In May 2024, a series of transformative training programs titled "Accounting, Business Management, and Taxation Training for Agri SMEs" were successfully conducted across five municipalities in eastern Nepal: Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality, Pakhribas Municipality, Khandbari Municipality, Panchkhapan Municipality, and Shadananda Municipality. These sessions, organized by Tapasya Business Management Pvt. Ltd., empowered a total of 145 Agri Entrepreneurs with vital skills and knowledge to enhance their business management practices.
The training covered a wide array of critical topics, including business registration, accounting, internal auditing, Social Security Fund, taxation, business planning, and the banking loan process. These essential components provided participants with a holistic understanding of managing an Agri SME. Attendees also learned about topics like Minimum Wages, Renewable/Update processes, and the intricacies of managing financial resources.
The sessions were led by expert trainers, Suman Pokhrel and Tara Prasad Dahal, whose experience and interactive teaching methods helped participants to fully grasp these complex subjects. In Panchkhapan Municipality, additional insights into the banking loan process were provided by Sujan Wosti and Usha Thapa from Nabil Bank Ltd.
The success of each event was a result of seamless coordination and teamwork. The training programs were meticulously managed by Project Co-Ordinator Karishma Dhakal, while Event Coordinators Anita Bista, Muskan Gautam, and Darshana Pandey ensured the smooth execution of each session, focusing on participant satisfaction and attention to detail.
Local support played a pivotal role in the success of the events. Each municipality’s executive office provided crucial logistical and technical support. Various local institutions, including Agriculture Knowledge Centers, Veterinary Hospitals, Livestock Expert Centers, and Cottage and Small Industries Offices, contributed to the selection and finalization of participants. Financial institutions like Prime Commercial Bank, Global IME Bank, and Nabil Bank were also integral to the success of the programs, offering valuable guidance on financial aspects of running a business.
The training programs were more than just educational sessions—they represented a significant step toward fostering economic growth in rural Nepal. The hands-on training provided participants with practical tools to better manage their businesses, leading to increased efficiency, profitability, and growth potential.
Entrepreneurs who attended the training expressed positive feedback, emphasizing the newfound clarity in managing their accounts, planning their businesses, and navigating the complex taxation and financial regulations. The expected long-term impact of the training includes the sustainability and growth of these Agri SMEs, contributing to the broader economic development of the region.
While the training programs were highly successful, participants and organizers alike identified some areas for improvement. To further enhance the impact of these initiatives, future training programs should focus on expanding their reach and providing robust follow-up support. Mentoring programs could also be introduced to ensure the sustainability of the knowledge imparted and to guide Agri SMEs as they continue to grow.
The Accounting, Business Management, and Taxation Training for Agri SMEs initiative serves as a model for capacity-building in rural communities. It highlights the importance of financial literacy and sound business management practices in unlocking the full potential of small and medium-sized enterprises. Through these ongoing efforts, rural entrepreneurs are better equipped to contribute to the economic prosperity of their regions.
This training series demonstrates that with the right support, Agri SMEs can not only survive but thrive, creating lasting positive effects on the livelihoods of local communities and the broader economy. Continued investment in such training programs will ensure the long-term success of these enterprises, ultimately leading to more resilient rural economies.
