As the international community gathers in Addis Ababa for the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4), the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub has launched the global campaign #OnMyPlate. The World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) is contributing to the campaign by highlighting the voices of farmers — those who make every plate possible and whose work is essential to sustainable food systems.

Khem Bahadur Pathak, Chairperson of the Nepal Agricultural Co-operative Central Federation Ltd. (NACCFL) and WFO Board Member for Asia, shared a story from his home country that speaks to the values, challenges and perseverance of small-scale farmers around the world. His contribution features a traditional and nourishing meal prepared with ingredients grown by a smallholder farmer from Madi Municipality in Chitwan, Nepal — a member of the Gardi Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Ltd.

“Behind every plate of food, there is the gift of nature, farmers’ toil, dedication, care and love of the planet”

This plate is more than a meal — it tells the story of a farmer who cultivates with care, persistence, and hope. Without large machinery or extensive land, this farmer relies on their hands, family support, and deep connection to the soil to grow food — not only for their household, but also for the surrounding community.

Each item on the plate — rice, seasonal greens, lentils, bitter gourd, local chicken curry, and fresh vegetables — was grown using traditional and environmentally responsible methods. The day begins before sunrise, with the family working together to plant, weed, water, and harvest.

During peak seasons, sacrifices are made to preserve seeds. During floods or dry spells, crops may be lost — but the farmer continues with resilience, guided by a strong sense of purpose.

This is family-centred farming. The harvest first feeds the farmer’s own children; only the surplus is sold at local markets. While income remains modest, essentials like education and healthcare are often accessed through the cooperative’s microcredit services.

The cooperative is more than a source of funding — it is a space for solidarity, knowledge exchange, and collective decision-making. With its support, farmers are adopting better farming practices, applying organic compost, and preserving traditional seeds for future generations.

This plate represents the resilience, integrity, and unseen contributions of farmers who grow not only for income, but for their families, their communities, and the planet. While their names may not appear in global headlines, their work is central to creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.

As WFO continues to advocate for the recognition of farmers’ knowledge, values, and leadership, we are proud to share this story as part of the global #OnMyPlate campaign — a reminder that behind every bite, there is a farmer’s effort.