Biratnagar, March 17

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has underscored the need to increase agricultural production to boost the country’s economy. He also stated that Nepal’s status as an agricultural country must be restored.

Inaugurating a fruits and vegetables retail market here today, PM Oli shared that the government was working to modernise and mechanise the agriculture sector and involve more youths to make agriculture a respected industry.

In order to discourage the plotting of land and increase productivity, government is planning to introduce organised and systematic way of farming, he said, adding that there is no option other than to augment the production.

He urged the people of Province 1 to select crops that give maximum harvest such as cardamom, tea and betelnuts. Rich in geographical features, Province 1 can boost agricultural production by attracting youths and thus help decrease imports, he added.

According to him, the people’s representatives and civil servants should provide guardianship to the people to take them together in the campaign of development and prosperity.

On the occasion, PM Oli handed over the key of the market to Chief Minister of Province 1 Sherdhan Rai. He also honoured the school that donated the land, chairman of Katahari rural municipality and the market construction company.

During the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Rai informed that modernisation of agriculture has begun and the state government would ensure effective regulation for a well-managed market.

Similarly, Minister of State for Agriculture and Livestock Ram Kumari Chaudhari, said the government was planning to set up 31 agriculture markets and chilling centres in various parts of the country.

Secretary at the Agriculture Ministry Yuwak Dhwoj GC, expressed the belief that the newly set up market would end the role of brokers by bringing together the producers and consumers.

The modern retail market has been set up on over four bighas of land provided by the local Janapriya Secondary School, Katahari, and has the capacity to handle 45,000 metric tonnes of vegetables and 10,000 metric tonnes of fruits. It has been built at a cost of Rs 154 million, which was provided by the central government and the World Bank.

Farmers from Sunsari, Morang, Jhapa and Dhankuta will benefit from the market.

Even an administrative office and a bank will be located in the market.

The inauguration programme was organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.