US announces new Food Security Plan and $21 Million Project to benefit Nepali farmers

Today, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Nepal announced the launch of the USAID Agricultural Direct Financing Project by holding an event today in the capital. The project is  a government-to-government, on-treasury agreement worth up to $21 million, designed to advance food security in Nepal.

At the program, the U.S. Government also introduced its new five-year Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) Nepal Country Plan 2024-2028, outlining its approach to improving food and nutritional security in the country.

The USAID Agricultural Direct Financing Project is expected to enhance Nepal’s capacity to plan and implement agricultural development programs, working through federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces. The project aims to support 69,000 households across 53,000 hectares, helping them adopt new technologies and agricultural practices to boost production.

The new GFSS Nepal Country Plan 2024-2028 seeks to transform agriculture and food systems, aiming to sustainably reduce poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. The plan introduces a new Zone of Influence covering 26 districts across the and selected hill districts, and will extend U.S. agricultural development efforts to Madhesh province to better serve Nepal’s most vulnerable populations.

Speaking at the launch event, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Dean Thompson said, "This new GFSS Nepal Country Plan will further strengthen the United States’ partnership with Nepal, the private sector, and local communities to achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. Our new government-to-government agreement highlights our shared dedication to advancing food security in Nepal."

Similarly, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, emphasized that the launch marked a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Nepal and the United States. Minister Adhikari reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to this collaboration, highlighting the joint efforts of both governments to promote food security and sustainable development.