Kathmandu, Mar. 25: A new initiative aimed at promoting Nepali cuisine was launched on Monday with a food-tasting event, Bhojanlipi-Swad, in Kathmandu. Organized in collaboration with farmers and the hospitality industry, the campaign strives to bridge the gap between farmers and major urban centers across Nepal, providing people with the opportunity to enjoy Nepali meals at hotels, restaurants, or even in the comfort of their homes.
Connecting Farmers to the Market
The Nepali Cuisine Promotion Campaign is spearheaded by renowned chefs Ghanshyam Kandel and Durga Bahadur Khadka. They emphasized that the goal of the campaign is to establish a direct connection between farmers and the culinary industry, transforming fresh local produce into a wide variety of delicious dishes. The event, held at Hotel Himalayan Suite, marked the official launch of the campaign, which aims to support local agriculture while enhancing Nepal’s food scene.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, attended the event and expressed the government’s full support for initiatives that promote Nepali produce. “We are committed to supporting the marketing of Nepali agricultural products and cuisine,” said Adhikari.
Highlighting Regional Produce
At the event, chefs prepared a selection of dishes using fresh produce sourced from various districts, including Ilam, Dhanusha, Sarlahi, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Rolpa, Baglung, and Jumla. These regional ingredients were featured in unique fusion recipes, showcasing the diverse flavors of Nepali cuisine.
The campaign’s goal is to bring fresh agricultural products from all over Nepal to Kathmandu, with the aim of eventually reaching international markets. Amrit Sapkota, the campaign coordinator, highlighted that the initiative would focus on promoting the marketing of essential farm products such as grains, fruits, dairy, fish, and meat. Initially, the campaign will target seasonal crops, with plans to expand to local handicrafts, tourism products, and small-scale enterprises in the future.
Supporting Local Agriculture
Journalist and agro-tourism advocate Devi Prasad Sapkota, who has joined the campaign, explained his commitment to supporting Nepali farmers. He emphasized the importance of fostering a deeper appreciation for agriculture and soil in the country. Sapkota also noted his long-standing preparation to support government efforts promoting domestic production and consumption.
Global Culinary Experience with Nepali Roots
Chefs Kandel and Khadka, both internationally experienced chefs, have worked across several countries, including India, Japan, and the USA, mastering various cuisines. They are also preparing to publish a recipe book titled Bhojanlipi, dedicated to Nepali indigenous foods, further contributing to the promotion of Nepal’s culinary heritage.
The Nepali Cuisine Promotion Campaign promises to be a transformative effort in bringing the rich flavors of Nepali agriculture and cooking to a broader audience, while supporting local farmers and communities across the country.
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