KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 1

The CPN (Unified Socialist) has brought forth the concept of huge investment in agricultural infrastructure so that agricultural productivity can be increased.

In its election manifesto, the party aims to modernise agriculture with mechanisation and commercialisation.

Availability and smooth supply of agricultural tools, fertilisers, seeds and technology have been given priority.

Similarly, establishment of cold store, agricultural products collection centre, and schemes such as entire agricultural super zone, block and pocket area will be prioritised.

Modern farming will be developed with soil testing, the manifesto stated, adding that production of food grains, fish, meat, eggs and milk will be enhanced and exported. The party aims to export food grains within five years.

Keeping soil barren will be strongly discouraged, and organic farming with production and use of compost encouraged. Dependency on import of chemical fertiliser will be reduced gradually, according to the party.

Other schemes to augment agricultural productivity are - land pooling, collective and cooperative farming, and grants to farmers cultivating barren land.

General Secretary of the party Beduram Bhusal informed that training in basic agriculture to the youths and women, vocational training, subsidised loan and insurance to agricultural entrepreneurs are other significant issues included in the manifesto.

A version of this article appears in the print on November 2, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.