The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) has launched a Skill Development Training in Agriculture in Khokana, Lalitpur.

The  training was delivered through CTEVT-affiliated institutions following an authorized curriculum. The initiative aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, advancing skill development and local agricultural production.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Zou Zhiqiang, Country Director of CFRD Nepal, stated that this time the training specifically focuses on vegetable production technology, with the aim of promoting local economic development, enhancing the technical capacity of youth and women, and enabling communities to generate sustainable income through agriculture. She highlighted that Khokana is not only rich in culture and tourism but also holds strong potential for agricultural development. Over the past five years, CFRD has supported the village through multiple community-based initiatives, including women’s microfinance and occupational support for handicrafts, oil and candy production factory support, as well as school feeding programs, provision of school bag and warm clothes to enhance the quality of education in community schools. “This time, our support emphasizes technical capacity building, which is essential for long-term and self-sustaining development,” she noted.

Ms. Zou further emphasized that the participation of Chinese volunteers demonstrates growing cooperation and mutual learning. She expressed her hope that, moving forward, more Chinese researchers, volunteers, and donors would focus on Nepal’s agricultural development especially at the community level and continue to support inclusive rural growth through technical innovation and collaborative efforts.

Addressing the ceremony, the Mr. Rabindra Maharjan, Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 21 recalled that CFRD has been supporting the Khokana community for the past five years through various development initiatives. “Today, Chinese volunteers visited the women’s microfinance-supported factory and learned directly from the community’s experiences, which reflects the strong partnership we have built over time,” he said.

He further shared that last year he had the opportunity to visit China, where he learned firsthand about China’s poverty alleviation experiences. He highlighted that the ward has also signed an agreement with China Rural Villages, laying a strong foundation for future cooperation. The Ward Chairperson expressed optimism that with continued support, the community’s development process can be accelerated. He noted that this year, more Chinese people have visited Khokana, not only to provide support but also for research purposes, which he believes will further strengthen development outcomes. He concluded by expressing hope for more support, faster development, and deeper cooperation to uplift the local economy and improve livelihoods.

China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) Nepal has been active since 2015, beginning with post-earthquake relief and disaster response. Since 2019, the organization has implemented its Skill Development Project, providing plumbing and electrical training to 318 youth. In earlier years, CFRD supported farmers in Dakshinkali and Tarakeshwor with technical and financial assistance from China, enabling 90 percent of participating farmers to adopt new agricultural practices, start agribusiness and export vegetables to Qatar. The organization has also advanced the tea value chain in Nuwakot and Lalitpur by introducing high-quality machinery and providing training in plucking, harvesting, processing, and marketing—benefiting 600 households engaged in organic tea production and helping them access national and international markets. As agriculture remains Nepal’s largest employment sector—yet continues to face challenges such as low productivity, increasing imports, and limited specialized training—CFRD is expanding its support to youth aged 17–45 to promote commercial farming and off-season crop production.

The training aims on strengthening local economic development, improving vegetable production through technical skills among youth and women, along with the provision of agricultural equipment and quality seeds to local farmers. In the event, more than 30 volunteer students from Hong Kong participated, reflecting growing people-to-people exchange and cooperation between China and Nepal.

Khokana village, an ancient Newari settlement renowned for its rich cultural heritage and tourism value, has long been a center of traditional knowledge, agriculture, and community-based enterprises. Building on this foundation, the current project marks a new phase of technical support aimed at empowering the community through modern agricultural practices. CFRD expressed its aspiration to encourage more Chinese research activities, volunteer engagement, and development partnerships in Khokana, contributing to the village’s long-term economic growth and agricultural innovation.