Govt commits to provide pension to farmers

Kathmandu. The government has made public a national commitment with the commitment to provide pension to farmers.

The national commitments made public by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers include 16 topics. Point No. 2 is about ‘respect for agriculture and self-reliance’.

“Grants, loans, facilities and social security and protection will be provided only to genuine farmers on the basis of contribution-based pension as well as farmers’ identity cards,” it reads. ’

On March 26, the day the government was formed under the leadership of Balendra Shah (Balen), a 100 agenda related to governance reform was issued. Apart from this agenda, this national commitment has been prepared by incorporating the manifestos, pledges and commitments of the six nationally recognized political parties that participated in the elections on March 4 and came from the elections.

Some of the issues mentioned in the national commitment have already been included in the annual policy and programme and budget for the coming fiscal year 2083/84. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the issues not included in the policies and programmes and the budget will be linked with the future reform agenda.

The national commitment adopted by the Council of Ministers on July 3 has mentioned the subject of agriculture with priority.

It is stated that the trade agreement with India and increase the production of agricultural products that are possible within Nepal will be increased in a way to support import substitution in the agriculture sector. The government is committed to carry out policy, legal and customs reforms to make agriculture self-reliant.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, special priority would be given to agro enterprises and industries, tax exemption, customs concession and investment incentive measures would be adopted. The land use plan will be reviewed and the land consolidation program will be implemented including the use of barren agricultural land.

“Agriculture is the main occupation and work” mentality will be developed and farmers credit cards, insurance and concessional loans will be provided to make it respectable and safe. ’

The government is committed to ensure quality agricultural products and market by providing improved indigenous and nutritious seeds. It is stated that a community seed bank would be set up at every local level to protect and promote indigenous seeds.

Chemical Fertilizer Factory Opening

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The government has committed to update the demand for chemical fertilizers and prepare a calendar for procurement on the basis of that and resolve the problems seen in the purchase, sale and distribution.

There is a commitment to open a chemical fertilizer factory here. “Special arrangements will be made for electricity supply for the operation of chemical fertilizer factory in collaboration with the private sector,” it said. ’

According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, high-value cash will be promoted on the basis of pocket zones in hilly and high mountainous areas. Special grants and tax facilities will be provided to the processing industries related to herbs and fruits set up in mountainous areas. Commercial agro-food processing corridor would be developed along the Postal Highway and the Mid-Hill Highway and a campaign to plant fruits and saplings would be carried out in the forest.

The government aims to expand irrigation facility to additional three lakh hectares of arable land within five years in collaboration with the province and local governments. For this, there is a commitment to complete the national pride irrigation projects on time.

Likewise, the national commitment also includes pledges to increase agricultural production, reduce costs, contribute to climate adaptation and development of value chains, and to use and expand biotechnology to enhance and conserve soil fertility.