KATHMANDU, JANUARY 5 Muktinath Bikas Bank successfully concluded its 'Muktinath Agri-Finance 360' program on January 2, marking a significant milestone as the bank steps into its 20th year. The event brought together 350 stakeholders from across Nepal's agricultural and financial sectors to chart a roadmap for agricultural development. Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Dr. Madan Pariyar, serving as chief guest, emphasized the need for comprehensive policies prioritizing credit guarantee schemes, financial literacy, agricultural insurance, and private sector cooperation. He highlighted the importance of women-friendly agriculture and technology integration to create youth employment opportunities, noting that the government is preparing a new agricultural policy to address sectoral challenges. Ministry Secretary Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra suggested that banks establish their own agricultural subsidiary companies to address incomplete value chains, requesting Nepal Rastra Bank's coordination in this effort. Banking expert Ajay Shrestha presented the keynote address, identifying high loan risk, poor quality, low productivity, and weak value chains as major challenges. However, he noted substantial growth potential through digital financial services, AI-based credit scoring, and agricultural insurance expansion. A panel discussion moderated by Bhuvan Dahal brought together Nepal Rastra Bank's Ramu Poudel, Agriculture Development Bank CEO Gobinda Gurung, FNCCI's DB Basnet, and farmer-entrepreneur Bimala Acharya Dahal. The panel concluded that agricultural investment must be prioritized through practical credit risk management, value chain integration, provincial-level storage facilities, easier financial access, and comprehensive agricultural insurance. Bank Chairman Khim Prakash Malla chaired the program, with Director Umesh Kumar Acharya delivering the welcome address and CEO Pradyuman Pokharel providing closing remarks. The bank has committed to continuing its support for financial inclusion and agricultural enterprise development in rural areas.