Farmers elated over operation of 'Agriculture Ambulance' in Rupandehi.

“I spent many sleepless nights wondering how my family would survive after the government-imposed lockdown, but the ‘agriculture-ambulance’ has been a life saver” says, farmer Pannelal Kewat of Tilotamma-14, Rupandehi, Provine 5.

With the local agriculture products being unable to reach markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in Sidharthanagar, Janutthan Cooperatives came up with an idea to bridge the gaps between farmers and consumers via ‘Agriculture ambulance’. The cooperative mobilized a vehicle and started collecting vegetables from the farmers, adhering social distance. “I have resumed repaying my loan premium after getting service from agri-ambulance”, says Kewat. Another farmer Nathugi Tharu added “with the beginning of this service, we have received a better price for the vegetables by removing the middleman and the price for the consumers also decreased”.

“Agri-ambulance is a big relief, as not only farmers earn decent money but also the consumers are able to obtain fresh vegetables during the pandemic” says, Gyanu Poudyal, chairperson of Januthan Cooperatives. “Till date, we have collected Rs.4.2 million cash through agri-ambulance and handed over to the farmers”, she added.

This initiative is supported by Province 5 Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Cooperative, Siddharthanagar municipality, Tewa Lalitpur, UNDP Nepal’s SDG Localization Project and implemented by the local partner Janutthan Cooperative in Rupandehi district.