KATHMANDU / Nepal, 31 May 2025: In a significant step towards bolstering rural infrastructure and food security, Indian and Nepali officials jointly laid the foundation stone for an agriculture promotion centre in Sudurpashchim province, Nepal.
The project is being funded under the Nepal-India Development Cooperation initiative.
The ceremony was jointly led by Bharat Bahadur Rokaya, Chairman of Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality, and Avinash Kumar Singh, Counsellor at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. The building will be constructed at a cost of NRs. 31.41 million, fully funded by the Government of India.
The upcoming Agriculture Promotion Centre will function as a key node for the collection, storage, and distribution of food grains, and will include a distribution desk, record room, and other support infrastructure. The project has been classified as a High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) and will be implemented by the local municipality in Bajura.
According to the Indian Embassy, this initiative aims to enhance local agricultural logistics, ensure better foodgrain storage in remote hilly terrain, and support supply chain resilience in a region often cut off by poor transportation and communication links.
Local leaders and stakeholders expressed deep appreciation for India's ongoing developmental assistance. “This infrastructure will improve food distribution and long-term storage, ensuring food security in remote mountainous areas,” said Chairman Rokaya.
Since 2003, India has implemented over 573 HICDPs in Nepal, completing 495 projects, including 43 in Sudurpashchim Province and two in Bajura. Apart from infrastructure development, India has donated 1,009 ambulances and 300 school buses across Nepal, strengthening healthcare and education access.
“As close neighbours, India and Nepal continue to engage in multi-sectoral cooperation. This project reaffirms India's commitment to Nepal’s grassroots development, especially in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education,” the Indian mission said.
The event was attended by local political leaders, officials, community members, and social workers, reflecting broad public support for the project.
Image credit: yugmarg.com
