'Focus commercialization of agriculture'

Dhangadhi, Sept 20: Spokesperson of the Nepali Congress and former Minister for Finance Prakash Sharan Mahat highlighted the need to commercialize agriculture sector to enhance production.     

At an interaction organized by the NC's Department of Supply and Consumers at Dhangadhi on Friday, Spokesperson Mahat asserted that we could become self-sufficient if we boost agricultural productions.     

Pointing out that over 60 per cent of the country's population was still dependent on agriculture, Mahat bemoaned that their contribution to agro production was only around 25 per cent.     

The leader expressed worry over diminishing attraction towards agriculture profession in the recent times and lack of market for the produces.     

Similarly, stakeholders participating in the interaction shed light on the issues of the consumers such as compulsion to pay exorbitantly for essential commodities, while real farmers not getting subsidies.     

According to them, these challenges were emanating due to poor market monitoring.     

They viewed that the government should provide subsidy in production rather than in operational cost. They also called for agriculture-friendly policies to make agriculture a dignified sector. Furthermore, they suggested improvement in the current supply system to support farmers and consumers alike. (RSS)