Joint Celebration of World Food Day and International Rural Women’s Day
On the occasion of the 45th World Food Day and the 18th International Rural Women’s Day, a special dialogue, targeting youth, rural women farmers and policymakers, was conducted on 15th October 2025, at the premises of the Department of Agriculture, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur. The event was organised by ERI Nepal in collaboration with ForestAction Nepal, the secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF) , AAF members and the 45th World Food Day Committee, Government of Nepal.
Held under the theme “Hands in Hand for better foods and a better future”, the program witnessed the participation of around 200 attendees, including Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Director General, Deputy Director Generals, Officers and other staff of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Livestock Services, the Agriculture Information and Training center and heads and representatives of various government bodies, Agricultural Development Officers from local levels, representatives of I/NGOs, civil society groups, AAF members, rural women farmers, representatives from agricultural cooperatives and farmers’ groups, agri-entrepreneurs, young farmers, students, professors, media persons/journalists, and other stakeholders.
The program was inaugurated with a welcome speech from Ms. Anita Basnet, Vice President of the National Farmers Group Federation (NFGF), and was chaired by Mr. Uddhav Adhikari, Coordinator of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food. The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
The program was conducted in two sessions. The first session, focused on the theme “Roadmap of Nepalese Agriculture”, featuring a presentation and an interactive discussion. Mr. Uddhav Adhikari, Coordinator of the AAF, presented an overview of current agricultural issues, future pathways, and strategies for sustainable agricultural development. Following his presentation, Mr. Thakur Bhandari, Chairperson of the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN); Mr. Prayas Adhikari, a climate activist; Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development; and Ms. Rita Bastakoti, a lead women farmer, shared their perspectives as commentators, highlighting interlinkages among forest, climate, and agricultural development, and the crucial role of women in agriculture. The session concluded with remarks from Mr. Prakash Sanjel, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, who moderated and summarised the key discussion points and outcomes of the session.
The second session featured a panel discussion on the theme “Youth Engagement in Agriculture.” Panelists included Mr. Gaurav Neupane, Agricultural Development Officer of Khairahani Municipality, Chitwan; Ms. Nima Yangchen Hyolmo, a woman Agri-entrepreneur; Ms. Sarita Tharu, an agricultural journalist; and Mr. Dipesh Nepal, a Gen-Z farmer. The session was moderated by educator Mr. Tika Bhattarai.
The panelists shared their experiences, insights, and the challenges faced by agricultural technicians in government institutions, as well as by field practitioners and farmers. They also discussed practical solutions to recurring issues, highlighted social perceptions regarding youth involvement in agriculture, and explored the scope of natural farming. In addition, the conversation covered market opportunities and challenges, along with strategies to engage more youth in the agricultural sector.
Following the panel discussion, Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, delivered his remarks, emphasising the vital role of youth in transforming the food system and highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to address their concerns. Mr. Lyam Darjee, Chairperson of the National Land Rights Forum, concluded the event by delivering a vote of thanks to all participants.
Alongside the presentations and discussions, various exhibition stalls were displayed within the venue premises, showcasing local and indigenous seeds collected from across the country, as well as art and crafts related to the food system, alternative agricultural technologies, and informative posters, including 3D models of farming systems.
At the end of the event, guests were served local cuisine to promote indigenous food culture and celebrate the country’s rich diversity.
