Decade of investment in agriculture announced

The government has announced the 'Decade of Investment in Agriculture' as part of the upcoming fiscal year's budget to develop the agricultural sector. Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada stated that special zones will be declared based on geography, market potential, and agricultural produce.

The budget includes provisions for providing interest subsidies on loans and supplies of fertilizers and seeds based on the produced agricultural goods to promote the processing and export of agricultural products. According to Finance Minister Khatiwada, contract farming will be promoted through the cooperation of the government, farmers, and businesses.

The budget also mentions the arrangement of leasing land for collective farming, and barren land will be recorded at the local level to be utilized for fish farming, fodder crops, fruits, herbs, and livestock farming. Additionally, the budget proposes integrating and consolidating more than 50 ropanis of land in the hills and mountains and more than 10 bighas in the Terai for commercial farming and livestock rearing, with provisions for tax exemptions and interest subsidies on loans for purchasing machinery and spare parts.

This initiative is expected to bring innovation to the agricultural sector, increase production, and play a significant role in the country's economic growth. The government aims to encourage agricultural development through collaboration with farmers and businesses by declaring the 'Decade of Investment in Agriculture.'