WFF Nepal Youth Chapter: Youth take centre stage at Madhesh Food Forum 2025

The World Food Forum (WFF) Nepal Youth Chapter joined young leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners at the Madhesh Food Forum 2025, held from 9– 10 June.

Organized by the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives of Madhesh Province, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Country Office in Nepal, the event highlighted the critical role of youth in driving innovation and investment in agrifood systems transformation.

Held under the theme “Empowering youth, driving innovation and catalyzing investments for agrifood systems transformation”, the forum brought together diverse voices to align provincial action with national priorities. The Chapter contributed to discussions on strengthening youth engagement, science-based solutions and inclusive investment in sustainable agriculture in Madhesh Province.

The Madhesh Food Forum 2025 served as a dynamic platform to connect youth with NGOs, private investors and government institutions, fostering dialogue on agricultural policies, innovation and investment strategies. Moderated by Neha Jha, youth radio jockey at Radio Nepal, the event spotlighted the growing momentum of youth engagement in agrifood systems.

FAO Country Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, Ken Shimizu, reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to empowering youth and women, promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting climate-smart innovations. Dr Umesh Dahal, Secretary at the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasized Madhesh Province’s substantial role in Nepal’s agriculture, contributing 36.7 percentof the national output, and underscored the need to invest in youth-led initiatives for greater productivity, sustainability and resilience. Daniel Gustafson, Special Representative of the FAO Director-General, delivered remarks commending the forum as the first of its kind in the province. He highlighted its value as a model for youth empowerment and praised the potential of young people to lead sustainable agriculture both regionally and globally.

A key panel discussion, “Agriculture, youth and innovation – Economic growth and opportunities”, featured young leaders. The panel discussed youth innovation in agriculture, calling for vocational training, entrepreneurship development, digital integration and stronger youth-focused policies. Panelists shared experiences and emphasized the importance of linking education with agriculture and fostering practical support to help young people modernize traditional farming systems.

A key highlight of the forum was the exhibition of youth-led innovations, where young entrepreneurs showcased solutions such as solar pumps, bio-fertilizers, digital soil testing kits and food dryers. These practical, high-impact tools impressed visitors and demonstrated the strong entrepreneurial spirit emerging in Madhesh Province.

The forum also spotlighted successful youth ventures and policy recommendations, stressing the need for hands-on agricultural education, innovation platforms and stronger public-private partnerships. Youth voices called for inclusive policies and accessible financing tailored to young agripreneurs.

Closing the event, H.E. Janardan Singh Kshetri, Minister of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasized the need for collective action and greater investment to position Madhesh as a leading agricultural hub. Secretary Umesh Dahal reiterated this, announcing investment pledges exceeding EUR 32 million, including support for youth-driven initiatives.

The Madhesh Food Forum 2025 concluded as a milestone for youth-led agrifood systems transformation in Nepal.