Kathmandu [Nepal], August 3 (ANI): India has launched a new collaborative initiative in Nepal, supported by the UN World Food Programme, to enhance rice fortification and supply chain management. The initiative is part of the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative and was officially launched on August 1 by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
According to a release from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the project aims to address existing gaps in Nepal’s fortified rice supply chain—specifically in procurement, data collection, and workforce capacity—through knowledge exchange with India’s well-established Public Distribution System (PDS). “The project offers stakeholders from Nepal the opportunity to learn from India’s experience in leveraging digital technologies for efficient food supply chain management,” the release noted.
Key focus areas of the initiative include beneficiary management, storage and distribution models, monitoring and evaluation systems, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
The project will be rolled out in three phases over a 12-month period. The first phase will involve a comprehensive needs assessment and stakeholder engagement. The second phase will include a study visit to India for Nepali officials, featuring hands-on demonstrations and expert briefings. The third and final phase will focus on developing an actionable implementation plan.
The training component will be delivered through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Government of India. Under ITEC, more than 3,000 Nepali officials have already received training in India since 2001.
The India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative was first announced in September 2023 on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Following the announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs and the UN Country Team in India collaborated to identify projects that promote South-South cooperation and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management project in Nepal, supported by the World Food Programme, is one of four projects selected for implementation under this initiative.
The project underscores the strong development partnership between India and Nepal and reaffirms both countries’ shared commitment to innovation, resilient food systems, and regional collaboration through South-South cooperation.
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