14 farmers honoured with outstanding award

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, May 30: The government has honoured 14 farmers from different parts of the country with the National Outstanding Farmers Award on Friday in recognition of their contribution and excellent performance in the agricultural sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment selected the awardees from across the nation and honoured them at a special function held at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas.

President Ramchandra Paudel presented the awards to the selected farmers amid the programme. 

Each awardee received a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 along with a certificate of recognition.

While honouring the farmers, President Paudel said that the state should prioritise recognising farmers, stressing that the country’s prosperity is closely tied to their progress.

He said that the happiness of the nation lies in the smiles of farmers and that the prosperity of the country is linked to their advancement.

“In the changing context, the state itself must prioritise honouring farmers,” he said, adding that agriculture remains the foundation of the country’s prosperity and farmers are the “ornaments of the nation.”

President Paudel emphasised that agriculture should not only be viewed as a means of livelihood but also as a major pillar of nation-building. 

He said a culture of labour and respect for hard work must be developed, noting that the dedication, sweat and perseverance of farmers have played a crucial role in making the country’s economy dynamic.

He underscored the need for coordinated efforts among the state, private sector and stakeholders to boost investment in agriculture, technology, marketing and youth participation.

“With the energy of youth, the use of modern technology and the state’s visionary policies, the agricultural sector must be transformed into a key foundation of production, employment and prosperity,” he said.

On the occasion, President Paudel honoured 14 farmers from different parts of the country with the National Outstanding Farmers Award, which carries a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 each along with certificates of recognition. “I believe the dream of nation-building can only be realised if agriculture is developed into a respected, commercial and self-reliant sector,” he said.

Stating that economic prosperity is the country’s key priority following political transformation, President Paudel identified agriculture, water resources, tourism, infrastructure, information technology and industrial development as the foundations of national progress.

He also highlighted agriculture’s potential to create employment opportunities for youths within the country and serve as a source of raw materials for industries, urging the state to introduce planned policies and programmes for the sector’s development.

President Paudel further stressed the need to prioritise agricultural enterprises and youth-focused entrepreneurship programmes. 

He called on the government, policymakers and stakeholders to address challenges facing the agricultural sector to meet the targets of the 16th Plan and move the country towards prosperity.

“To ensure investment, there is a need for agricultural loans at affordable interest rates,” he said, adding that special programmes should focus on increasing production and employment, reducing imports and boosting exports.