FNCCI's AEC hosts consultation to empower agro entrepreneurs in Sudurpashchim

KATHMANDU: The Agro Enterprise Centre (AEC) of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce (FNCCI) hosted a consultation programme aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, in Dhangadhi, Kailali district, on Wednesday. 

AEC Chairperson DB Basnet presided over the programme, aiming to strengthen the agricultural sector in Sudurpashchim Province. Provincial Minister for Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives, Bir Bahadur Thapa, was the chief guest.

During his address, Minister Thapa commended the AEC for convening the consultation, bringing together major stakeholders from the agricultural sector. He expressed his commitment to transforming Sudurpashchim Province's agricultural sector by supporting local producers and micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs in promoting locally produced agricultural goods.

The programme's main objectives included evaluating the current situation of agricultural businesspeople in Sudurpashchim Province, considering supportive policies, sharing success stories from entrepreneurs involved in the AEC's programme to support MSMEs, and making policy recommendations. The findings will inform policymakers at local, provincial, and federal levels.

The panel discussion was moderated by AEC Board member Sunita Nhemaphuki. Panellists included Prof Dr Jagat Bahadur Singh Rawal from the Province Policy and Planning Commission, Khagendra Sharma from the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, FNCCI Sudurpashchim Province Vice President (Associate) Anil Kumar, and representatives from local cooperative associations.

AEC Chairperson Basnet emphasised the ongoing efforts to safeguard the rights of agricultural businesspersons and promote agricultural commercialisation across Nepal. He highlighted the need for large storage facilities (godowns) in all seven provinces to store goods for local producers and traders until market conditions are favourable. Basnet also urged the provincial government to allocate at least 50 hectares of land to FNCCI for an agricultural commercialisation model involving local entrepreneurs.

The programme, running from September 2023 to November 2024, aims to support entrepreneurs in Sudurpashchim, foster agricultural development, and create favourable conditions for local businesses. AEC previously conducted a similar programme in Nepalgunj, Lumbini Province on August 5.