KATHMANDU

With an aim to honor deserving Nepali farmers/agri-entrepreneurs, the embassy of Israel together with Avsar Foundation organized 'Krishi Tara Award' ceremony on Friday at Hotel Aloft, Thamel.

According to a press statement released by embassy of Israel, this award that began this year, will be given to them who are purposefully contributing in agriculture through the use of innovations, technologies and skills learnt in Israel after returning from "Learn and Earn (L & E) Program.”

This year Dipendra Karki, the owner of Karki Cow Farm, from Surkhet won the award. The selection committee on the basis of his innovation, technologies, skills, impact and sustainability chose him, where he also received Rs 500,000 cash prize along with a winner's certificate as per the press statement.

It added that top nine other nominees were also honored with 'Felicitation Certificate' by Dr Yubak Dhoj GC, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in the event. Congratulating the winner for his outstanding contribution and achievements, Dr GC appreciated all other farmers for being nominated for the award.

Quoting Benny Omer, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal it stated, “I really appreciate all the farmers who were stimulated by the knowledge, skills and experience they gained from Israel and have started implementing their knowhow here in Nepal with the significant amount of money they saved in Israel. This is a great contribution to the modernization of agriculture. Besides, it helps to shape their future and is an important element in national economy too.”

Speaking at the event, Dr Anjan Shakya, Nepali Ambassador to Israel said, “Israel has been supporting Nepal in agriculture and many other sectors. I recently visited Aravafarm in Israel and met Nepali students working in the farm. I found that most of the students are very happy, satisfied and are learning effective modern agricultural practices.”