Birendranagar, Nepal – A recent stakeholder consultation organized by IDEA Nepal highlighted tourism, agriculture, and herbal medicine as key drivers for economic development in the Karnali region. A research report presented at the event delved into the region’s economic growth potential.

Kagenndra Chamling Rai, Program Officer at IDEA Nepal, said the report was based on regular planning, economic surveys, interactions with key stakeholders, and field visits.

“This consultation brought together development partners, women activists, industrialists, entrepreneurs, government officials, civil society, and politicians to collaboratively address the identified issues,” he added.

Similarly, Pramod Bhagat, another program officer at IDEA Nepal, presented on the state government’s objective of building organic Karnali, the Golden Triangle route, tourism, sustainable agricultural production in lower Karnali, and infrastructure.

Project manager Prakash Ja suggested that the government could pay attention to the supply chain. If marketing of products is ensured here, it will help increase the income of the citizens.

Mahendra Jung Shah, spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs Planning Division, said that for the development of Karnali province, utilization of forest resources, a stable road network, and integrated human settlements are essential.

Karda BK, a provincial member of the National Federation of Rural Municipalities and the chairperson of Chaukune Rural Municipality, said that proper recognition should be given to identify all occupations and build economic linkages.

The event critically discussed issues such as documentation, infrastructure development, grading, packaging, and marketing of indigenous crops, micro-enterprises, agriculture, herbal medicine, and tourism investment.