Heifer International celebrated its 80th anniversary on Saturday in Nepal, marking its long-standing commitment as a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping smallholder farmers end hunger and poverty in their communities.

The milestone was commemorated in Kamalamai Municipality, Sindhuli, with the symbolic passing of 11 heifers from one farmer to another, embodying the organisation's “passing on the gift” philosophy.

Heifer International has collaborated with the Nepal government on the Milky Way Project, which seeks to fully transform and modernise the nation’s dairy sector, thereby benefiting smallholder farmers and boosting the economy.

In December 2022, Heifer facilitated the supply of 100 high-grade Holstein heifers and 8 Holstein bulls, donated by the government of Korea. The Milky Way Project aims to establish a “Model Dairy Village” in Kamalamai and expand its reach to benefit at least 500,000 families in the coming years.

“The project exemplifies international cooperation and its potential to bring about meaningful societal change,” said Prakash Shrestha, the Bagmati provincial minister for agriculture and livestock development.

“We are proud to be part of this initiative that is transforming the lives of our dairy farmers.” Heifer International CEO Surita Sandosham stated, “As we celebrate 80 years of Heifer International, we are reminded of the power of community and the profound impact of passing on the gift. This event in Kamalamai stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of generosity and the transformative power of our work.”

Upendra Pokharel, mayor of Kamalamai Municipality, highlighted the project's success: “With the introduction of Korean cows, our monthly milk production has doubled from 27,000 litres last year to 55,000 litres this year.”

Founded on 14 July 1944 by Dan West, Heifer International began with a shipment of 17 cattle from Alabama to Puerto Rico to help improve the lives of impoverished communities. The shipment of Korean Holsteins to Nepal in December 2022 and January 2023 continues this Heifer legacy.

The “passing on the gift” ceremony is designed to promote a sense of community, solidarity, and shared purpose among farmers, fulfilling their responsibility as programme participants to help others improve their livelihoods, Heifer International explained.

The Milky Way Project is already having significant positive effects on local communities, with increased milk production and improved economic conditions for participating families.

Heifer International began its operations in Nepal in 1997, working alongside local farmers to enhance food security and reduce poverty by providing technical support to strengthen agricultural value chains, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices, and improving access to affordable inputs and services.

Heifer Nepal has supported over 400,000 families and organised 277 agricultural cooperatives, all working under the Social Entrepreneur Women Alliance, an apex body led by progressive women farmers.