Export of Nepal's vegetables to Qatar begins

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 12 : The export of Nepal-grown vegetables to Qatar has commenced today. Around 2,000 kilograms of vegetables produced within the Dakshinkali Municipality of Kathmandu were supplied to Qatar in the first phase under the Agriculture Programme, supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) Nepal Office, said Mohan Basnet, Mayor of Dakshinkali Municipality.

"We handed over the vegetable consignment to the Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal, Mishal Mohammed Al-Ansari, during a programme held at Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office today," he said.

The Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Narahari Prasad Ghimire, expressed that it is a matter of pride to export vegetables to Qatar from Nepal.

Vegetable farming in Dakshinkali has been conducted under the Agriculture Promotion Programme of the China Foundation for Rural Development. It is believed that the export of vegetables produced by farmers in Dakshinkali will support the country's economic development while also motivating farmers toward vegetable cultivation. The Foundation provided special training and agricultural tools to the farmers.

The export of vegetables from Nepal to Qatar has been hailed as an important initiative in the country's agricultural development, which was made possible by China's technical and financial assistance.

Among the vegetables exported to Qatar are red cherry pepper chilli (Akabare), flat beans, and bitter gourd.

The Qatari ambassador remarked that the vegetables grown by local farmers in Dakshinkali Municipality will be well-received in the Qatari market. He also suggested maintaining the freshness and ensuring the quality of the vegetables.

CFRD Nepal Office is at the forefront of transferring successful rural development practices from China to Nepali communities. Initially, CFRD focused on skill development through professional training in plumbing and electrical work.

It was shared during today’s programme that the Foundation supported the promotion of sustainable development by providing special training on off-season vegetable production in Tarakeshwar Municipality, Kathmandu district, in 2023.