May 28, Kathmandu-Kathmandu, Nepal, 28 May 2025 – A significant milestone in regional development and bilateral cooperation was marked today with the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the Agriculture Promotion Centre and Food Grains Collection and Distribution Centre at Muktikot, Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality in Bajura District, Nepal. The foundation stone was jointly laid by Mr. Bharat Bahadur Rokaya, Chairman of Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality, and Shri Avinash Kumar Singh, Counsellor at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. The ceremony was attended by local political leaders, government officials, social workers, and community members, highlighting the community’s collective participation and enthusiasm for the initiative.

The project, which is being constructed with the financial assistance of the Government of India under the ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation’ programme, involves a total investment of NRs. 31.41 million. The building will serve as a vital hub for the storage and distribution of food grains and will be equipped with a distribution desk, record room, and other essential facilities. It is being implemented as a High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) through the Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality, reinforcing grassroots-level development in the remote, mountainous region where logistical challenges often hinder food security and economic activity.

Local leaders and stakeholders expressed their deep appreciation for India’s continued developmental support, noting that the centre will play a critical role in ensuring the proper collection, storage, and management of agricultural produce. In regions like Bajura, where transportation and communication networks are underdeveloped, such infrastructure is vital to maintaining food security and enhancing the livelihoods of farming communities. The facility is expected to allow long-term storage of food grains, reducing post-harvest losses and supporting local food distribution systems.

Since 2003, the Government of India has supported over 573 High Impact Community Development Projects across Nepal, of which 495 have already been completed. In Sudurpashchim Province alone, 43 such projects have been undertaken, including two in Bajura District. Complementing these efforts, India has also donated 1,009 ambulances and 300 school buses to hospitals, health posts, and educational institutions across Nepal. Of these, 70 ambulances and 27 school buses have been allocated to Sudurpashchim Province, including three ambulances and one school bus in Bajura.

The construction of the Agriculture Promotion Centre in Bajura underscores the robust and long-standing partnership between India and Nepal. It reflects India’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s socio-economic development through infrastructure investments in priority sectors. The project not only strengthens the bilateral relationship but also serves as a beacon of progress and cooperation for rural and underserved communities in Nepal.