28/07/2026
National Progress Sharing Workshop Highlights Achievements of SFVC Project and Launches Kisan Ko Poko E-Commerce Platform
Lalitpur, Nepal | July 28, 2026
Farmers for Rural Development (FRDEV), in collaboration with Triangle Génération Humanitaire (TGH), successfully organized the National Progress Sharing Workshop of the project "Towards More Organic (Sustainable) and Safe Food in Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, and Ramechhap Districts (SFVC)" at Siddhartha Cottage, Dhobighat, Lalitpur on 28 July 2026.
The workshop served as a national platform to disseminate the achievements, lessons learned, and key outcomes of the SFVC Project while fostering dialogue among policymakers, development partners, local governments, research institutions, cooperatives, producer organizations, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders committed to promoting sustainable agriculture, safe food production, and resilient agricultural value chains in Nepal.
The inaugural session was chaired by Mr. Khem Bahadur Pathak, Chairperson of FRDEV, while Mr. Tok Bahadur Waiba, Mayor of Mandan Deupur Municipality, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
A brief overview of the SFVC Project was presented by the Country Representative of Triangle Génération Humanitaire (TGH) Nepal, highlighting the project's objectives, implementation progress, and major achievements. Since its inception, the project has promoted sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices, strengthened farmer cooperatives, encouraged the adoption of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for safe food production, improved agricultural value chains, and expanded market opportunities for smallholder farmers in Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, and Ramechhap districts.
The workshop was attended by senior representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DoA), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Ltd. (NACCFL), Triangle Génération Humanitaire (TGH) Nepal, National Cooperative Federation Nepal (NCF Nepal), Sana Kisan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. (SKBBL), Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), local governments, research institutions, cooperatives, development partners, and several national and international organizations working in agriculture and rural development.
Technical Sessions Focused on Policy, Research and Sustainable Agriculture.
The workshop featured four technical presentations delivered by renowned experts, focusing on policy reform, research findings, institutional development, and future strategies for promoting safe food systems in Nepal.
Mr. Binod Kumar Bhattarai, Deputy Director General, Department of Agriculture, presented a technical paper entitled "Regulatory and Institutional Frameworks Relevant to Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) in Nepal: Status, Gaps and Challenges." He discussed the current regulatory environment governing PGS, identified institutional and policy gaps, highlighted implementation challenges, and presented recommendations for strengthening Nepal's national PGS framework to promote safe and sustainable food production.
Dr. Mahesh Jaisi, Research Director, Lamjung Campus, presented the End-line Survey Findings of the SFVC Project. His presentation showcased the project's achievements, measurable impacts, and lessons learned, demonstrating significant progress in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening cooperatives, and improving livelihoods across the project districts.
Mr. Rishi Ram Adhikari, Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Expert, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the implementation process, certification procedures, operational mechanisms, follow-up systems, and future direction of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) in Nepal. He emphasized the importance of strengthening community-based certification systems to enhance consumer confidence and expand market opportunities for safe food products.
Mr. Sujan Dawadi, Agriculture Section Chief, Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality, shared his experiences on the Role of Local Governments in Promoting Safe Food Production and Agricultural Value Chain Development. He highlighted the importance of local governments in policy implementation, extension services, cooperative promotion, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural development.
The workshop also featured an inspiring experience-sharing session by Mr. Bhoj Raj Kadariya, Chairperson of Mansoon Small Farmers Agriculture Cooperative Ltd., who presented successful examples of cooperative-led safe food production, PGS implementation, and market promotion initiatives that have directly benefited smallholder farmers.
Kisan Ko Poko E-Commerce Platform Officially Inaugurated
One of the major highlights of the workshop was the official inauguration of the Kisan Ko Poko E-Commerce Platform (www.kisankopoko.com), developed under the SFVC Project to digitally connect smallholder farmers and agricultural cooperatives with urban consumers.
The digital platform has been designed to strengthen agricultural value chains by enabling farmers and cooperatives to market safe, locally produced, and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-certified agricultural products directly to consumers. By reducing unnecessary market intermediaries, improving product traceability, and expanding digital market access, the platform is expected to enhance farmers' incomes while ensuring consumers have access to safe and quality agricultural products.
Mr. Rajan Bhandari, Platform Lead, FRDEV, delivered a comprehensive presentation demonstrating the working model of the Kisan Ko Poko E-Commerce Platform. He showcased the platform's key features, including cooperative registration, product management, online ordering, digital marketplace functionality, and consumer interface. The presentation highlighted how digital technology can transform agricultural marketing by creating direct market linkages between producers and consumers while promoting sustainable agricultural enterprises and cooperative businesses.
Strengthening Partnerships for Safe Food Systems
An interactive discussion session followed the technical presentations, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas on policy improvements, institutional collaboration, expansion of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), strengthening agricultural value chains, and scaling up digital innovations to support Nepal's transition toward sustainable and safe food systems.
Participants highly appreciated the achievements of the SFVC Project and emphasized the need for continued collaboration among government agencies, development partners, research institutions, local governments, cooperatives, and the private sector to further strengthen sustainable agriculture, improve food safety, and create resilient agricultural value chains throughout Nepal.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Ekraj Upreti, Chairperson of Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Ltd. (NACCFL), Mr. Tok Bahadur Waiba, Mayor of Mandan Deupur Municipality, and Mr. Khem Bahadur Pathak, Chairperson of FRDEV, who collectively reaffirmed their commitment to promoting safe food production, strengthening cooperative-led agricultural development, and expanding digital innovations that empower smallholder farmers.
The National Progress Sharing Workshop successfully showcased the significant achievements and impacts of the SFVC Project, demonstrating how strong partnerships among government agencies, development partners, cooperatives, local governments, and the private sector can accelerate Nepal's transition toward sustainable agriculture and safe food systems. The successful launch of the Kisan Ko Poko E-Commerce Platform marks another important milestone in digitally connecting rural producers with urban consumers, strengthening agricultural value chains, and creating sustainable market opportunities for smallholder farmers through cooperative-led innovation.
The program was hosted by Ms. Kajol Bajracharya, ensuring smooth facilitation of the workshop sessions and discussions.
