Kathmandu, Nepal - The Second Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting of the GAFSP-funded project "Improved Food and Nutrition Security through Diversified Income Generation and Empowerment" was successfully held on December 18, 2025, in Kathmandu.

The meeting brought together members of the Project Steering Committee, officials from the Nepal Agricultural Cooperative Central Federation Ltd. (NACCFL), and representatives from FAO Nepal to review project progress and agree on strategic directions for the upcoming implementation period.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Hari Bahadur KC, Joint Secretary, Planning and Development Cooperation Coordination Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD). Key participants included Mr. Khem Pathak, Chairperson of NACCFL; Mr. Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative (FAOR) for Bhutan and Nepal; and Mr. Himalaya Tripathi, Chairperson of Badaiyataal Rural Municipality, Bardiya.

The PSC comprises high-level representatives from MoALD, Province Level Goverment Officials, NACCFL and FAO Nepal, including officials from concerned ministry.

The meeting reviewed decisions from the previous PSC and emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional linkages, particularly between seed-producing companies and relevant stakeholders.

The PSC reaffirmed its long-term vision of increasing farmers' income through a mustard-based farming system, complemented by intercropping and other suitable farming models. The committee also agreed to update the Farmers Field School (FFS) approach by integrating modern technologies and innovative practices to enhance productivity and income outcomes.

Regarding seed procurement, discussions highlighted the prioritization of local mustard seeds as a learning and demonstration approach, while international agencies will continue to follow established procurement procedures. NACCFL and FAO further agreed to jointly prepare a detailed one-year implementation plan aligned with the project’s long-term objectives.

Extensive discussions were held on the Revolving Fund mechanism, covering its objectives, implementation model, and the roles and responsibilities of NACCFL, Producer Organizations, cooperatives, and local governments.

The PSC also discussed area-focused interventions to maximize project impact and reviewed the one-year LOA, annual work plan, and budget framework. NACCFL was tasked with preparing additional proposals as required. Enhanced coordination meetings with senior FAO staff and the development of practical, field-oriented implementation guidelines were also agreed upon.

In conclusion, the meeting reaffirmed strong coordination and collaboration between NACCFL and FAO, emphasizing solution-oriented implementation within the approved project framework. Participants committed to jointly endorsing and facilitating agreed actions to ensure effective, inclusive, and sustainable project outcomes.