Kathmandu, March 13,
In a move to bolster Nepal’s poultry industry and foster inclusive economic growth, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) unveiled its Partnership for Poultry activity in Butwal, Lumbini Province. The initiative marks a significant stride towards enhancing collaboration among the private sector, cooperatives, and the Nepali government in fortifying the country’s agricultural landscape.
The launch event, held in Butwal, brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, emphasizing the pivotal role of cooperation in driving the success of Nepal’s poultry industry. Spearheaded by Shreenagar Agritech, a prominent Nepali firm, the $2 million, three-year USAID activity aims to revitalize the poultry market system, benefiting approximately 7,000 small farmers and firms.
Recognizing the critical importance of the poultry sector in Nepal, which serves as a major source of employment, income, food security, and nutrition, the initiative seeks to catalyze private sector-driven growth while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. Poultry farming, deeply entrenched in Nepal’s rural economy, not only offers vital self-employment opportunities but also plays a pivotal role in supporting key sectors such as agriculture and tourism, particularly for women and marginalized groups.
During the launch event, Dr. Rewati Poudel, Secretary from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and other dignitaries lauded the initiative’s efforts to empower local poultry farmers and firms. Exceptional contract farmers were recognized for their outstanding contributions, underscoring the transformative potential of the USAID activity in uplifting livelihoods and strengthening market linkages.
Karen Welch, Acting Mission Director at USAID/Nepal, highlighted the strategic significance of the initiative, emphasizing USAID’s commitment to fostering private sector investments and fostering impactful public-private partnerships. “This activity underscores USAID’s commitment to unlocking private sector investments and cultivating meaningful public-private partnerships for transformative growth of Nepal’s agriculture sector,” stated Welch.
Echoing similar sentiments, Jason Meeks, the U.S. Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, underscored the pivotal role of USAID partnerships in building a resilient and sustainable agriculture industry in Nepal. These partnerships not only contribute to enhanced food security and nutrition but also pave the way for inclusive economic development across the nation.
Over the years, USAID has been at the forefront of supporting Nepal’s agricultural sector, investing over $181 million since 2011 to empower Nepalis, enhance agricultural productivity, and stimulate economic growth. Through initiatives like the Partnership for Poultry activity, USAID continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and prosperity in Nepal.
