Nepal Food Forum 2025
Welcome to the Nepal Food Forum 2025, second edition of the landmark event taking place in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal's agriculture sector is undergoing a massive transformation. As a major contributor to the national economy and employer of over 60% of the population, the sector is key to driving economic growth, improving food security, and enhancing rural livelihoods. The Government of Nepal has recognized this by declaring 2024 to 2034 as the "Decade of Agriculture Investment" to revitalize the sector as a pillar of sustainable development. This long-term commitment is supported by significant public funding and initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP) and the FAO-led Hand-in-Hand (HiHi) Initiative.
Building on the success of the first Nepal Food Forum in 2024, the upcoming Nepal Food Forum (NFF) 2025 will be a crucial platform for advancing the country’s agrifood system agenda. This joint effort by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government leaders, investors, farmers, and youth entrepreneurs. Together, they will co-create practical and innovative solutions to promote food security, economic equity, and environmental sustainability. NFF 2025 is organized around three key pillars: Global Youth Action, the Science and Innovation Forum, and the Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum.
Nepal's investment climate has improved significantly, with over $1.6 billion in concessional lending mobilized between 2022 and 2024, a majority of which supports agriculture. NFF 2025 will capitalize on this by spotlighting investment-ready agribusiness opportunities, particularly in high-potential commodities identified by the Hand-in-Hand Initiative. These include large cardamom, Timur (Sichuan pepper), highland potato, mountain honey, Pangasius fish, yak cheese, and ginger. These commodities were chosen for their export potential, their ability to create rural employment, and their contribution to climate resilience, making them central to the Forum's goal of fostering sustainable and inclusive rural development.
The Forum is committed to building a resilient, equitable, and climate-smart agricultural sector by focusing on social inclusion. Youth are a dynamic force in this transformation, leading agritech startups and innovative farming projects. NFF 2025 will provide a prominent platform to amplify their voices and showcase their innovations. The Forum will also prioritize women and indigenous peoples by integrating their traditional knowledge and leadership into national strategies. By convening diverse voices, NFF 2025 aims to foster collaborative knowledge exchange and joint action, ensuring that Nepal’s agrifood systems thrive in harmony with its rich cultural heritage and ecological diversity.
Programme Schedule
| Time | Activities |
|---|---|
| 8:00 - 9:00 | Registration and Breakfast |
| 9:00 - 9:10 | Guest on Dias:
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| 9:10 - 9:15 | National Anthem |
| 9:15 - 9:25 | Welcome Remarks: Dr Deepak Kumar Kharal, Secretary, MoALD |
| 9:25 - 9:35 | Inaugural of Program |
| 9:35 - 9:45 | Sharing of NFF Objectives: Mr Ken Shimizu, FAOR for Bhutan and Nepal |
| 9:45 - 9:55 | Video Showcasing on FAO 80th Anniversary |
| 9:55 - 10:20 | Announcements:
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| 10:20 - 10:50 | Remarks from Dignitaries:
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| 10:50 - 11:00 | Chief Guest: Right Hon'ble Ramchandra Paudel, President of Nepal |
| 11:00 - 11:10 | Closing Remarks: Hon’ble Ramnath Adhikari, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) |
| 11:10 - 11:15 | Group Photo |
| 11:15 - 11:30 | Visit of Right Honorable President and Dignitaries to the Exhibition Stalls |
| PLENARY SESSION I: Women Parliamentarian Forum - Gender & Youth Mainstreaming in Agri Food System | |
| 11:15 - 12:15 | Women Parliamentarian Forum - Gender & Youth Mainstreaming in Agri Food System |
| PLENARY SESSION II: Artificial Intelligence: Driving Investment and Future of Farming | |
| 12:15 - 13:15 | Artificial Intelligence: Driving Investment and Future of Farming |
| 13:15 - 14:00 | Lunch |
Parallel Sessions
| Time Slot | Plenary Hall: Ball Room A & B | Time Slot | Science and Innovation: Godawari Hall | Time Slot | Nepal Youth Action: Kirtipur Hall | Time Slot | Hand in Hand Investment: Ball Room C | |
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| 14:00 - 15:00 |
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14:00 - 15:00 |
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14:00 - 15:00 |
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14:00 - 15:00 |
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| 15:00 - 16:00 |
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15:00 - 16:00 |
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15:00 - 16:00 |
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15:00 - 16:00 |
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| 16:00 - 17:00 |
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16:00 - 17:00 |
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16:00 - 17:00 |
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16:00 - 17:00 |
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| 17:00 - 18:00 |
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17:00 - 18:00 |
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17:00 - 18:00 |
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17:00 - 18:00 |
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| 18:00 - 18:30 |
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