Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary Highlights Government Commitment to Agricultural Development

Kathmandu. Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary has stated that the government is committed to developing the agriculture sector as the main economic base of the country.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, marking 100 days since assuming office, she provided information about the efforts made to solve farmers' problems and modernize the agriculture sector.

Minister Chaudhary mentioned that they succeeded in bringing in chemical fertilizers on time with the cooperation of all parties and the support of the Ministry of Finance. Clarifying that the agriculture sector is a priority for the government in the context of budget formulation, she stated that assurances have been received from the Ministry of Finance for the necessary resources for the benefit of farmers and for the management of human-wildlife conflict.

She stated that coordination is underway with the Ministry of Energy and Irrigation to minimize the impact on agricultural production due to lack of irrigation. She informed that the ministry has prioritized programs such as pond construction and bamboo corridors for drought control and Chure conservation. She claimed that farmers' problems are being addressed through an integrated mechanism by coordinating with all three tiers of government in accordance with the spirit of federalism.

Speaking at the press conference, Minister Chaudhary said, 'The Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project is a successful model for advancing irrigation and agriculture in an integrated manner. We will soon be going for a joint field inspection to implement this model in other large projects as well.'

She mentioned that sustainable agriculture is not possible without improving soil health, and said, 'The ministry has put forward a special plan to increase the use of organic and biological fertilizers.'

Minister Chaudhary stated that improving soil quality has been set as a long-term goal. She mentioned that the ministry is working to deliver correct information and technology to farmers in collaboration with the Agriculture Information and Communication Center, NARC, and universities.

Informing that policy reforms have been made in the agriculture bill to end the middlemen rampant in the agriculture sector, she clarified that work is being done with the focus on the interests of farmers. She also informed that the government is serious about the payment of arrears to milk-producing farmers and that currently, payments are being made at a rate of approximately 10 million rupees daily.