CEAPRED successfully convened its 37th Annual General Assembly

The Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED) successfully convened its 37th Annual General Assembly (AGA) on September 5, 2025. The Assembly was presided over by Acting Chairperson Dr. Munni Sharma and attended by more than two-thirds of its members, including members of the Executive Committee.

The session opened with welcoming remarks from Executive Committee Member Mr. Indra Raj Pandey, who emphasized the importance of exploring alternative strategies for ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability. He expressed appreciation for the management team’s recent proposals on diversifying the business and highlighted his optimism for CEAPRED’s future under a dynamic leadership team.

Executive Director Mr. Jaya Mukunda Khanal presented CEAPRED’s annual progress report, offering an overview of completed, ongoing, and upcoming projects. He highlighted several achievements that have advanced sustainable agricultural practices, strengthened environmental conservation, and positively impacted the livelihoods of beneficiary households. However, he also expressed concern over the termination of three major USAID funded projects, which led to staff layoffs, unrecovered expenditures, and financial pressures to the organization. Mr. Khanal informed that CEAPRED is actively exploring new opportunities to strengthen its resilience and sustainability in the coming years.

On behalf of Treasurer, Mr. Bharat Prasad Upadhyay, Executive Committee Member Mr. Bed Prasad Bhattarai presented the financial report for the fiscal year 2081/82, as Mr. Upadhyay was unable to attend the Assembly owing to personal reason. The report outlined a significant decline in the organization’s financial position, largely due to the discontinuation of USAID-supported projects and reduced donor funding.

A key highlight of the AGA was the in-depth discussion on CEAPRED’s future direction. Members actively shared their insights and provided valuable recommendations on sustainability strategies, potential partnerships, and approaches to broaden community engagement. These deliberations reflected a strong commitment to fostering innovation and resilience in agriculture, while reinforcing CEAPRED’s role as a catalyst for rural development.

Addressing the concerns raised, Mr. Khanal assured the members that expert teams are engaged in developing evidence-based strategies on diversified opportunities, which will be shared with the Executive Committee for further review and feedback.

In his vote of thanks, Dr. Ramchandra Lamichhane expressed his gratitude to donors, development partners, universities, stakeholders, and members for their support, time, and contributions. He emphasized the importance of CEAPRED positioning itself as an independent, self-reliant NGO and highlighted the need to transform agriculture into a knowledge-based economy to drive long-term change.

Concluding the Assembly, Dr. Sharma acknowledged the organization’s challenges while underlining the opportunities that arise from adversity. She remarked that although the termination of USAID funded projects was a setback, it also served as a moment of reflection and bringing an opportunity of self-growth for the Center. She encouraged the team to draw strength from lessons learned, reaffirming that CEAPRED’s resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges. With renewed confidence and commitment, she called for collective efforts toward sustainable agriculture as the pathway forward for both CEAPRED and the nation.

The 37th AGA underscored CEAPRED’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and partnership, while outlining a path toward resilience and sustainability. The Assembly concluded with endorsement of audit report of the FY 2081/82 and warm exchanges of best wishes for the upcoming Nepali festive seasons.