India Launches Collaborative Initiative with UN WFP to Strengthen Rice Fortification and Supply Chains in Nepal

India launched a new collaborative initiative with the support of the UN World Food Programme to strengthen Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal. This initiative is part of India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative launched on 1st August 2025 by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in New Delhi.
       
The project in Nepal will address gaps in Nepal’s fortified rice supply chain, particularly in procurement processes, data collection, and skilled workforce by facilitating knowledge exchange with India’s successful Public Distribution System. The project offers stakeholders from Nepal the opportunity to learn from India’s experience in leveraging digital technologies for efficient food supply chain management. Focus areas will include beneficiary management, storage and distribution models, monitoring and evaluation systems; and grievance redressal mechanisms.
       
The project will be implemented in three phases over a period of 12 months. The first phase will focus on needs assessment and stakeholder engagement. The second phase will include a study visit to India for Nepali officials, featuring hands-on demonstrations and expert briefings. The third and final phase will focus on the development of an action plan.
       
The training component of the project will be implemented through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Government of India. Previously under ITEC Programme, over 3000 Nepali officials have received training in India since 2001.
       
The India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative was announced in September 2023 on the margins of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Following this announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the UN Country Team in India jointly worked to identify and implement projects that foster South-South cooperation to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The project on Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal with support of World Food Programme is one of four projects that have been identified for implementation under the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative.
       
The project reflects the robust and vibrant development partnership between India and Nepal. It reinforces the shared commitment of both countries to sharing innovations and building resilient food systems through South-South collaboration.
       
In last fiscal year, Nepal imported 5 lakh metric tons of Basmati rice from India. In 2023, both basmati and non-basmati rice import accounted to more then 8 lakh metric tons. With implementation of this project, fortification of rice with micronutrient like iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 will address public health gaps and provide health benefits to vulnerable population.