EIF worked to increase incomes of ginger farmers through improvements in Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) arrangements and value addition for exports, together with partners FAO and STDF.

Results:

• 1,891 farmers were trained in seed production, storage, marketing, SPS/post-harvest loss, safe handling and location-based ginger production.
• Created ginger washing and processing facility to increase exports and garner new markets for Nepal's ginger.
• Increased farmer level income by 62%.
• Decreased post-harvest loss by 30%.
• Increased ginger rhizome production by 4%.

EIF is working to contribute to the economic and social development of Nepal through the export growth of Chyangra Pashmina products.

Results:

• 751 participants trained in international marketing, design/collection development, merchandising, trade fair participation and export readiness
• Supported enterprises increased Chynagra Pashmina exports by 16%
• Diversification of pashmina products from woven to knitted items, increasing enterprises revenue by almost 200% to over US$5 million in 2016
• Contributed to the creation of 214 additional jobs.

EIF is focusing on six districts in the Mid-Western and Far-Western development regions of Nepal. The majority of activities are being implemented through private sector actors who have high interest in a reliable supply chain and strengthened market linkages to cater to market demand. The three desired outcomes are:

• Improving production and manufacturing practices, with a focus on sustainability and marketability of products.
• Strengthening the capacities of Government offices, private associations and locals to coordinated project-related activities.
• Improving market access for value‑added products to priority export destinations through collective marketing and branding.

Results:

• The two main sectoral commodity associations, Jadibuti Association of Nepal (JABAN) and the Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association (NEHHPA) had an increase in membership of 20% and 12%.
• 2,535 collectors equipped with sustainable harvesting equipment.
• Supported: (i) 573 farmers to cultivate mentha (Mentha arvensis) in 194 ha land producing 5,505 kg of oil and sold @ NPR1 1350 per kg. Likewise, 56 farmers were supported to cultivate kurilo (Asparagus racemosus) in 5.6 ha land; 597 farmers were supported to cultivate timur (Zenthoxylum amartum) in 7.3 ha land; 283 farmers were supported to cultivate tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala) in 42.6 ha of land; and 191 farmers were supported to cultivate chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) in 52.6 ha land.