Kathmandu. President Ram Chandra Poudel has said that the agriculture sector can play an important role in creating employment opportunities in Nepal for the youth who are leaving for foreign employment. Addressing the National Outstanding Farmer Award distribution ceremony, President Poudel mentioned that the youth should be encouraged by running youth-focused ‘startup’ programs by prioritizing agriculture.
He said that our policymakers, government and professional organizations should pay special attention to creating an environment that attracts youth who have returned from abroad to agriculture so that they can use the skills they have learned. President Poudel said, ‘The marketing arrangements for farmers’ products, timely supply of seeds and fertilizers, availability of latest tools/equipment/machinery and technology, arrangements for identifying and diagnosing farmers’ problems, arrangements for respecting labor to boost farmers’ morale, provision of concessional loans to farmers and provision of agricultural insurance are the issues that the state should prioritize. I would like to draw everyone’s attention to this.’
Stateing that it is essential to provide justice to the poor and provide income to the needy, and to establish a culture of respect for those who work, President Poudel said that the goal of a federal democratic republic can be achieved by paving the way for industrialization and building an economically prosperous Nepal through the development of agriculture, tourism, water resources, and industry. He said that Nepal’s agricultural sector reflects consumption-oriented production, low export capacity, and high trade deficit, and that agriculture, which used to be the profession of uneducated, poor, and low-income families, has now changed its identity.
‘There are examples of educated youth and high-income families now making agriculture their main profession and earning millions from it, and the latest technology has been introduced in agriculture. There is ample potential in the agricultural sector. Currently, Nepal is earning income by exporting some agricultural products and has become self-sufficient in dairy products, fish, meat and eggs. The reason for this growth in agriculture is the hard work and dedication of veteran farmers like you,’ said President Poudel.
Noting that the country’s needs after the political change are economic prosperity, development and peace, he said that it is necessary for policymakers, planners and the government to come up with special programs to reduce imports and increase exports by increasing production and employment within the country. President Poudel said, “The agricultural sector also has the potential to lift people out of poverty, so there is a need for comprehensive policy reforms in these areas.”
On the occasion, President Poudel awarded Suresh Kumar Mehta of ‘Arya Krishi Farm’ and Ramesh Sah of ‘Ramesh Krishi Farm’ from Koshi Province, Bharat Kumar Yadav of ‘Shambhunath Fish Farm’ from Madhesh Province, and Hira Bahadur Thapa Magar of Nijgadh Banana Agriculture Farm. Similarly, President Poudel honored Chet Prasad Dhakal of Kalika Livestock Development Center and Dayaram Machamsi of Greenline Agro Pvt. Ltd. from Bagmati Province, Tshiring Gurung of Nwanghisi Agriculture and Livestock Organic Farm and Batuli Tiwari of Mitra Vatika Agriculture Farm from Gandaki Province, Jayapal Maurya of Lumbini Province and Subash Kurmi of Shanti Unnat Animal Husbandry and Fish Farm, Govinda Oli and Bharatnath Yogi of Karnali Province, and Prem Prasad Joshi of Khaptad Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Farm and Lok Bahadur Thapa of Kailashedhari Agriculture and Poultry Farm from Sudurpaschim Province. All the awardees were presented with Rs. 200,000 and a certificate of appreciation.
On the occasion, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari said that the sweat shed by farmers has not only filled our kitchen but also contributed greatly to the country’s economy. “The contribution of farmers has provided important guidance towards making Nepali agriculture self-reliant, productive and modern. I am confident that by awarding you, the agricultural profession will be established as a respected, promising and forward-looking profession,” he said.
Chairperson of the Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives, Kusumdevi Thapa, emphasized that the state should provide low-interest loans, timely fertilizer and irrigation to farmers involved in agriculture rather than subsidies. Secretary of the same ministry, Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, expressed confidence that presenting the National Agriculture Award to active farmers will inspire them to engage in agricultural work and send a message that income generation and employment can be created.
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