Kathmandu: The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a $21 million Agricultural Direct Financing project aimed at enhancing food security in Nepal.
This initiative is part of the U.S. Government’s new Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) Nepal Country Plan for 2024-2028 and will focus on strengthening agricultural development in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 69,000 households across 53,000 hectares of land by promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and improved agricultural practices. Additionally, the strategy will extend U.S. agricultural development efforts to Madhesh Province, specifically targeting the most vulnerable populations in Nepal.
U.S. Ambassador Dean Thompson emphasized that the new plan will deepen the longstanding partnership between the U.S. and Nepal, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Minister for Agriculture Ramnath Adhikari acknowledged the collaboration’s importance in advancing food security and sustainable development within the country.
Since 2011, U.S.-funded food security programs have positively impacted over 800,000 Nepalis, contributing to a 71 percent reduction in poverty and a 39 percent decrease in child stunting.