Kathmandu, May 11: A ‘China Chongqing-Nepal Vegetable Training Center’ is to be established in Khokana, Lalitpur.
The Centre is expected to serve as a platform for the systematic transfer of high-efficiency vegetable farming technologies from China to Nepal. It aims to support local communities in adopting climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance productivity, minimize post-harvest losses and contribute to improved food security.
The Centre is being established under the Nepal ‘Vibrant Village’ Technical Cooperation in Vegetable Production (Greenhouse) Project being implemented in Lalitpur Metropolitan City and Dakshinkali Municipality with support of the China Foundation for Rural Development. With support from the Chongqing Municipal Government of China, the project adopts a model of financial and technical assistance to promote modern greenhouse technologies, improve vegetable productivity, and institutionalize sustainable farming practices among smallholder farmers.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development of Bagmati Province, Madhusudan Poudel, and representatives of Chinese Embassy in Nepal and China Foundation for Rural Development Nepal laid the foundation stone of the center in Khokhana on Sunday. The establishment of the training center is estimated to cost around Rs 3.2 million.
On the occasion, the 2026 Vegetable Technical Training Programme was also initiated. Under the programme, technology, tools and other technical knowledge shall be provided to local farmer groups. Accordingly, a state-of-the-art tillage machine was handed over to a farmer group of Ward No. 21 of Lalitpur Metropolitan City. The machine operated by remote control can till 1,000 square meters in an hour and consumes less fuel, according to Chinese technicians.
China Foundation for Rural Development has already implemented projects such as hybrid rice plantation in Chitwan and fisheries and animal husbandry in Jhapa. Under this program implemented in collaboration with China, the promotion of indigenous crops, production of off-season vegetables and the construction of vibrant villages in Khokana and Dakshinkali are being carried out, said Rabindra Maharjan, Chair of Lalitpur Metropolitan City ward no.21.
The project is expected to directly benefit more than 60 farming families. On the occasion, a local women’s group displayed hand-woven shoes, local sweets and fresh vegetables produced under the project. (RSS)
How did you feel after reading this news?