Nepal and Spain Discuss Expansion of Agricultural Cooperation
News Summary
Editorially reviewed.
- Agriculture, Forestry and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary and Spain’s Non-Resident Ambassador Juan Antonio March Pujol discussed modernization of agriculture and expansion of bilateral cooperation.
- Ambassador Pujol expressed expectation of Nepal’s positive support for the FAO Director-General election scheduled in 2027.
- Minister Chaudhary emphasized the need for agricultural digitalization, geographical indication registration, and climate-resilient farming systems in Nepal.
May 22, Kathmandu – Agriculture, Forestry and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary held a courtesy meeting with Spain’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Nepal, Juan Antonio March Pujol.
The meeting focused on diverse topics including agricultural modernization, agricultural digitalization, quality agricultural production, water management, climate-adaptive agriculture, and the expansion of bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Pujol conveyed anticipation for Nepal’s positive support in the upcoming election for the Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) scheduled for 2027. Minister Chaudhary confirmed coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding this matter.
The ambassador expressed Spain’s willingness to collaborate on quality agricultural products, agricultural traceability systems, investment in agriculture, and technology transfer.
He shared insights regarding Spain’s volcanic region-developed wine production, traceability systems for olive oil, practices in cultivation of oranges, citrus fruits, and grapes, as well as technology for night-time water extraction in water-scarce island areas.
Ambassador Pujol also informed about Spain’s agricultural exhibitions and investment conferences, highlighting strong participation from producers, investors, and stakeholders, and invited Nepal to partake in such opportunities.
Minister Chaudhary stated that the Nepalese government prioritizes agricultural digitalization, youth empowerment, and agricultural innovation.
She also shared that Nepal has initiated the geographical indication (GI) registration process and is running pilot programs for oranges and kiwis.
Minister Chaudhary underscored Nepal’s abundant natural resources, the necessity for technology integration, and climate-resilient agricultural systems to link traditional farming to market demands.
Highlighting Nepal’s high vulnerability to climate change despite forest conservation efforts, she expressed the country’s eagerness to learn from Spain’s experience and expertise.
The meeting concluded with positive discussions on expanding cooperation between Nepal and Spain in agriculture, technology, water management, and sustainable agricultural development.