National Best Farmers of the Year Awarded

Kathmandu, June 24: President Ramchandra Paudel presented the National Farmer Award to Suresh Kumar Mehta of 'Arya Krishi Farm' and Ramesh Sah of 'Ramesh Krishi Farm' from Koshi Province, Bharat Kumar Yadav of 'Shambhunath Fishery' and Hira Bahadur Thapa Magar of Nijgadh Banana Agriculture Farm from Madhesh Province.     

Similarly, Chet Prasad Dhakal of Kalika Livestock Development Center and Dayaram Machamsi of Greenline Agro Pvt. Ltd. from Bagmati Province, Tshiring Gurung of Nwanghisi Agriculture and Livestock Organic Farm and Batuli Tiwari of Mitra Vatika Agricultural Farm from Gandaki Province, Jayapal Maurya and Subash Kurmi of Shanti Unnat Animal Husbandry and Fish Farm from Lumbini Province.     

Govinda Oli and Bharatnath Yogi from Karnali Province, and Prem Prasad Joshi of Khaptad Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Farm and Lok Bahadur Thapa of Kailashedhari Agriculture and Poultry Farm from Sudurpaschim Province were honoured with the awards presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.     

 All the awardees received a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 and a certificate of appreciation.     

Returnees should be attracted towards agriculture: President Paudel     

Addressing the Award distribution ceremony, President Paudel has said that the agriculture sector can play an important role in creating employment opportunities in Nepal for the youth who are leaving for foreign employment.     

President Paudel mentioned that the youth should be encouraged by conducting youth-focused startup programs with agriculture as a priority. Our policymakers, government and professional organizations should pay special attention to creating an environment that will attract youth returnees in the agriculture sector.     

Stating that it is essential to ensure justice and income for the poor, and respect for those who work, President Paudel said that the goal of a federal democratic republic can be achieved by paving the way for industrialization and building an economically prosperous Nepal through the development of agriculture, tourism, water resources, and industry.     

"There is ample potential in the agricultural sector and the country's needs after the political change are economic prosperity, development and peace, he said while urging the policymakers, planners and the government to come up with special programs to increase production and employment in the country, reduce imports and increase exports.     

He also pointed out the need for comprehensive policy reforms in the agricultural sector, which he said has the potential to bring out people from the vicious circle of poverty     

On the occasion, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari said that the contribution of farmers has provided important guidance towards making Nepali agriculture self-reliant, production-oriented and modern.(RSS)