Energy Minister Shrestha stresses irrigation to boost agricultural production

Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has stressed the need to expand irrigation facilities to boost agricultural production and retain young people in the country.

During an inspection of the Sunsari-Morang Irrigation Project, Energy Minister Shrestha said irrigation should not be limited to canal construction, but should also include programmes to empower farmers.

He said the ministry was studying ways to integrate irrigation and agricultural programmes. According to him, the Sunsari-Morang Irrigation Project contributes to more than 14 billion rupees in annual agricultural production.

Energy Minister Shrestha also stressed making irrigation systems more user-friendly and prioritising nature-based solutions while developing irrigation infrastructure.