Kathmandu, Sept 12: Export of Nepal-grown vegetables to Qatar commenced from today.

Around 2,000 kilogrammes vegetables produced within Dakshinkali Municipality of Kathmandu was supplied to Qatar in the first phase under the Agriculture Programme with support from China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) Nepal Office, said Mohan Basnet, Mayor of Dakshinkali Municipality.

“We handed over the vegetable consignment to Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal, Mishal Mohammed Al-Ansari, amidst a programme held at Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office today,” he said.

Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr Narahari Prasad Ghimire, said it is a matter of pleasure to export vegetables to Qatar from Nepal.

Vegetable farming has been done in Dakshinkali under the Agriculture Promotion Programme of the China Foundation for Rural Development.

It is believed that the export of vegetables produced by farmers from Dakshinkali will support the economic development of the country and at the same time motivate farmers towards vegetable cultivation. The Foundation gad provided special training as well as agricultural implements to farmers.

Export of vegetables to Qatar from Nepal was hailed as an important initiative in the country’s agricultural development with China’s technical and financial assistance.

Among the veggies exported to Qatar today include the red cherry pepper chilli (Akabare), flat beans and bitter gourd.

The Qatari ambassador said the vegetables grown by local farmers of Dakshinkali Municipality will be liked in Qatari market, and suggested to maintain the freshness and ensure the quality of the vegetables.

CFRD Nepal Office is at the forefront in transferring the successful rural development practices of China to the Nepali community. In the beginning, CFRD focused its attention to skill development through professional training on plumbing and electrician.

It was shared in the programme today that the Foundation had supported the promotion of sustainable development by providing special training on off-season vegetable production in Tarakeshwar Municipality of Kathmandu district in 2023.