KATHMANDU: Prominent Indian farmer leader and National Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), Rakesh Tikait, has arrived in Nepal along with a delegation for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening cross-border agrarian ties, exchanging experiences from farmers’ movements, and exploring Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Upon his arrival, Tikait and his delegation were warmly received by Pramesh Pokharel, a member of the Regional Coordination of La Via Campesina (LVC) South Asia, along with peasant movement leaders Daya Laxmi Shrestha and Surendra Kandel. The leaders are associated with the international peasant movement, La Via Campesina.
On the first day of his visit, Tikait visited the historic Pashupatinath Temple complex, where he experienced Nepal’s living religious traditions, architecture, and cultural heritage.
Later, the delegation visited Bhaktapur Durbar Square, accompanied by local leader Rajendra Koju and peasant representatives Daya Laxmi Shrestha, Utcal Sapkota, and Prajwal Thapa. The cultural visits were part of the delegation’s effort to experience Nepal’s traditional architecture, cultural landscapes, and way of life alongside its organizational engagements.
Discussions on Farmers’ Movements and Regional Issues
The delegation held several important meetings during the afternoon, focusing on national and regional issues, farmers’ rights, and lessons from the historic 2020–2021 farmers’ movement in India.
Tikait held discussions with Pramesh Pokharel and his team on developments in the Indian and regional peasant movements. He also met long-time comrade and peasant leader Prem Dangal, along with General Secretary Sarita Bhusal.
The delegation further held a meeting with veteran women’s movement leader, former minister, and former member of the International Coordination Committee of La Via Campesina, Shanta Manavi. During the meeting, Manavi presented Tikait with a copy of her recent book.
Tikait also interacted with media professionals and gave interviews to Everest TV and Griha Sanchar.
Throughout the meetings, Tikait discussed the current demands of the Indian peasant movement and shared experiences and strategic lessons from the 2020–2021 farmers’ protests.
The delegation emphasized that smallholder farmers in both India and Nepal face many similar structural challenges, including market pressures, rising input costs, and land-related issues. In this context, they highlighted the importance of sharing practical organizing experiences and strategies between farmers’ movements in the two countries to advance food sovereignty, farmers’ rights, and agrarian justice.
The four-day visit is expected to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation among peasant movements in Nepal, India, and the wider South Asian region.
