Honorable Member of Parliament, Mr. Devendra Paudel, Former Minister of Science and Technology (MoEST), in the presence of some Members of Parliament, stressed the imperative of linking scientific research with peace and development in a program held on 2 February 2024 as part of a consultation.
The consultative meeting was facilitated by the Nepal Development Research Institute in coordination with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST). In the consultative meeting, a team of experts from the United States, including the US Department of State, UK Department of Energy Security & Net Zero, US Agency for International Development, Texas A&M University, and Kansas State University, was invited. The aim of the consultative meeting was to explore the prospects of ionizing technology in Nepal, particularly in food safety and security. The consultative meeting involved a diverse range of stakeholders, including the MoEST, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Nepal Academic Science and Technology (NAST), National Planning Commission (NPC), Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Department of Food Technology & Quality Control (DFTQC), Tribhuvan University (TU), Nepal Food Science Technology Association (NEFOSTA), Federation of Nepalese Chambers and Commerce & Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), Bhabhateni Supermarket and Department Store, Big Mart, Valley Cold Store, Nepal Dairy, and a few other private sector companies. The team met key individuals from these institutions to understand their perspectives, level of comprehension regarding the technology, interest, and commitment.

The consultative meeting generated enthusiasm among key stakeholders, particularly those already engaged in
research on e-beam-related subjects and applications.

This meeting not only encouraged and sparked enthusiasm but also made them feel acknowledged, fostering a desire for collaboration.

Furthermore, the consultative meeting informed key stakeholders about the technology and implanted enthusiasm for its prospects, particularly among private sectors and Members of Parliament (MPs).

The consultative meeting successfully educated many individuals within the government, transforming their conventional mindset from hesitance towards Nuclear Science and Technology to embracing modern e beam technology that would directly contribute to the socioeconomic development of Nepal. The consultative meeting started at Hotel Himalaya with representatives of all those stakeholders on 29 January 2024. Dr. Shankar Shrestha, Executive Director, NDRI, shared on behalf of NDRI and its role in facilitation. Dr. Krishna Pahari, President, NDRI, gave a deliberation on the Food Security situation of Nepal and the prospects of this technology in reducing post-harvest loss in Nepal.

The entire consultation meeting was conducted by NDRI coordinated by Dr. Jaya Kumar Gurung, Senior Research Specialist, NDRI. The meeting concluded with the idea of conducting a Feasibility Study of Ionization Technology in Nepal focusing on food security.
Addressing the closing session of the meeting, Pramila Devi Bajracharya, Secretary, MoEST, thanked all the key stakeholders from Nepal and distinguished guests from the US and UK for the successful completion of the consultation. She further advised conducting the feasibility study and expressed the commitment to cooperation on behalf of the MoEST.

Coverage in USA

SDPU Website: SDPU Holds Meetings with NDRI and Other Stakeholders on Improving Food Safety in Nepal • Sustained Dialogue on Peaceful Uses

CRDF Global Website:  SDPU Holds Meetings with NDRI and Other Stakeholders on Improving Food Safety in Nepal – CRDF Global

CRDF Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/crdf-global_sdpu-nepal-food-activity-7163276257747480577-V3bM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

CRDF Global Twitter: CRDF Global on X: "The Sustained Dialogue on Peaceful Uses #SDPU supported @NDRI_Nepal in hosting meetings in Kathmandu where #Nepal stakeholders & visiting experts explored applications of ionizing technology to reduce #foodloss, improve safety & boost productivity. #UNSDGs https://t.co/K0FZGeXrto https://t.co/EUAJmvxRxn" / X (twitter.com)