PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED UNDER THE SECOND PHASE OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (NED)

1. Commercial Medicinal Herb Cultivation Promotion Program

Cost Sharing: 50% ACT International Nepal | 50% Local Government

This program aims to promote commercial cultivation of high-value medicinal herbs among farmers.

Program Highlights

• Selection of 25 farmers from each municipality.
• Two-day professional training on commercial medicinal herb cultivation.
• Provision of essential agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farming materials with 50% subsidy.
• Technical assistance on:
  • Cultivation and production
  • Harvesting and collection
  • Processing and value addition
  • Laboratory testing and quality assurance
  • Pricing strategies
  • Marketing and market linkage

2. National Soil Health Improvement and Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Project (NSHIAP)

Under this project, technical experts from ACT International Nepal will conduct door-to-door farm visits to monitor vegetable, fruit, cereal, and other crop production.

Program Activities

• Identification of soil-related problems
• Scientific soil testing
• Farmer training and technical consultation based on soil test results
• Provision of required agricultural inputs with 50% subsidy
• Continuous field monitoring and technical support

This initiative aims to improve soil fertility, increase agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices.

3. Red Mushroom and Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation Training Program

Training Cost Sharing: 60% ACT International Nepal | 40% Local Government

This program promotes commercial mushroom farming as a sustainable income-generating opportunity.

Program Highlights

• Three-day professional training on Red Mushroom and Shiitake Mushroom cultivation.
• Farmers completing the training will receive essential mushroom production materials with 50% subsidy.
• Technical guidance for commercial mushroom production and business development.

Expected Outcomes

• Employment and self-employment opportunities
• Increased household income
• Expansion of commercial mushroom farming

4. Agarwood and Bodhichitta Commercial Cultivation Pocket Area Development Program

40% Subsidy Program

This initiative focuses on developing commercial cultivation zones for Agarwood (Aquilaria) and Bodhichitta.

Program Highlights

• Development of designated pocket areas for commercial cultivation.
• 40% subsidy support for eligible farmers, farmer groups, and agricultural cooperatives.
• Technical assistance throughout plantation establishment and management.

Expected Benefits

• Production of high-value cash crops
• Long-term and sustainable income generation
• Increased export potential
• Promotion of rural economic development

Project Implementation Period

All proposed programs will be implemented in phases during Fiscal Year 2083/84 (2026/27).

Interested local governments, farmer groups, agricultural cooperatives, and individual farmers are encouraged to contact ACT International Nepal for timely participation.