A month-long observance of the 37^th World Food Day (WFD) throughout 75 districts of Nepal has come to an end with the distribution of the certificate and cash prizes to the outstanding farmers.

 This year’s slogan of the World Food Day is Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development.

Speaking of the ceremonial function, Dr. Somsak Pipoppinyo, FAO Representative said that hunger, poverty, disasters and extreme weather are key drivers contributing to the migration in a majority of developing and least developing nations.

 "As the world and people are on the move, hunger, poverty, disasters and extreme weather, including those caused by climate change are key drivers contributing to the migration in a majority of developing nations, and in particular the least developing countries around the globe. Migration has a differential impact at global, regional and local scale; and of course, it has been well noted that migration has led the structural transformation in national economies and society in many countries including Nepal," said Dr. Pipoppinyo.

 "There are several challenges at various levels and dimensions to address the afore-mentioned drivers to ensure migration safe, orderly and regular—so that it can contribute to economic and social capital growth and improve food security as envisioned in the country plan to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Taking this precious opportunity, I am pleased to recall and reemphasize on FAO’s strong commitment to support and collaborate with government agencies, UN and development partners, civil society, private sector, and local communities, to generate evidence-based knowledge on migration patterns and capacities building initiatives to create resilience, enhance productivities and strengthen livelihoods, especially in rural areas," he said.

According to a press release issued by FAO, Underlining the several challenges at various levels, he said that the migration should be safe, orderly and regular so that it can contribute to economic and social capital growth and improve food security as envisioned in the country plan.

Sarita Prasai, the Minister for State for Agricultural Development gave away the certificate of appreciations and cash prizes to 98 farmers and farmers’ organization for their outstanding performance in the 33 different sectors in the agriculture and livestock development.

Dr. Prabhu Budhathoki, Member of the National planning commission, Dr. Suroj Pokhrel, Secretary at Ministry of Agricultural Development and  Prakash Mathema, Secretary at Ministry of Livestock Development also addressed the ceremonial functioned presided over by Dr. Dilli Ram Sharma, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture.