Kathmandu: Organizations dedicated to supporting indigenous communities have united to identify and preserve traditional food delicacies of various indigenous nationalities across the country. A significant training program, focusing on bio-restoration techniques and food systems deeply rooted in indigenous traditions, commenced on Monday. The event spans five days and brings together 54 participants from 26 organizations.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister for Forest and Environment of Bagmati Province, Krishna Silwal, inaugurated the training by highlighting the urgent need to conserve traditional crop seeds such as barley, buckwheat, kaguno, and uwa, which are on the brink of extinction. The Minister pointed out the negative impacts of climate change on Nepal’s food system and called on international communities to address these challenges.
Bagmati Province Assembly member Bharati Pathak also expressed the necessity to protect Nepal’s food system, linking it closely with water, forest, and land. Prof Dr Sharada Thapaliya, Vice-Chancellor of the Agriculture and Forestry University, urged indigenous communities to preserve and promote their indigenous crops, emphasizing their importance as a cultural identity marker. She informed participants that her University has started incorporating materials on indigenous crops in its curriculum.
Yubraj Jirel, Central Vice-President of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities, voiced concerns over modernization disrupting traditional food systems, thereby endangering native seeds. During the event, Ken Shimizu, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Representative for Nepal, presented a working paper on the global status of indigenous communities and their food systems.
The training features 10 experts, including three from India, who will guide participants on bio-restoration and the identification of indigenous food.