KATHMANDU, June 18: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) in Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. This collaboration aims to leverage the expertise, knowledge, networks, and resources of the respective organizations to enhance agricultural productivity, uplift farmers and farming communities, address climate action in agriculture and contribute to agrifood systems transformation and food security and nutrition in Nepal. 

According to a press statement issued by the FAO-Nepal, Ken Shimizu, FAO-Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, and Prof Dr Punya Prasad Regmi, vice chancellor of Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) signed the MoU in the presence of Prime Minister and Chancellor of Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) Pushpa Kamal Dahal. 

The statement reads, “Through research, knowledge development and exchange, provision of technical expertise, and capacity development of young professionals in the agriculture sector, this partnership endeavors to make meaningful steps towards sustainable agricultural practices and improved livelihoods in Nepal.”

“The MoU broadly covers key areas of collaboration such as Joint Project Design and Implementation, which focuses on combining expertise to execute impactful agricultural projects, and the promotion of knowledge development, aiming to enhance academic and research capabilities through shared insights and technologies. Additionally, information exchange will facilitate the sharing of data, research findings, and best practices to inform evidence-based decision-making and policy development in agriculture, forestry, fishery and livestock sectors,” the statement further mentioned.