Background

A delegation of high officials from Nepal visited New Zealand between February 25 and March 5 2013 to learn about the successful experiences in agricultural development of New Zealand. The delegation includes high officials from Ministry of Agricultural Development, Ministry of Finance, Farmer Organizations, and other agencies. During their visit, the Delegation will meet various New Zealand organizations including Ministry of Primary Industries, farmers’ groups, research organizations, corporate entities, and cooperatives.

The study tour was organized by a consortium of two companies, Agrifood Consulting International (ACI) of United States and ANZDEC Ltd of New Zealand. ANZDEC will be responsible for arranging the local meetings and logistics. The study tour expenses including airfares and travel expenses will be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project TA 7762-NEP: “Preparation of the Agriculture Development Strategy.”

Objectives and outcomes

The study tour is part of an ongoing process of formulation of a 20-year strategy and 10-year plan for the agricultural sector in Nepal. The process is referred to as the Agricultural Development Strategy (ADS). The formulation of this long-term strategy will benefit from the experiences to countries such as New Zealand which has been extremely successful in developing a vibrant and competitive agricultural sector.

The delegation would appreciate to meet with different organizations in New Zealand, visit their premises, and discuss their achievement and lessons learned in trying to overcome the many challenges arising from very competitive international markets, the changing global consumer demand, the concentration of the global food and agricultural industry, the climate change challenge, and the needs of farmers, particularly family farmers.

The expected outcome of the visit is a better understanding of Nepali delegates about the success of New Zealand agricultural system, and in particular how to transfer some of the lessons learned in the formulation of the ADS. It is also expected to develop a closer relationship between New Zealand and Nepal in the field of agriculture with increased scientific, commercial, and cultural exchange.