REQUEST FOR CONSULTANT PROPOSAL: International Consultant – Aquaculture Genetics and Seed Quality Systems

REQUEST FOR CONSULTANT PROPOSAL

RFP: 001/2026 

International Consultant – Aquaculture Genetics and Seed Quality Systems

Issuance Date: February 02, 2026 

Closing Date: February 10, 2026, 

Components of this solicitation are as follows 

Appendix A: Terms of Reference and requirements 

Appendix B: Instructions for Application and Review Process

BACKGROUND 

Current status of Aquaculture in Nepal

Nepal’s aquaculture sector has expanded steadily in recent years, yet its growth is constrained by persistent challenges in seed quality and genetic resources. Despite favorable climatic conditions and growing demand, productivity remains well below potential due to decades of unplanned inbreeding, lack of improved broodstock, and widespread reliance on informal seed sources.

Over 80% of fish seed, particularly carp, pangasius, and tilapia is informally imported from India, leading to concerns over genetic deterioration, poor survival rates, and increased risk of disease introduction. Most domestic hatcheries operate with outdated infrastructure, inadequate broodstock management, and limited application of modern breeding protocols. Pangasius and tilapia hatcheries suffer from high larval mortality and lack of standardized nursery systems.

Compounding the problem, Nepal lacks a national regulatory framework for seed certification, genetic traceability, or quarantine measures. This vacuum allows for unchecked importation of low-quality seed, including ornamental species that pose biosecurity threats. Both public institutions and private hatcheries face acute shortages of trained personnel and genetic management tools. Furthermore, Nepal’s aquaculture industry requires updated training manuals to provide current best operational practices for hatcheries. 

To unlock the sector’s potential, Nepal needs a coordinated program to introduce genetically improved broodstock, develop family- or nucleus-based selective breeding systems, and establish robust seed quality assurance and certification mechanisms. This consultancy is designed to fill these critical gaps by delivering hands-on technical guidance to hatchery operators and piloting improved hatchery systems that will help to support LWR’s work with supporting policy frameworks that will lay the foundations for long-term gains in fish seed quality, hatchery performance, and overall sector resilience in Nepal.

Gaps documented from previous expert missions (2025)

This assignment builds on previous work in April 2025 where the key gaps identified include genetically deteriorated carp broodstock, limited and low-quality tilapia and pangasius seed, outdated hatchery practices, absence of seed quality and certification standards, and weak technical and research capacity of private sector hatchery operators.

Nepal Aquaculture Development Project 

The Nepal Aquaculture Development Project is a USDA Food for Progress initiative implemented by Lutheran World Relief (LWR) in Nepal. The project aims to (i) increase fish-farmer productivity by improving access to quality inputs, services, finance, and end-market linkages, and (ii) expand aquaculture-related trade and market systems, including inputs, services, fingerlings, fish, and processed fish. The project has six activities related to these, and operates in 14 districts across five provinces and targets a total of 10,000 farmers and other value chain actors over the 3 year period, ending March 2028.

APPLICATIONS – Applications are to be submitted through the online application no later than the Last Application Receipt Date, which is defined as Dated; February 06, 2026. Electronic applications must be addressed and delivered to email: lwrnepalcontact@lwr.org

Click on the link below detailed TOR:

International Consultant Aquaculture Genetics and Seed Quality Systems