The Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) hosted a Dissemination and Policy Dialogue on “Digital Agricultural Advisory Platforms in Nepal: Evidence, Lessons, and the Way Forward” on 21 August 2026 at the Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu.
The event brought together representatives from government, the private agritech sector, development partners, and research institutions to discuss the emerging role of digital agricultural advisory services in Nepal. Discussions focused on the evidence on their effectiveness and reach, the policy, regulatory, and financing conditions required for sustainable scaling, and the future of digital advisory tools in Nepal’s agritech ecosystem.
The program featured welcome remarks by Dr. Biswash Gauchan, Executive Chair, IIDS, context-setting and evaluation insights from Ms. Prapti Barooah, Senior Research Analyst, IFPRI, and chief guest remarks by Hon’ble Dr. Devendra Gauchan, Member, National Planning Commission. A case study on GeoKrishi’s approach to digital advisory was presented by Mr. Bobin Thapa, Program Coordinator, GeoKrishi.
The main panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Muzna Alvi, Research Fellow, IFPRI, explored “Scaling Digital Advisory in Nepal: Evidence, Policy, and Investment Priorities in the age of AI.” The panel brought together representatives from the agribusiness, agritech, research, and development sectors.
The event concluded with audience reflections, closing remarks and a way forward by Dr. Yamuna Ghale, Policy Lead, IIDS.
The detailed event report and key highlights will be published soon.