CPN UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel Demands Government Support for Farmers

Kathmandu. CPN UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has demanded that the government provide farmers with fertilizer, seeds, and fair prices for their produce, rather than millions in subsidies. In a message of good wishes on the occasion of Paddy Day, General Secretary Pokharel stated that as there is a possibility of irregular rainfall and drought this year, the government should take the initiative to fully ensure agricultural insurance to protect farmers from significant losses. Pokharel said that while the announcement of subsidies for farmers investing more than 20 million rupees in agriculture is not bad, this announcement, which is of a higher status than that of general farmers, will not have any impact on small farmers.

“The government has announced attractive subsidies for those investing more than 20 million rupees in agriculture. This step is not bad in itself for professionalism and modernization,” Pokharel wrote. “But the question arises: has the common Nepali farmer reached a status where they can make such a large investment?”

Praising agriculture and farmers, General Secretary Pokharel clarified that no matter how much prosperity the world achieves physically, the importance of food for human life has not diminished. He clarified that instead of accepting this reality, agriculture, considered the backbone of the economy, and small and medium farmers are still not a priority for the state.

“The current government is talking about the nutrition of the middle class by announcing it in its policies and programs,” Pokharel writes. “The middle class itself can struggle to survive, but the common people who are engaged in the work of production day and night need state support and protection more.”