NLRP II is expanding into new wards within its working municipalities
In the third year of the NLRP-II program, we have expanded to include an additional ward in each of the ten working districts. With the approval of local government authorities and in line with the updated participant selection guidelines, we are currently selecting participants for Homestead, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Enterprise interventions, which will lead to the formation of new groups. Project Advisory Committees are being established at the ward level in these new areas, chaired by the respective ward chiefs. Coordination meetings with local governments have already been held in three districts. Additionally, we are in the process of selecting nine new schools and five cooperatives according to project guidelines; of these, five schools and two cooperatives have been successfully chosen. Existing groups continue to hold regular monthly meetings and follow-up technical training sessions across all districts. In August 2025, follow-up trainings were organized in the Lalitpur, Jhapa, and Surkhet districts.
GESI Policy Draft Finalized and Submitted for Endorsement
On August 1, 2025, the final draft of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy was officially handed over to the Chairperson of Baijanath Rural Municipality. The policy was developed by the GESI Policy Drafting Working Committee, led by the Vice Chairperson of Baijanath Rural Municipality, with facilitation and technical support from Caritas Nepal throughout the drafting process. After extensive consultations and collaborative discussions, the policy has reached its final stage and is now ready for endorsement by the Rural Executive Body. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson will jointly present the draft for approval at the upcoming executive meeting.
Inauguration of the IPM Collection and Sales Center at Baijanath Rural Municipality, Banke.
The Chisapani Agriculture Cooperative, with support from Caritas Nepal under the NLRP-II Project, inaugurated a new IPM Collection and Sales Center at ward no. 1, Chisapani, in Baijanath Rural Municipality. The ceremony featured the rural municipality Chairperson as the chief guest, alongside ward chairpersons and other local representatives. During the opening and interaction session, participants appreciated this innovative initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture within the community. The center is designed to raise awareness about pesticide use and encourage local farmers to adopt IPM practices. Additionally, it will serve as a market hub, allowing smallholder and IPM farmers to sell their produce at fair prices while supporting the growth of eco-friendly farming in the area.
Orientation Program for Third-Year Activities held in New School in Nawalpur
An orientation program for third-year activities was completed at Shanti Sirjana Basic School in Jharkre on 15th August 2025 at Devchuli-4, Nawalpur. The event was attended by the School Management Committee’s chairperson and members, the assistant head teacher, subject teachers, as well as members of the Child Club, Eco Club, Scout team, and other teachers and students. The orientation aimed to introduce the third-year activity plans, support student engagement, strengthen collaboration among teachers and club members, and promote active participation in school development initiatives.
Agriculture directorates endorsed by Kankai Municipality of Jhapa
With the collaboration of Caritas Nepal, Nepali Livelihoods Resilence Program (NLRP II) Kankai municipality endorsed agriculture directorate and standard on 6th Aug 2025. The following directives and regulations have been approved by the meeting of the municipal executive committee.
1. Agricultural Development and Promotion Grant Regulations, 2082.
2. Agricultural Grant Standards of Kanakai Municipality, 2082. and
3. Directives on Agricultural, Livestock, and Fishery Development Programs, 2082
Along with this endorsement process of Agriculture policy and Agriculture development strategy is also ongoing in Baijanath Rural Municipality Banke.
Validation Workshop on Agriculture Policy and ADS Held in Baijanath RM
On 17th August 2025, Caritas Nepal, in collaboration with Baijanath Rural Municipality (RM), organized a Validation Workshop on the Agriculture Policy and Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS) at the municipality hall in Banke. The workshop was formally chaired by Vice-Chairperson of Baijanath RM, and brought together 27 participants, including municipal officials, department heads, ward chairpersons, and members of the Karyapalika committee. Dr. Ram Chandra Bastakoti, Consultant, presented the draft policy and facilitated in-depth discussions. Participants shared constructive feedback, suggesting refinements on content gaps, structure, and language. Chairperson and other municipal officials expressed appreciation for Caritas Nepal’s support and reiterated their commitment to endorsing the policy. Speaking on behalf of Caritas Nepal, Provincial Manager Mr. Janak Sharma thanked Baijanath RM for the collaboration. The municipality will now move forward with the endorsement process through the Karyapalika and Gaun Sabha, paving the way for the formal adoption of the Agriculture Policy and ADS — a key milestone to strengthen sustainable agriculture, food security, and livelihood resilience in Baijanath RM.
