RUPANDEHI: Geared towards bridging the gap between the small-scale farmers and a market for their Agri-produce, 75 Agri Transport Vehicles have been handed over to cooperatives in 6 provinces across the country.
The vehicles were distributed in two phases of 28 (July ‘21) and 47 December) vehicles respectively.
Heifer has contributed t0 50% of the total cost of the vehicles, while the rest is borne by the cooperatives, a statement issued by the company said.
Transportation has been the major constrain to the Cooperatives for consistent marketing of their Agri produces.
To resolve these constraints, Heifer Nepal collaborated and supported the Cooperatives with vehicles, which will be owned and managed by them, it added.
The support of vehicle was possible with financial contribution from Heifer and cooperatives while funds from local government as well as provincial government was also mobilized.
The support reached 4 cooperatives from Province 1 (1 in Jhapa, 3 in Morang districts), 2 from Province 2 (1 in Sarlahi and 1 in Mahottari districts), 9 in Bagmati Province (3 in Chitawan, 3 in Dhading, 1 in Sindhuli, 2 in Nuwakot districts), and 9 in Gandaki Province (2 in Baglung, 2 in Nawalparasi.
Likewise, the support also reach to 2 cooperatives in Kaski, 1 in Lamjung, 1 in Tanahun and 1 in Parbat districts), 20 in Lumbini Province (1 in Dang, 7 in Palpa, 1 in Pyuthan, 3 in Bardiya, 5 in Banke, 2 in Gulmi and 1 in Kapilvastu districts), and 3 in Karnali (1 in Salyan and 2 in Surkhet district).
The supported vehicles will directly benefit 45,000 members of smallholders engaged in 47 cooperatives by providing transport services for dairy, vegetables, goat, local poultry as well as other agri products, according to the statement.
This is aimed to generate estimated revenue of 820 million NRs through the marketing of agri-livestock products.
Province Chief of Lumbini Province, Amik Sherchan appreciated the support with his remarks saying, “Women have done exemplary job in promoting enterprises while taking care of multiple duties at home. It’s high time we help them transform into businesswoman.”
He said, “We are convinced with the approach from Heifer Nepal as the vehicles that has been provided to such energetic women cooperatives will surely boost the transportation of agriculture products and aid in increasing access to the markets.”
Comment