India, in collaboration with the UN World Food Program (WFP), has launched a new initiative to strengthen rice fortification and supply chain management in Nepal. The project, part of the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative, aims to address gaps in Nepal’s fortified rice supply chain by leveraging India’s expertise in digital food distribution systems.
Announced on August 1 by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative will focus on improving procurement, data collection, and workforce skills through knowledge exchange with India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). Key areas include beneficiary management, storage and distribution, monitoring systems, and grievance redressal.
The 12-month project will be implemented in three phases: needs assessment, a study visit to India for Nepali officials, and an action plan development. Training will be conducted under India’s ITEC Program, which has trained over 3,000 Nepali officials since 2001.
Announced during the 78th UN General Assembly in 2023, the India-UN initiative promotes South-South cooperation to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Nepal project is among four selected for implementation, reflecting the strong India-Nepal development partnership and shared commitment to resilient food systems.
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