Government Introduces New Procedures to Boost Agriculture Sector

Kathmandu, Dec 28: The government has implemented the Program Implementation Procedures, 2082 BS, aimed at developing and commercializing Nepal’s agriculture sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development announced.

The new procedures are designed to support farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesspersons in promoting honey- and mushroom-related products at local, national, and international levels. They will also help expand markets by raising awareness about the benefits of honey, bee products, and mushrooms.

The program encourages the exchange of professional knowledge, scientific techniques, and the latest technologies in beekeeping and mushroom farming. It will facilitate business collaborations among farmers, entrepreneurs, service providers, and other stakeholders in the honey and mushroom value chains. Various honey and bee products produced in Nepal will be displayed, sold, and distributed, while stakeholders will engage in interactive sessions to strengthen sectoral cooperation.

As part of the initiative, the Nepal Beekeepers Federation and Nepal Beekeepers Central Cooperatives Association Limited will jointly organize the National Honey Fair and Festival.

Additionally, the program includes crop development and agricultural biodiversity conservation initiatives. Its objectives are to promote the production of food grains, oilseeds, and indigenous crops; conserve and produce quality seeds; strengthen farm centers; and safeguard agricultural biodiversity. Proposals will be invited, beneficiaries selected, and agreements signed. Grants will be provided to farmers, cooperatives, community seed banks, and other organizations to produce improved seeds at off-farm locations through farm centers.

The procedures have been in effect since mid-December (Poush).