KOICA commits USD 12 million to Strengthen Climate-Resilient Rice Production in Terai Region of Nepal

EDUCAST, The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment (MoAFE), signed a Record of Discussion (RoD) today for the implementation of the project titled “Climate-Resilient Rice Production and Productivity Increase in the Terai Region of Nepal (CRRPPI-T)”.

The ROD of the project was signed by Mr. Mooheon Kong, Country Director of KOICA Nepal and Dr. Hari Bahadur K.C, Joint Secretary of MoAFE. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Mr. Rajendra Mishra, Secretary of MoAFE, and witnessed by Dr. Januka Pandit, Province Secretary of the Government of Lumbini Province, and Mr. Shankar Shah, Province Secretary of the Government of Sudurpaschim Province.

Under the agreement, the Government of the Republic of Korea, through KOICA, will provide grant assistance of USD 12 million for the implementation of the six-year project from 2026 to 2031. This is the biggest ongoing international cooperation project in Nepal’s agriculture sector, as well as KOICA’s largest bilateral project in the country.

The project will be implemented in selected districts of Lumbini Province (Banke, Bardiya, Dang, and Kapilvastu) and Sudurpashchim Province (Kailali and Kanchanpur).

The project aims to enhance Nepal’s food security by increasing rice productivity and promoting climate-resilient and sustainable rice production systems through climate-smart agriculture technologies, strengthened rice seed systems, improved post-harvest management, and expanded market access for farmers and entrepreneurs.

The project will be implemented by KOICA in partnership with MoAFE and the provincial ministries of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim Provinces, with technical support from the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

The project will place particular emphasis on strengthening climate-resilient rice seed systems and accelerating the dissemination of improved rice varieties adapted to Nepal’s changing climate conditions.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, MoAFE Secretary, Mr. Rajendra Mishra praised the bilateral collaboration between Nepal and South Korea. He noted that the project will strengthen Nepal’s rice value chain, increase farmers’ income, improve food security and promote Green Resilient Inclusive Development (GRID) in the target provinces.

Similarly, Country Director of KOICA, Mr. Kong stated that the project reflects the shared commitment of Korea and Nepal to strengthening agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods through close cooperation, knowledge exchange, and people-centered development.

Dr. Hari Bahadur K.C. expressed his appreciation for KOICA’s consistent and expanding support within the agricultural sector. He highlighted the significant potential for Nepal to benefit from Korea’s expertise, particularly in the areas of agricultural technology and knowledge exchange.

In addition to this project, KOICA is implementing the Integrated Rural Development project in Bardiya and the Value Chain Development of Fruits and Vegetables in Lumbini Province. KOICA will seek to maximize synergies among the three agriculture projects in Nepal.

Since 1991, the Government of the Republic of Korea, through KOICA, has been a key development partner of Nepal, supporting various sectors such as health, education, agriculture, vocational training, rural development, IT, and tourism. KOICA has provided approximately USD 235 million in assistance to Nepal to date. KOICA collaborates with businesses, CSOs, universities, and development partners to assist Nepal in achieving its SDGs.