IFPRI to enhance food security by accelerating agriculture growth in Nepal

The International Food policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has been working to accelerate agricultural growth and to enhance the food security system in Nepal.

The project title 'Policy Reform Initiative Project for Agricultural Development and Food Security in Nepal' is focussed on strengthening Nepal's seed system, promote contract farming, rationalize fertilizer subsidies and improve fertilizer use efficiency; formulation, besides introducing a new food safety policy.

The programme is funded by USAID. India provides exposure to Nepal through capacity-building programmes in creating awareness and sensitization.

The IFRI's policy reform initiative in Nepal focuses on capacity-building and to implement the policies effectively.

India is covering different sectors which include seed, fertilizer and mechanization.

"I am leading a project on policy reforms initiatives in Nepal. The aim of this project is to accelerate agricultural growth in Nepal and to enhance food security and alleviate poverty from Nepal. This project is sponsored by USAID and it is implemented by close collaboration with government of Nepal with different departments. Ministry of Agriculture development of Nepal is our partners and we are working with all stake holders from private sectors and public sectors, chambers of commerce and other civil societies and farmers' organizations," said Anjani Kumar, (Research Fellow) International Food Policy Research Institute.

The IFRI is also helping Nepal to become the member of World Trade Organization (WTO) to get access to global opportunities in trade and investment.

Nepal stands 44th position on the Global Hunger Index.

"Nepal is still poverty stricken country even in South Asia and the situation in food security and this country have food deficient but agriculture has to improve. The rate of impact of agricultural growth on poverty direction is more than any other sector", said Anjani Kumar, (Research Fellow) International Food Policy Research Institute.

Agriculture is the main source of food, income and employment for the majority of people in Nepal.

With the implementation of new research and technology in farming, the GDP of Nepal will increase.