Govt Enforces New Work Procedure To Boost Agriculture

The government has enforced a new work procedure to promote the development, expansion and commercialization of the agricultural sector, the state-run national news agency RSS reported.

According to the RSS, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development introduced the Program Implementation Procedure, 2082 BS with the aim to support farmers, businesspersons and entrepreneurs by promoting honey products and mushrooms in local, national and international markets.

The procedure also includes a crop development and agricultural biodiversity conservation programme aimed at promoting the production of food grains, oilseeds, indigenous crops, seed conservation and production, agricultural biodiversity conservation, and institutional strengthening of farm centres.

The procedure focuses on expanding domestic and international markets by disseminating information on the nutritional value and benefits of honey products and mushrooms. They also seek to facilitate the exchange of professional, scientific and modern technological knowledge related to beekeeping and mushroom farming.

The ministry said the procedures will help strengthen business relations and cooperation among farmers, entrepreneurs, service seekers, service providers and other stakeholders involved in the bee value chain and mushroom farming.

The government also announced to organize Crop Development and Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Program, under which the ministry will invite proposals, select beneficiaries and sign agreements. Grants will be provided to farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, community seed banks and other eligible organizations to produce improved seeds through farm centres in off-farm locations.

As part of the initiative, the National Honey Fair and Festival will be jointly organized by the Federation of Nepal Beekeepers and the Nepal Beekeepers Central Cooperative Association Ltd.

The government plans to display various types of honey and bee products produced, sold and distributed in Nepal, while interactions will be organized among stakeholders in the beekeeping sector.

The ministry said the procedures have been in force since mid-December.