The (CFRD) has launched a skill development training in agriculture in Khokana, Lalitpur, aiming to strengthen local economic development by improving vegetable production through technical skills.

The training focuses on youth and women and includes the provision of agricultural equipment and quality seeds to local farmers. More than 30 volunteer students from Hong Kong participated in the programme, highlighting growing people-to-people exchanges between China and Nepal.

Khokana, an ancient Newari settlement known for its cultural heritage and tourism value, has a long tradition of agriculture and community-based enterprises. CFRD said the project marks a new phase of technical support to promote modern agricultural practices and long-term economic growth in the village.

Speaking at the event, Zou Zhiqiang, country director of CFRD Nepal, said the training specifically targets vegetable production technology to enhance the technical capacity of youth and women and help communities generate sustainable income through agriculture.

She said Khokana holds strong potential for agricultural development alongside its cultural and tourism assets. Over the past five years, CFRD has supported the community through initiatives including women’s microfinance, support for handicrafts, oil and candy production factories, school feeding programmes, and the distribution of school bags and warm clothes in community schools.

“This time, our support emphasises technical capacity building, which is essential for long-term and self-sustaining development,” she said.

Zou also said the participation of Chinese volunteers reflects growing cooperation and mutual learning, expressing hope that more Chinese researchers, volunteers and donors would engage in community-level agricultural development in Nepal.

Addressing the ceremony, Rabindra Maharjan, ward chairperson of ward 21, said CFRD has supported Khokana for the past five years through various development initiatives. He said Chinese volunteers visited women’s microfinance-supported factories and learned directly from the community’s experiences.

Maharjan said he had visited China last year and observed the country’s poverty alleviation efforts. He added that the ward has signed an agreement with China Rural Villages, creating a basis for future cooperation. He expressed optimism that continued support and research engagement would accelerate local development and improve livelihoods.

CFRD Nepal has been active since 2015, initially focusing on post-earthquake relief and disaster response. Since 2019, it has implemented skill development projects providing plumbing and electrical training to 318 youth.

The organisation has also supported farmers in Dakshinkali and Tarakeshwor with technical and financial assistance, enabling 90 percent of participating farmers to adopt new practices, start agribusinesses and export vegetables to Qatar. In addition, CFRD has supported the tea value chain in Nuwakot and Lalitpur by introducing machinery and training in plucking, processing and marketing, benefiting around 600 households engaged in organic tea production.

The current training is delivered through CTEVT-affiliated institutions under an authorised curriculum and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth.