Knowledge – Based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture in Nepal (KISAN) II Project closeout

The knowledge-Based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture in Nepal (KISAN) II Project is a USAID Feed the Future initiative aimed at increasing the resilience, inclusiveness and sustainability of income growth through agriculture development. KISAN II was initially planned for five years (July 2017 to July 2022), and later extended for two more years till July 2024. KISAN II was implemented by a consortium led by Winrock International and CEAPRED as a consortium member. KISAN II’s first five years focused on five commodities (rice, maize, vegetables, lentils and goat) and included extensive policy support and business literacy components in 25 districts of Bagmati, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim province. In November 2020, USAID awarded the KISAN II program a two year extension under a supplemental scope of work (SSOW), referred to as the COVID-19 SSOW. In September 2022, USAID provided additional resources for another SSOW to address localized impacts stemming from Russia-Ukraine war. KISAN II implemented both the SSOWs in eight districts of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.Throughout its seven-year period, KISAN II positively impacted over 270,600 farmers, with a strong focus on supporting women (73%) and marginalized communities (63%). The project collaborated with 177 private partners and firms, deploying 600 extension workers to enhance farmers’ access to markets, and finance in becoming more competitive. KISAN II supported installation of more than 2700 irrigation schemes, providing irrigation facility in more than 58,000 ha land, and facilitated irrigation access to more than 35,000 farming households, resulting in a 139% increase in agricultural productivity.  A total rise of USD 476 million has been recorded as sales value of five commodities promoted by KISAN. This was achieved through the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices and the integration of new digital technologies.

Notably, KISAN II project introduced successful models like the Rice Mill Model and Maize Aggregation Model, which empowered millers and aggregators to support farmers by purchasing produce at fair prices. These models were adopted by the government and replicated in other provinces with technical assistance from KISAN II, even in areas where the project did not operate directly. Additionally, KISAN II played a crucial role in facilitating the Joint Sector Review, which contributed to the review and prioritization of the Agriculture Development Strategy, now being institutionalized by the government for long term implementation. KISAN II formally concluded its national level closing on June 20, 2024.