Israel’s Learn & Earn project benefit Nepali youth farmers
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mahendra Prasad Ray Yadav, appreciated the efforts being launched by the State of Israel by providing “Learn & Earn” projects to the youth farmers of Nepal.
The Minister was speaking at 2nd annual Krishi Tara Award function organized in the capital by the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu joining hands with Avsar Foundation on Thursday evening.
The 2nd Krishi Tara Award winner Uddha Prasad Neupane of Dhading was awarded a cheque of Nepali Rupees 500,000 and certificate.
After returning from Israel full of advanced agro-methodologies, those youths have been using their knowledge in villages producing agricultural products and selling in the market.
Minister Yadav hoped that Israel will continue this kind of motivational and moral boosted programmes in the long run.
“I hope it will make a greater impact in Nepali agriculture sector and attract many people in this profession that would bring changes in the Nepali economy,” added the Minister.
“Nepal Government is thankful and really appreciates Israel- the very old friend of Nepal- for her contribution especially in the field of agriculture making Nepali farmers self-reliant,” the Minister stressed and hoped, “With this of course, the customers get fresh and reliable agro-products into their kitchen.”
Ambassador of Israel to Nepal, Hanan Goder expressed happiness in celebrating Agriculture as Krishi Ra Khusi and said, “Though Israel is mostly desert without water, even though nearly 2 or 3% farmers are involved in agriculture sector and making Israel sufficient to export agro-products besides feeding all Israelis.”
The “Learn and Earn” program initiated by Israel has brought not only many changes in Nepali agriculture but also brought changes in those Israeli trained youth farmers.
“One day Nepal also could be an agro-products exporter with the contribution of Israeli trained youth farmers,” added Israeli envoy.
Winner Neupane who received agriculture training in Israel in 2012-2013 also shared his experience saying “this project has boosted my moral value, economic activities and is able to increase my property list.”
The 1st Award was organized in 2019 in the capital too. The award function is supposed to be held every year to honor deserving Nepali farmers/agro-entrepreneurs who have been purposefully contributing in agriculture with technologies, innovations and skills learnt in Israel, upon returning from a year-long advanced agricultural training under “Learn and Earn Program.” But due to COVID pandemic it could be held last year, embassy source informed.
According to the Judge Panelist, ten best agriculture farms were shortlisted from among the total applications received.
The winner was selected by the jury of three judges headed by Ambassador of Israel to Nepal along with Dr. Mahabir Pun and Dr. Bishnu Prasad Chapagain.
According to the Israeli Embassy information, over three thousand students from marginalized farmer families have been trained in Israel in modern agriculture since 2012. After returning to Nepal, these students have been involved in high-tech agriculture using greenhouses, drip irrigation, etc.
Avsar Foundation aims to empower economically and socially deprived individuals and communities across the country through various programs.
The attended guests were entertained with the folk music performed by the Kutumba Band.
