Kathmandu, 3 August 2025India, in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has launched a new project in Nepal to strengthen rice fortification and supply chain management. This initiative is a part of the broader India–UN Global Capacity Building Initiative, which was formally launched by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, on 1 August 2025 in New Delhi.
Objectives and Focus Areas
The project aims to address key challenges in Nepal’s fortified rice supply chain — particularly in the areas of procurement, data collection, and skilled human resources — by facilitating knowledge-sharing based on India’s successful Public Distribution System (PDS).
The initiative will provide Nepalese stakeholders with opportunities to learn from India’s experience in leveraging digital technologies for effective food supply chain management. The key focus areas include:
1. Beneficiary management
2. Storage and distribution models
3. Monitoring and evaluation systems
4. Grievance redressal mechanisms
Three-Phase Implementation Plan
The project will be implemented over a 12-month period in three phases:
Phase 1: Focus on needs assessment and stakeholder engagement.
Phase 2: Includes a study visit to India for Nepali officials, featuring hands-on demonstrations and expert briefings.
Phase 3: Development of a comprehensive action plan.
The training component of the project will be conducted under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Government of India. Since 2001, over 3,000 Nepali officials have received training in India under the ITEC programme.
Promoting South–South Cooperation
The India–UN Global Capacity Building Initiative was first announced in September 2023 on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Following the announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the UN Country Team in India worked together to identify and implement projects that promote South–South cooperation and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The project on Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal, supported by WFP, is one of four projects selected under this global initiative.
Strengthening India–Nepal Development Partnership
This project reflects the strong and dynamic development partnership between India and Nepal. It reinforces the shared commitment of both nations to exchange innovations and build resilient food systems through South–South collaboration.
