In a significant step towards enhancing community engagement in agricultural research and skills development, four groups of Aathbiskot Municipality ward no. 2 Pahada have established a community garden at Gufadhara in ward no. 2 of Aathbiskot Municipality. This initiative is part of the Community Food Security and Empowerment Program, implemented by the Nepal Public Awakening Forum (N-PAF) in partnership with Fastenaktion Switzerland, with financial and technical support from the project.

The community garden aims to involve community people in research activities focused on fruits, fodders, and other plants. By developing the necessary skills and knowledge, the community people will be able to identify and cultivate the best-performing varieties suitable for the region. This garden also seeks to serve as a reliable resource center for planting materials viz. seeds, saplings, scions, technical support etc. so that the community people avail of it. thereby fostering self-sufficiency and sustainability.

The initial phase of the project has seen the planting of various high-value saplings, including the thin shell variety of walnut, Fuyu Japanese variety of persimmon, nonpareil variety of almond, red June variety of apple, and Anjou variety of pear.

The establishment of this community garden marks a significant milestone in the community’s journey towards achieving food security and agricultural empowerment. Through this initiative, N-PAF and Fastenaktion Switzerland aim to equip community people with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the region.