Foundation Seed Production Underway in Syangja

The Agricultural Development Resource Center located in Waling-1, Yawadi, Syangja, has initiated the production of foundation seeds from breeder seeds. This office, which oversees all 11 districts of Gandaki Province, has begun producing foundation seeds for food crops, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds.

Crop Development Officer Pukar Khanal informed that the center obtains breeder seeds from the Agriculture Research Council (NARC) and produces foundation seeds, which are then supplied to seed producer cooperatives, groups, and farms at a 75% subsidy.

The center currently produces foundation seeds for various crops, including rice, maize, wheat, soybeans, black gram, buckwheat, lentils, and mustard.

Quality Control and Market Linkages

• Quality Testing: Seeds are tested at the Gandaki Province Seed Quality Control Office in Pokhara before being certified and marketed.

• Support to Farmers: The center provides tin boxes for storage, sacks for packaging, tags with seed details, sealing machines, and moisture meters to seed producers.

• Marketing System: A DISS (Direct Seed Supply) system connects seed producers, cooperatives, traders, and farmers to facilitate smooth distribution.

Improved Seed Varieties Being Produced

The center supplies foundation seeds for high-yielding varieties such as:

• Rice: Ramdhan, Savitri, Hardinath, Sawa Mansuli Sav-1

• Maize: Manakamana-3

• Wheat: Malepatan-1

• Pulses: Chaumase Simi, Khajure Bhatmas-1

• Buckwheat: Sailunge-1, Kavre-1, Okhle

Seed Production Across Gandaki Province

• Parbat: Production of Jetho Budho rice, Bhaktapur local cucumber, lentils, and rapeseed

• Myagdi: Improved seeds for beans and cucumbers

• Nawalpur: Wheat, Ramdhan, Savitri, and Hardinath rice

• Tanahun (Bhimad): Dalle buckwheat

• Gorkha: Beans and rapeseed

• Baglung: Manakamana-3 maize

However, work is yet to begin in Lamjung, Kaski, Manang, and Mustang.

Motorable Bridge Constructed in Pauwai Khola, Syangja

A motorable bridge has been constructed over Pauwai Khola in Putalibazar Municipality-5, serving as an alternative route to the Siddhartha Highway (Sunault-Pokhara section).

Project Details:

• Cost: NPR 1.86 crore (funded by Gandaki Province Government)

• Contractor: Rangkhola Sidhababa Construction Service

• Completion Time: Built within the stipulated deadline (by 2082 Shrawan 6)

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 15.6 meters

  • Width: 8.4 meters (6m for vehicles, 2.4m footpaths on both sides)

Inauguration

The bridge was inaugurated by Gandaki Province’s Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Bahadur KC, who emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity for trade, agriculture, and daily commutes.