Enhancing Rice Nutrition and Streamlining Distribution through Nepal's Participation in India's UN Global Initiative for Capacity Building
The India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative for Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal was launched on August 1, 2025. This project aims to improve Nepal's fortified rice systems by addressing gaps in the supply chain, particularly in procurement processes, data collection, and building a skilled workforce [1][3].
The initiative is part of a broader programme supported by the World Food Programme, focusing on improving rice fortification and managing the supply chain efficiently in Nepal [2][4]. The project is a reflection of the robust and vibrant development partnership between India and Nepal, reinforcing the shared commitment of both countries to South-South collaboration and building resilient food systems [5].
The project will be implemented in three phases for 12 months. The first phase will focus on needs assessment and stakeholder engagement [6]. The second phase will include a study visit to India for Nepali officials, featuring hands-on demonstrations and expert briefings [7]. The third and final phase will focus on the development of an action plan [8].
The training component of the project will be implemented through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Government of India [9]. The focus areas of the initiative include beneficiary management, storage and distribution models, monitoring and evaluation systems, and grievance redressal mechanisms [3].
The project seeks to enhance Nepal's capacity in ensuring fortified rice reaches vulnerable populations effectively by building skills and improving data systems, thus ensuring better nutritional outcomes through fortified rice consumption [3]. This initiative underscores India’s cooperation with the UN and international partners to help Nepal improve food security and nutrition through technical assistance and capacity building [1][2].
The project in Nepal is one of four projects identified for implementation under the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative. It facilitates knowledge exchange with India's successful Public Distribution System (PDS) [10]. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster South-South cooperation to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [11].
The collaboration between the Ministry of External Affairs and the UN Country Team in India has made this project possible [12]. The Indian government, in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme, is committed to strengthening Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal.
[1] India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative for Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal Launched
[2] World Food Programme Announces Support for India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative in Nepal
[3] Strengthening Nepal’s Fortified Rice Systems: A Capacity-Building Initiative by India and the UN
[4] India-UN Initiative to Improve Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal
[5] India and Nepal Reinforce Partnership Through Capacity Building Initiative for Rice Fortification
[6] Phase 1: Needs Assessment and Stakeholder Engagement in Nepal's Fortified Rice Supply Chain Project
[7] Phase 2: Study Visit to India for Nepali Officials in the Fortified Rice Supply Chain Project
[8] Phase 3: Development of an Action Plan for Nepal's Fortified Rice Supply Chain Project
[9] Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme to Implement Training Component of Nepal's Fortified Rice Supply Chain Project
[10] Knowledge Exchange Between Nepal and India's Public Distribution System (PDS) in the Context of the Fortified Rice Supply Chain Project
[11] India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative to Foster South-South Cooperation for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
[12] Collaboration Between Ministry of External Affairs and UN Country Team in India Leads to Launch of Capacity Building Initiative for Rice Fortification in Nepal
- The Indian government, while discussing the financial aspects of the collaboration, expressed their optimism about the potential for investing in the Nepal-focused rice fortification and supply chain project, viewing it as an opportunity to bolster both countries' food security and contribute towards the achievement of certain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- In a news article, an expert provided their opinion on the significance of the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative for Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal, stating that the project represents a milestone in South-South collaboration, demonstrating that collective efforts can lead to improvements in food systems and nutritional outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
