh Province, has become an exemplary cooperative by implementing policies that enhance financial inclusion and expand access to finance.

By Keshab Poudel Jun 24, 2024

IFAD/MoICS: Sustainable Operations of MRCs In Dhankuta

Established with the support from the Rural Enterprises and Remittances Project (RERP) SAMRIDDHI—a collaborative initiative by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply (MoICS), in partnership with local governments (Palikas)—the Migration Resource Center (MRC) and Migration Information Desk (MID) are now integral parts of several local governments. As the Samriddhi Project nears its closure, Dhankuta Municipality in Koshi Province has successfully integrated the MRC into its structural framework, serving as a sustainability model for MRCs. Dhankuta Municipality has distinguished itself as the first municipality in Nepal to adopt a migration and reintegration policy. This initiative is now being followed by other municipalities across the Koshi and Madhesh Provinces as the RERP project reaches its final stages.

By Keshab Poudel Jun 21, 2024

IFAD/MOICS: Promoting Youth in Agriculture

Desperate for employment, over 700,00 young people are migrating to different parts of the world. Additionally, over 500,000 youths are returning to Nepal after working abroad for a certain period. Nepal is now focusing on reintegrating these returnees, utilizing their savings, and providing employment opportunities within the country. Implemented jointly by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply (MoICS), the Rural Enterprises and Remittances Project (RERP) Samriddhi has demonstrated that youth can earn a decent income back home. The mass movement of youth has created a scarcity of agricultural laborers in rural areas, negatively impacting agricultural production. However, a group of 27 youths in Arundada, Bardibas Municipality Ward 10 of Mahottari district, has shown a successful venture, preventing youth from migrating abroad and integrating returning migrants into the local agricultural economy.

By Keshab Poudel Jun 20, 2024

IFAD/MoICS: RERP SAMRIDDHI Empowering Women Through Skills

The Rural Enterprise and Remittance Project (RERP) SAMRIDDHI, a collaborative initiative by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply (MoICS), has significantly impacted the lives of women from underprivileged and marginalized communities across 16 districts in the Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati provinces. SAMRIDDHI focuses on equipping women with technical skills and financial literacy, enabling them to enhance their economic conditions. These skills not only improve their livelihoods but also empower them to make informed decisions regarding the use of remittances sent by their migrant worker spouses.

By Keshab Poudel Jun 17, 2024

IFAD/MoICS: Commercialization of Agriculture Reintegrates and Retunes Migrants

With technical skills, knowledge, and grant support for purchasing tunnels, seeds, and fertilizers provided by the Rural Enterprise and Remittance Project (RERP) SAMRIDDHI, a joint initiative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply (MoICS), returnee migrants from Urleni, Ward 14 of Diktel-Rupakot-Majuwagadhi Municipality in the Khotang district are transforming their living standards. With women taking on leadership roles, these returnees are now earning more income than they did in foreign employment. At a time when the Nepalese government is seeking ways to reintegrate returnee migrants into society, the lessons learned from RERP in Khotang offer a viable solution. Migrants, who had left Nepal with a bleak future and subsistence-based agricultural practices, are now benefiting from RERP’s on-farm program. Implemented in the Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati provinces, this program demonstrates how the commercialization of agriculture can reintegrate returnees, enhancing their income and living standards.

By Keshab Poudel Jun 16, 2024

400 KV TRANSMISSION LINE: A Historic Milestone

The completion of the Inaruwa-Dhalkebar Transmission Line at 400 kV is a significant achievement for the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Under the leadership of Managing Director Kul Man Ghising, the NEA team has worked diligently to bring this project to fruition, marking a momentous milestone in Nepal's electricity history. With the establishment of key substations, including the 400 kV substation in Hetauda, MD Ghising's leadership has once again proven successful with the completion of this transmission line project.

By Keshab Poudel Jun 14, 2024

IFAD/MOICS’ RERP-SAMRIDDHI : Success of Three Returnee Migrants-Operated Cooperatives

Amidst a widespread liquidity crisis impacting many cooperatives due to high withdrawals and bad loans, three cooperatives operated by returning migrants with majority women members have demonstrated resilience and success. Supported by the Rural Enterprises and Remittances (RERP) SAMRIDDHI Project—a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply (MoICS) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)—these cooperatives have thrived under challenging conditions. The Financial Education and Entrepreneurial Knowledge (FEEK) component of the SAMRIDDHI Project has played a pivotal role. Through comprehensive training and institutional support, FEEK has significantly enhanced the capacity of cooperative employees and management. This support has helped institutionalize processes for delivering remittance-based savings and loans to women from poor and vulnerable communities and returnee migrants. As the RERP nears completion, the FEEK initiative has demonstrated how small interventions can lead to substantial improvements in cooperative operations and the livelihoods of poor women, marginalized communities, and migrant workers across 148 Palikas in 16 districts of Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati Provinces.

By Keshab Poudel Jun 12, 2024

TRISHULI 3B SUBSTATION: Supply Of Green And Clean Energy

The commissioning of the Trishuli 3B Substation, despite facing delays, marks a significant milestone in the supply of clean and green energy. This substation will play a crucial role in evacuating the green electricity generated in the Trishuli area, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping Nepal achieve its goal of zero emissions by 2045.

By Keshab Poudel May 30, 2024

NEPAL-INDIA RELATIONS: Dispute Over New Currency

Amidst the deteriorating Nepal-India relations caused by Nepal's decision to print hundred rupees notes featuring a new map, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Naryan Kazi Shrestha has made efforts to address the situation. During a recent program, DPM Shrestha emphasized that Nepal's relations with India should not be influenced by any other country and that issues with India should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Considering the ongoing dispute over Nepal's independent decision, DPM Shrestha's call for talks is a positive step forward.

By Keshab Poudel May 29, 2024

JAPAN’S FM KANIKAWA’S VISIT TO NEPAL: Strengthening Friendship

Ms. KAMIKAWA, Japan's Foreign Minister, commenced her recent official tours from the iconic Mt. Fuji. As a fitting conclusion to her extensive journey across Africa and South Asia, she opted for Nepal, a nation renowned for its awe-inspiring Himalayas. On her first journey to the land of Mount Everest, she immersed herself in the local culture by visiting heritage sites and bookstores, observing the deep and lasting bonds between people.

By Keshab Poudel May 13, 2024

SAMRIDDHI: IFAD/MoICS Partnership With Local Governments

The Rural Enterprises and Remittances SAMRIDDHI Project, a collaboration between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS), has shown the value of working with local governments to create effective institutions. SAMRIDDHI has played a crucial role in creating institutions and implementing necessary legislation, policies, and guidelines at the local level to streamline skill training programs. It has made significant contributions since it was launched, just before the introduction of functional federal structures and institutions at the provincial and local level. As the project ends, Bhojpur and Terhathum Municipality in Koshi Province, as well as Barahthawa and Harion Municipality in Madhesh and Dudhauli Municipality in Bagmati Province, are making local rules and policies. Samriddhi is also helping 12 local governments in Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati provinces create TVET guidelines. It is also helping four local governments, including Itahari Submetropolitan City and Duhabi Municipality, create TVET policies. With new institution and legislations and guidelines built in collaboration will the project, local governments are now able to create uniform quality training

By Keshab Poudel May 13, 2024

SAMRIDDHI: IFAD/MOICS COLLABORATION Reducing Reliance on Remittances

In a time when a large number of families left behind by migrant workers lack skills and job opportunities, the money earned by these workers is often spent on consumption and services. However, the Rural Enterprises and Remittances Project (RERP) SAMRIDDHI Project, a collaborative effort between the Government of Nepal (GoN) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), overseen by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS), has provided a solution. By focusing on the art of traditional Dhaka weaving, which was on the verge of disappearing in many hilly regions, SAMRIDDHI has economically empowered female members of left-behind families in the Koshi Province of Nepal, enabling them to achieve economic independence. The Samriddhy Project has implemented various off-farm and on-farm programs targeting the spouses of migrant males in the Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati provinces. Additionally, the promotion of Dhaka weaving has also supported the Government of Nepal's "Make in Nepal" campaign.

By Keshab Poudel May 10, 2024

SAMRIDDHI: IFAD AND MoICS: Transformation of Subsistence Agriculture Through Women

Supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and executed by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply (MoICS), the Rural Enterprises and Remittances Project (RERP) SAMRIDDHI has organized Vocational Skill Training (VST) that integrates market chains and modern technology. This initiative has empowered numerous young women from 16 districts in the Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati Provinces to shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, thereby boosting rural prosperity. In Bhojpur and Bara Districts, where unique climatic and cultural characteristics prevail, two women have exemplified how commercializing agriculture can help combat poverty. Despite the diversity in climate and culture, the Samriddhi project has proven that VST is a unifying factor in the transition from subsistence farming to a profitable enterprise, ultimately increasing women's income.

By Keshab Poudel May 06, 2024

IFAD/MoICS’s SMRIDDHI: Retaining Returnee Workers

The Rural Enterprises and Remittances Project (RERP) or SAMRIDDHI, implemented by IFAD/MoICS, aims to support returnee workers from Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati Provinces in finding employment opportunities in their home country. However, many of these individuals are struggling to secure jobs. Fortunately, the Vocational Skill Training (VST) and Leading to Apprenticeship Model -1 (LAM-1) program, provided by Helvetas Nepal, has proven to be an effective solution in turning their aspirations into reality. With the financial backing of IFAD and the execution by MoICS, SAMRIDDHI has successfully integrated and engaged returnee migrants, promoting job creation and entrepreneurship within their communities. Operating in 16 districts across Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati Provinces, the Samriddhi Project has made a significant impact

By Keshab Poudel May 03, 2024

MoICS/IFAD: SAMRIDDHI’S Leading To Apprenticeship

The Rural Enterprises and Remittances Project (RERP) Samriddhi's Leading to Apprenticeship Program has emerged as a solution during a time when young individuals are facing unemployment challenges and businesses are struggling with a shortage of skilled labor. This project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply (MoICS) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has effectively showcased the creation of job opportunities for the unemployed and addressing the scarcity of skilled labor in industries. With financial support from IFAD and supervision from MoICS, the Learning to Apprenticeship model is currently being executed in partnership with the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the largest umbrella organization of the private sector. This initiative is specifically designed to target unemployed individuals from impoverished and marginalized communities, with the goal of providing them with training and apprenticeship opportunities. By tapping into the local population, particularly those who are currently unemployed and lack skills, the project is aiding industries in recruiting trained and skilled human resources. On the occasion of International Labor Day, Nepal is commemorating the event by highlighting the collaboration between employees, employers, and the government project. Supported by MoICS/IFAD, this partnership demonstrates how a conducive environment for decent jobs can be created through working together.

By Keshab Poudel May 01, 2024

Keshab Poudel