The China Foundation for Rural Development has begun agricultural skill development training in Dakshinkali Municipality to promote youth employment and support commercial farming.

The programme, run in partnership with the New Light Foundation and in coordination with Dakshinkali Municipality, focuses on off-season vegetable production. It offers classroom instruction and field-based sessions designed to equip young people with market-oriented farming skills.

CFRD Nepal has been active since 2015, starting with post-earthquake relief work. Since 2019, it has trained 318 young people in plumbing and electrical work. It has also supported farmers in Dakshinkali and Tarkeshwor through technical and financial assistance from China, with most of the participating farmers adopting new practices, starting agribusinesses and exporting vegetables to Qatar. The foundation has similarly introduced machinery and training to strengthen the tea value chain in Nuwakot and Lalitpur, benefiting about 600 households.

Officials said the new training targets youth aged 17 to 45, a key demographic for improving commercial farming as Nepal struggles with low agricultural productivity, rising imports and limited specialised training.

The current training is delivered through institutions affiliated with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, following an authorised curriculum. It aims to improve technical capacity, productivity and livelihoods, and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth. Participants were selected from the local community, prioritising young farmers with at least 1.5 ropani of land and a commitment to continue farming after completing the course.

Dakshinkali Mayor Mohan Basnet and CFRD Country Director Zou Zhiqiang inaugurated the event by lighting a panas. The Agriculture Unit Officer of Dakshinkali Municipality delivered the welcome remarks, followed by a presentation from the New Light Foundation outlining objectives, selection criteria, activities, partner roles and expected outcomes.

Zou highlighted CFRD’s ongoing work in Nepal, including education support through Panda Packs and sports kits, nutrition programmes for schoolchildren, water supply projects and agricultural cooperation with Chongqing Municipality and the Agriculture and Forestry University in Chitwan. She underlined the importance of youth engagement in agriculture and the potential of off-season production to support local economies.

Municipal officials stressed that the training will help improve productivity and household incomes. Fifty participants attended the inaugural session.

Officials also said participants who complete the course will sit for a nationally recognised skill test conducted by the National Vocational Qualifications System under CTEVT. Successful trainees will receive formal certification to support their employability and agribusiness prospects.