Agricultural sector is moving towards self-reliance: Minister Adhikari

Kathmandu, July 21: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari has said that the ministry is working to achieve self-reliance in agriculture. 

During a press meeting organized at the ministry regarding the policy and institutional reforms accomplished in the one year since he took charge, Adhikari said that a team has been dispatched to study the issues arising from drought in the Madhes Province.

The Agriculture Minister remarked that there has been gradual improvement in subsidies and services provided to farmers. The ministry has prioritized increasing agricultural productivity, modernization, marketing, and improving the living standards of farmers. 

Emphasizing that although he could not carry out all the work as per his vision during this period, he said that his efforts have been focused on the overall improvement of the country’s agricultural sector and the farmers' welfare. "Agriculture is the backbone of national economy and the basis of livelihood for millions of Nepalis; keeping this in mind, the ministry has prioritized increasing agricultural production and productivity, modernization, marketing, and improving farmers' living standards," he stated. 

During this period, policy initiatives have been taken to facilitate the procurement and distribution of chemical fertilizers, which has remained a problem for a long time, including amendments to the regulations concerning the purchase of chemical fertilizers and the procedures for distribution of chemical fertilizers. Minister Adhikari expressed hope that this would address the issues seen in the supply and distribution management of chemical fertilizers. 

Registration, renewal of permits, certification, and other tasks related to seeds are now being conducted online, making operations faster, simpler, and cost-effective. Since last mid-November, a 'Laboratory Information Management System' has been initiated.

Meanwhile, fourteen outstanding farmers from seven provinces have been honoured with the National Outstanding Farmer Award in various categories. The ministry believes that this will honour the agricultural profession and encourage the youth to engage in agricultural enterprises, Minister Adhikari said. 

The ministry has also reported that leadership has been provided to long-vacant positions in bodies under it, including the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, the National Tea and Coffee Development Board, and the Animal Health and Livestock Service Entrepreneur Council. (RSS)