The fourth and final session of the Rice Harvesting Stage Management Training under the Nepal–South Agricultural Science and Technology Park (Hybrid Rice) Project ended in Chitwan on Friday.

Funded by the Chongqing Academy of Agriculture and Sciences and supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development, the programme was run in collaboration with the Agriculture and Forestry University to strengthen farmers’ technical skills in modern rice harvesting and production practices.

According to the organisers, 74 farmers took part in the session. The opening event was attended by AFU Registrar Prof Puskar Bahadur Pal, CFRD Nepal Country Director Zou Zhiqiang, Global Cooperation for Development Chairperson Mukti Marasini, Project Coordinator Assistant Professor Suman Dhakal, Field Coordinator Raju Kharel, the CFRD Nepal team and local farmers.

Kharel said the final session wrapped up a year-long series of technical workshops and field demonstrations carried out jointly by Nepali and Chinese experts. Farmers were trained in advanced plantation methods, improved harvesting processes and techniques aimed at enhancing rice quality.

CFRD Country Director Zou highlighted the expanding Nepal–China cooperation in agricultural development and said the hybrid rice initiative is being implemented with support from federal agencies, universities, technical bodies and Bharatpur Metropolitan City. She said the project reflects China’s continued commitment to helping Nepal modernise its agriculture and pointed to joint ecological and environmental assessments conducted with local authorities.

Chairing the event, AFU Registrar Pal described the project as an example of scientific collaboration based on mutual respect. He said the initiative represents an important step in promoting agricultural science and technology in Nepal through hybrid rice development.

The training covered project objectives, achievements and future plans, along with key considerations for rice harvesting, post-harvest practices, conservation of rice genetic diversity and seed management. Field observations and practical demonstrations led by AFU’s technical team were also included.