China-Nepal Vegetable Training Centre to Be Established in Khokana

Kathmandu, May 11: A new vegetable training centre supported by China is set to be established in Khokana with the aim of promoting modern and climate-smart farming practices in Nepal.

Named the “China Chongqing-Nepal Vegetable Training Centre,” the facility will focus on transferring advanced vegetable farming technologies from China to local farmers. The centre is expected to help communities improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen food security through sustainable farming methods.

The project is being launched under the Nepal ‘Vibrant Village’ Technical Cooperation in Vegetable Production (Greenhouse) Project, which is currently being implemented in Lalitpur Metropolitan City and Dakshinkali Municipality with support from the China Foundation for Rural Development.

Backed by the Chongqing Municipal Government of China, the initiative combines financial and technical assistance to introduce modern greenhouse technologies, enhance vegetable production and encourage sustainable agricultural practices among small-scale farmers.

The foundation stone of the training centre was laid on Sunday by Bagmati Province Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Madhusudan Poudel, along with representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and the China Foundation for Rural Development Nepal. The construction cost of the centre is estimated at around Rs 3.2 million.

During the event, the 2026 Vegetable Technical Training Programme was also launched. Under the programme, local farmer groups will receive technical training, farming tools and modern agricultural equipment.

As part of the initiative, a remote-controlled tillage machine was handed over to a farmers’ group from Ward No. 21 of Lalitpur Metropolitan City. According to Chinese technicians, the machine can till up to 1,000 square metres of land within an hour while consuming comparatively less fuel.

The China Foundation for Rural Development has previously implemented agricultural projects in Nepal, including hybrid rice cultivation in Chitwan and fisheries and livestock programmes in Jhapa.

Rabindra Maharjan, Chairperson of Ward No. 21 of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, said the ongoing collaboration with China is also supporting the promotion of indigenous crops, off-season vegetable farming and the development of vibrant villages in Khokana and Dakshinkali.

The project is expected to directly benefit more than 60 farming families in the area. Local women’s groups also showcased handwoven shoes, traditional sweets and fresh vegetables produced under the programme during the event.