Nepali entrepreneur calls for support to food processors to reduce food waste

A Nepali entrepreneur is calling for increased support for small-scale food processors, emphasizing their crucial role in reducing food waste and enhancing farmers' incomes across South Asia. Prithwi Kallyan Parajuli, CEO of Poshilo Foods, addressed the significant challenge of food waste in the region during a dialogue organized by the World Bank Group and India's Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

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South Asia wastes around 30 percent of its food annually, enough to feed nearly 300 million people.

Parajuli pointed out that South Asia discards approximately 30 percent of its food each year, a staggering amount equivalent to feeding nearly 300 million people. He further noted that about 70 percent of the remaining food is sold as raw commodities. This practice limits opportunities for value addition and income generation for farmers and processors alike.

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About 70 percent of the remaining food is sold as raw commodities, limiting opportunities for value addition and income generation.

According to Parajuli, small food processors could be instrumental in tackling this issue, but they often face hurdles due to compliance costs exceeding their profits. Presenting the private sector's perspective from Nepal, he urged policymakers to adopt a model similar to that of countries such as Italy, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, and Malaysia. In these nations, local entrepreneurs were provided with initial opportunities, training, and market access before stricter regulations were implemented.

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Local entrepreneurs were first provided opportunities, training and market access before being subjected to stricter regulations.

Parajuli stressed that Nepal should prioritize enabling local food processors, strengthening their capabilities, and connecting them to both domestic and international markets. He suggested that promoting local products like 'satu' and other regional foods could significantly reduce waste, create new market avenues, and improve farmers' earnings. Parajuli concluded by advocating for progressive regulation that follows, rather than precedes, the provision of essential tools and support for entrepreneurs to grow.

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Progressive regulation should come after entrepreneurs are given the tools and support needed to grow.