Hriti Foundation successfully conducted two multi-stakeholder interaction sessions, under the ‘Shine Karnali: Strengthening Governance in Economic Sectors’ project. The sessions Held on November 8 and 29 in Birendranagar, Surkhet centred on two major economic drivers in Karnali Province, ‘Potential of Jumla Apple’ and ‘Potential of Tourism in Rara’, respectively.
The program brought together key stakeholders actively involved in the respective sectors, with approximately 15 participants attending each session. The discussions aimed to address challenges and constraints limiting the growth of the sectors, with the primary focus on identifying strategic solutions to overcome these issues and maximize the potential of these key industries.
Apple in Jumla: Need for adopting standardized grading system
During the session on the Potential of Jumla Apple, stakeholders emphasized on the need for adopting standardized grading system and with improved packaging. The discussion also brought attention to the issue of quality degradation of apples during transportation due to poor post-harvest management, emphasizing the need for immediate improvements in handling and storage practices.
Tourism in Rara: Need for strategies to extend tourists’ stays during their visits.
Moreover, the session on the Potential of Tourism in Rara highlighted the pressing need to address the shortage of skilled human resources in the tourism sector. Stakeholders stressed the importance of government-led initiatives to provide hospitality training and capacity-building programs for local youth. They also emphasized the need for strategies to extend tourists’ stays during their visits. The discussion concluded that greater efforts must be made to promote Karnali as a travel destination, which would require developing effective strategies to enhance the overall tourist experience.
The discussion concluded with strategic outcomes from stakeholders on overcoming the challenges hindering the growth of these sectors. It was agreed that collaboration between the government and private sectors would be key to addressing the existing issues and driving economic growth of the province through development of both the sectors.
