Kathmandu: Amidst the situation whereby Nepal imports nearly everything from other countries, Nepal has started exporting vegetables to Qatar starting from Thursday. In first six months of fiscal year 2023/24, Nepal had imported green vegetables and pulses in excess of Rs 17.4 billion.
Around 2,000 kilograms of vegetables produced within Dakshinkali Municipality of Kathmandu was supplied to Qatar in the first phase under the Agriculture Program with support from China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) Nepal Office, said Mohan Basnet, Mayor of Dakshinkali Municipality.
“We handed over the vegetable consignment to Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal, Mishal Mohammed Al-Ansari, amidst a program held at Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office today,” he said. Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr Narahari Prasad Ghimire, said it is a matter of pleasure to export vegetables to Qatar from Nepal. Vegetable farming has been done in Dakshinkali under the Agriculture Promotion Program of the China Foundation for Rural Development. It is believed that the export of vegetables produced by farmers from Dakshinkali will support the economic development of the country and at the same time motivate farmers towards vegetable cultivation.
The Foundation had provided special training as well as agricultural implements to farmers. Export of vegetables to Qatar from Nepal has been hailed as an important initiative in the country’s agricultural development with China’s technical and financial assistance. Veggies exported to Qatar on Thursday include the red cherry pepper chilli (Akabare), flat beans and bitter gourd. The Qatari ambassador said the vegetables grown by local farmers of Dakshinkali Municipality will be liked in Qatari market, and suggested to maintain the freshness and ensure the quality of the vegetables.
CFRD Nepal Office is at the forefront in transferring the successful rural development practices of China to the Nepali community. In the beginning, CFRD focused its attention to skill development through professional training on plumbing and electrician. The Foundation supported the promotion of sustainable development by providing special training on off-season vegetable production in Tarakeshwar Municipality of Kathmandu district in 2023.
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