KATHMANDU: South Korea has pledged USD 12 million in grant assistance to support a major climate-resilient rice initiative in Nepal's western Terai, marking KOICA's largest bilateral project in the country and one of the biggest ongoing international cooperation programmes in Nepal's agriculture sector.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Nepal's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development on Thursday signed a Record of Discussion to implement the six-year "Climate-Resilient Rice Production and Productivity Increase in the Terai Region of Nepal (CRRPPI-T)" project from 2026 to 2031.

The project will be implemented in six districts, Banke, Bardiya, Dang and Kapilvastu in Lumbini Province, and Kailali and Kanchanpur in Sudurpashchim Province, and will focus on increasing rice productivity through climate-smart agriculture technologies, improved seed systems, better post-harvest management and enhanced market access.

A key component of the initiative is the promotion of climate-resilient rice varieties adapted to Nepal's changing weather patterns. The programme will be implemented by KOICA in collaboration with federal and provincial governments, with technical support from the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Agriculture Secretary Rajendra Mishra said the project would help strengthen Nepal's rice value chain, raise farmers' incomes and contribute to Green Resilient Inclusive Development (GRID). KOICA Country Director Mooheon Kong said the initiative demonstrates the shared commitment of Nepal and South Korea to improving agricultural resilience and rural livelihoods through knowledge exchange and people-centred development.

Since 1991, South Korea, through KOICA, has provided approximately USD 235 million in assistance to Nepal across sectors including agriculture, health, education, rural development, information technology and tourism.