Chaudhary Foundation holds fair to mark annual celebration of Unnati Cultural Village

KATHMANDU: Chaudhary Foundation organised 'Unnati Fair' to mark the annual celebration of Unnati Cultural Village in Nawalpur district.

The event showcased 30 stalls that displayed a variety of items, including handicrafts, agricultural and organic products, traditional food, paintings, and products made from teak, hickory, and bamboo. The fair also featured pictures created using wheat grass and hay, pashmina, Dhaka garments, and cottage industry products.

Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director and CEO of CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Holdings, expressed his support for the exhibition. He pledged to assist the Chaudhary Foundation in branding and marketing the handicrafts and domestic products displayed at the fair.

Surbhi Chaudhary, Director at Chaudhary Foundation, highlighted the potential of Nepal’s market for original handicrafts and domestic products. She shared that Unnati Cultural Village has been promoting these items commercially since its inception. Pradhan Shrestha, Senior Manager at Chaudhary Foundation, informed that an agreement has been made with Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI), Lalitpur, to display handicraft items at the Unnati Cultural Village.

Unnati Fair was inaugurated by Omkala Gautam, former whip of Gandaki Province and current lawmaker. He stressed that the country’s development depends on the financial empowerment of women.

KB Rana, the President of the Nawalpur Industry Association, presented a working paper discussing the current situation, challenges, and opportunities for women’s economic empowerment. The paper emphasised the need for more effective implementation of the state’s Acts, laws, policies, and programmes.

The event also featured a panel discussion on investing in women and fostering a progressive society. During the discussion, Chandana Koirala, the Chair of the Women Entrepreneur Forum Bagmati Province, noted that while Nepal was once self-reliant and a cotton exporter, today it produces only 3% of its cotton. She highlighted the potential for cotton farming in Nepal.

Bishwas Kafle, an officer at the Agriculture Knowledge Center in Nawalpur, suggested that farmers in Nepal need to explore subsidies and other alternatives to reduce high production costs.

The programme also included the presentation of various cultural dances.