Agriculture

The Agricultural Inputs Company Limited in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, has begun distributing chemical fertilizers to farmers on a quota basis ahead of the paddy cultivation season. Branch Manager Hemraj Joshi stated that the distribution is being managed through cooperatives, with current stocks including urea, DAP, and potash. A letter has been sent to the Provincial Fertilizer Distribution Management Committee for the re-distribution of stocked fertilizers.

The cabinet meeting held on Monday decided to set the minimum support price for paddy for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. Government spokesperson Sashmit Pokharel announced that the price for coarse paddy was set at 3,660 rupees per quintal and for medium paddy at 3,860 rupees per quintal. This decision aims to ensure farmers receive a fair price for their produce.

Marsi rice has been planted at Chhumchaur Jyulo in Jumla, recognized as the world's highest altitude paddy field, around 2,850 meters above sea level. The Patarasi Rural Municipality and the Agriculture Office have resumed plantation activities this year, aiming to preserve the nutritious and high-demand rice variety. Efforts are being made to expand its cultivation due to its better market value.

The state-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) is paying dairy farmers approximately Rs 10 million daily as part of a reforms action plan implemented by Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary. Out of Rs 580 million in outstanding liabilities from the past four months, Rs 120 million has been paid, with plans to clear one month's dues by the end of June.

As of mid-April, 338 local levels across the country have successfully completed the classification of their land use plans. This initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Land, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration, aims to improve land use strategies and is crucial for agricultural protection, production, and urbanization.

The Lumbini Province Government has presented its annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on agriculture, tourism, infrastructure development, and employment promotion. Province Chief Krishna Bahadur Ghartimagar presented the government's plans to the Provincial Assembly, which include increasing agricultural production and connecting youth with employment opportunities.