Kathmandu, March 11

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today said it was sad to see Nepal importing food stuffs and other agricultural products from foreign countries despite being an agro-based country.

Addressing a seminar on Japanese cooperation in the capital, the PM announced the government’s plan of ending the country’s dependency on imported foods within two years. “Within the next two years, we will make Nepal self-reliant in food stuffs like rice, maize, wheat, millet etc,” he added.

The programme was organised by JICA Alumni Association of Nepal.

Stressing that the country’s agricultural sector needs to modernised, he said the country also needs to be self-reliant in wool, cotton, livestock etc.

He appreciated Japan’s continuous and generous support for Nepal’s economic development.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Japan diplomatic ties. Japanese support to Nepal in the field of fisheries, horticulture and irrigation projects are seen as exemplary.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Masashi Ogawa pledged to support Nepal’s post-earthquake recovery efforts in future as well.