Kathmandu: The Embassy of Israel together with Avsar Foundation, an NGO initiated by Khetan Family, had organized “KRISHI TARA Award Ceremony”, the 1st Annual National Level Award, on 28 November 2019 amidst a formal function held at Hotel Aloft, Thamel, Kathmandu.
(The first of its kind award is conducted to honor deserving Nepali farmers/agri-entrepreneurs who have been purposefully contributing in agriculture through the use of innovations, technologies and skills learnt in Israel after returning from “Learn and Earn (L&E) Program).”
The Embassy of Israel in cooperation with Small Farmer Development Microfinance Financial Institute Limited started this yearlong advanced agricultural training program in 2013. Since 2013, around 2700 Nepali youths, associated with the aforementioned institute have already participated and this year, 540 students are partaking in the same program.
Aiming to encourage local farmers to continue their profession in agriculture by recognizing and rewarding their hard work and passion for agriculture, the application was open to the L&E returnees. Among many applications received, the 10 best youth farmers were selected.
At the event, the agro products of the nominated farmers were kept on display. The video clips about their farms were also screened during the program.
Mr. Dipendra Karki from Surkhet was adjudged “Krishi Tara” by the selection committee on the basis of his innovation, technologies, skills, impact and sustainability. Mr. Karki was awarded the cash prize of 5 lakhs Nepali Rupees along with a Winner Certificate. The top 9 other nominees were also honored with “Felicitation Certificate” by Dr. Yubak Dhoj GC, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, who graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Congratulating the winner for his outstanding contribution and achievements, Dr. GC appreciated all other farmers for being nominated for the award. On behalf of the Government of Nepal, Dr. GC, expressed his commitment to onboard many youth farmers into the program, to host them upon their return from Israel and to support them with the programs like agriculture subsidy and other measures.
Remembering his Israel visit attending MASHAV Course in 1999, he further said that Israel has been contributing in Agriculture through not only Learn and Earn Program but also, via MASHAV Courses in which professionals are participating in Agriculture related courses in Israel.
He concluded his remarks wishing happiness and gratitude for organizing this important event and further wishes to give continuity to these kind of initiations in the future as well.
Acknowledging the contribution of the farmers to the agriculture prosperity, H.E. Mr. Benny Omer, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal said, “I really appreciate all the farmers who were stimulated by the knowledge, skills and experience they gained from Israel and have started implementing their knowhow here in Nepal with the significant amount of money they saved in Israel. This is a great contribution to the modernization of agriculture.
Besides, it helps to shape their future and is an important element in national economy too. He further said, “We should encourage more females to participate in the L&E Program and to work in the farm upon their return.”
Speaking at the event, H.E. Dr. Anjan Shakya, Nepali Ambassador to Israel said, “Israel has been supporting Nepal in agriculture and many other sectors. I recently visited Arava farm in Israel and met Nepali students working in the farm. I found that most of the students are very happy, satisfied and are learning effective modern agricultural practices.”
During the event, Mr. Suman Joshi, Vice Chairperson of Avsar Foundation said, “Avsar Foundation is pleased to continue supporting economically and socially deprived community of Nepal to help them engage in income generating activities.”
Mr. Dipendra Karki, the Owner of Karki Cow Farm, expressing his gratitude to the judges, the Embassy of Israel and Avsar Foundation said, “I feel the responsibility has doubled after this award. I will leave no stone unturned to do the best in agriculture with the finest and applicable practices of Israeli agriculture.
The Embassy of Israel and Avsar Foundation are privileged to be a part of this celebration wherein famers’ indispensable contribution to existence is being admired and awarded.
We hope to continue such a program in the future as well to boost the morale of Nepalese youth farmers to continue their engagements in agriculture, cultivate more agricultural talents as agriculture remains the central to the livelihood of Nepalese and economic development of Nepal.
News based on a press release issued by the Embassy of Israel November 29, 2019 in Kathmandu: Ed.