China launches Nepal Southern Agricultural Science and Technology Park

The Nepal Southern Agricultural Science and Technology Park was officially launched on Tuesday at the Agriculture and Forestry University in Chitwan, Bagmati Province. This initiative is part of the China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Center.

The park was jointly inaugurated by the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song and Chitwan Mayor Renu Dahal. The park aims to enhance hybrid rice production in Nepal, while also fostering cooperation in rice cultivation, livestock and fish farming, and greenhouse vegetable production.

Ambassador Song noted that the park represents the latest progress in agricultural cooperation between China and Nepal. He emphasized that this project is a significant step toward realizing the agreements made by the leaders of the two countries last year.

“Chongqing has advanced agricultural science and abundant resources. Our agricultural cooperation can unlock greater potential for Bharatpur, driving forward shared development and prosperity for both our cities and countries,” Song said.

Mayor Dahal expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government for its collaboration with agricultural experts from the university. She highlighted that this partnership will significantly improve rice production and uplift the livelihoods of farmers in Nepal.

“Nepal Southern Agricultural Science and Technology Park symbolizes the enduring friendship between Nepal and China. It stands as a center of knowledge, research, and innovation, utilizing advanced agricultural technologies to boost productivity,” Dahal remarked. She also extended her thanks to the Chongqing Municipal Government and Agricultural Committee for their technical and financial support, as well as to the China Foundation for Rural Development for managing the project.

Prof Dr Shardha Thapaliya, the academic director of the university, also expressed her appreciation for the Chinese government's efforts in launching the park. “As the largest and oldest agricultural and forestry university in Nepal, we are honored to participate in and support this project, working closely with Chinese agricultural experts to implement hybrid rice cultivation in Nepal,” she stated.

The event was attended by several key figures, including Wang Shijie, deputy director of the Chongqing Agriculture and Rural Committee, Han Ruichun, director of the International Cooperation Department of the Chongqing Agriculture and Rural Committee, and Zou Zhiqiang, director of the Nepal Office of the China Foundation for Rural Development.

Shijie said that the park’s launch is another milestone under the ‘Light Up the Future’ initiative by the China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Center. Similarly, Zhiqiang pledged to ensure the successful implementation of the project by providing necessary services to all involved.