This week, I had the privilege of accompanying a representative from ADRA-UK to visit our Jersey Overseas Aid-funded dairy farming project. Seeing firsthand how 3,600 smallholder farmers are improving their livelihoods – and impacting over 17,000 people was truly inspiring.
At our semi-annual review meeting, farmers shared remarkable progress. Balanced feed and improved fodder have boosted milk yields by 10-20%, while group training has helped them cut costs by producing their own cattle feed. Women farmers have taken the lead, working in cooperatives, securing local government support, and launching savings mechanisms. Their growing expertise in animal health and nutrition has led to healthier livestock and higher-quality milk.
After the meeting, we visited a dairy cooperative, one of 15 supported through this project. The cooperative collects 2,500 liters of milk daily, supplying Pokhara and Kathmandu. They are expanding access to markets through a milk vending machine and are now producing over 100kg of paneer and khewa per day, creating jobs and additional income for farmers. The cooperative also provides veterinary services, balanced feed training, and insurance support, resulting in a 100,000-liter increase in annual milk production!
One of the most memorable moments was meeting a female smallholder farmer who now produces 20 liters of milk per day in improved conditions. With 90% insurance coverage, she has reduced financial risk, and through artificial insemination with sexed semen, she has increased her chances of breeding high-quality, milk-producing cattle.
This visit reaffirmed the transformational power of sustainable dairy farming amongst smallholder farmers. With continued training, resources, and market access, these farmers are not just increasing their income – they are breaking the cycle of poverty and building resilient communities.
A huge thank you to our partners, FORWARD Nepal and IRDC Nepal, and to the hardworking farmers who are driving this change. Together, we are making a lasting impact!
The Enhanced Rural AI (TERAI) Project for Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Nepal will continue until mid-2026, working with smallholder farmers in four local governments of Rupendehi and Kapilvastu districts. It is funded by Jersey Overseas Aid and implemented by ADRA Nepal in partnership with the Forum for Rural Welfare and Agricultural Reform for Development (FORWARD Nepal) and Indreni Rural Development Centre.
We are reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through increased income and resilient dairy farming. The work directly benefits 3,600 farmers and over 17,000 people indirectly by enhancing farming practices (health care, breed, nutrition and housing management of animals) and techniques to improve milk output, collection and processing as well as improving business and connecting them with milk value chains and markets.
