Kathmandu. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari has said that the ministry has given high priority to promoting rice crop. Issuing a message of congratulations on the occasion of the 22nd National Rice Day and Planting Festival 2082, he mentioned that research and development of rice crop, provision of quality seeds and fertilizers at subsidized rates, technology expansion and providing technical assistance and knowledge to farmers, and implementation of minimum support price are among the priorities of the ministry.
National Rice Day is being celebrated across the country today with the main slogan ‘Intensification in Rice Crop: Food Security and Self-Reliance’. Minister Adhikari said, ‘Rice has had cultural, economic and social importance in Nepali society since ancient times. In the current environment, rice is the basic food of most Nepalis and it is considered the standard of food security in Nepali society. Keeping this importance in mind, we are celebrating National Rice Day and Planting Festival by conducting promotional and awareness programs for rice every year.’
He said that rice is a crop that makes a significant contribution to Nepal’s economy and contributes the most to the gross domestic product, adding that priority has been given to self-reliance in rice in the agricultural development strategy, periodic plan and other policies.
The statement said, ‘On that basis, various programs are being run by the provincial and local levels for the promotion of rice through agencies and projects under the ministry and federal conditional financial transfers. The ministry’s priorities include research and development of rice crops, provision of quality seeds and fertilizers at subsidized rates, technology expansion and provision of technical assistance and knowledge to farmers, and implementation of minimum support prices.’
Many efforts have been made to develop and adopt production technology and develop climate-friendly irrigation technology. However, despite various efforts, due to the growing population, the effects of climate change, and changes in eating habits, rice and paddy have to be imported. In the context of the constitution, local and provincial governments are more responsible for agricultural production management, Minister Adhikari has mentioned in the statement that there is a need to further strengthen cooperation and coordination between the three levels of government towards achieving the national goal of food security and self-reliance.
The statement said, “I wish that today will provide more energy to all concerned to minimize the adverse effects of climate change, sustain rice production and productivity, and achieve self-reliance in rice.”
I call on all farmer sisters and brothers, including government agencies at all three levels, non-governmental organizations, agricultural technicians, development partners, and various stakeholder bodies, to make the slogan ‘Intensification in rice cultivation: Food security and self-reliance’ meaningful.”
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