Legume Lab Project Hosts Lentil Multistakeholder Platform Workshop in Nepalgunj, Nepal
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EmailFrom the July 2023 Newsletter
Nepal lentil stakeholders from Madhesh, Sudurpashchim, and Lumbini provinces recently convened in Nepalgunj to discuss progress and next steps for the three lentil multistakeholder platforms (MSPs) formed a few months prior. Stakeholders from across the lentil value chain were represented at the three-day event which was led by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research project titled, "Transforming the Lentil Sector In Nepal." The project is led by Michigan State University.
Lentil production in Nepal has decreased as many farmers have turned to planting more profitable crops. However, the demand for lentil, which is consumed daily in Nepal, remains high. In order to meet demand for affordable and quality lentil, processors have turned to importing the legume from such countries as Canada. The project is working to revitalize the Nepal lentil sector through connecting farmers, millers, processors, offtakers, researchers, agribusiness, and government in MSPs where each set of stakeholders can openly share their needs, form alliances, and collaborate to meet consumer demand. These public/private partnerships are expected to increase lentil production in Nepal to meet the increased demand for Nepali lentil.
The project also works to increase the knowledge of lentil farmers through an educational intervention program which features 15 animated videos on topics from lentil grain storage, good agricultural practices, finance, and women's empowerment. The animations have been produced in conjunction with project partner, Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO), which is based at Purdue University. The animations which are available in eight Nepali languages will be deployed through the MSP partners, collaborators, and through social media platforms and broadcast TV.
