The Japanese Embassy and Volunteer Nepal National Group (VolNepal), a non-profit organization based in Kathmandu, have joined forces to bring about positive change in Pyuthan District, Nepal. The collaboration is centered around the initiative to establish a turmeric cooperative, aiming to create a sustainable income source for rural farmers and municipalities.
The Ambassador of Japan, Kikuta Yutaka, recently signed a grant contract with Shiva Rimal, the President of VolNepal, marking the beginning of a transformative project. This endeavor involves the construction of a new turmeric processing center and the provision of essential agricultural equipment in Pyuthan District. The signing ceremony, a symbol of unity and shared purpose, took place at the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu on December 9, 2022.
The project, funded under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Japanese Government, boasts a generous grant of USD 81,180 (approximately NPRs 10 million). The primary objective is to support local farmers by providing them with the necessary tools and infrastructure for the production, processing, and commercialization of turmeric. This is a pivotal step towards addressing the current imbalance where more turmeric is imported than produced domestically, leading to challenges for local farmers who struggle to earn a substantial profit due to the lack of domestic work centers and commercialization opportunities.
The driving force behind this initiative is the collaboration between the Japanese Embassy, Pyuthan Municipality, and VolNepal. The organizations recognize the potential of turmeric cultivation to uplift the community and they have actively collaborated with local farmers to manage and implement the project effectively. Together, they are set to create a positive impact on domestic turmeric production, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the livelihoods of the local farmers in Pyuthan and surrounding municipalities.
The Japanese Embassy believes that this project will not only contribute to the economic well-being of the community but also serve as a model for sustainable development. By fostering togetherness and a sense of shared responsibility, this initiative exemplifies the positive change that can be achieved when different entities collaborate for a common cause.
As we celebrate this collaborative effort between the Japanese Embassy, Pyuthan Municipality, and VolNepal we witness the transformative power of unity and the impact it can have on rural communities of Nepal.
Besar Bazar 