KATHMANDU, MAY 19
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, has informed that research activities are currently underway on 354 projects under the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) for the current fiscal year.
Responding to written queries from lawmaker Prem Suwal during today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Adhikari stated that the ongoing research includes 106 projects in crops, 70 in horticulture, 41 in multi-sectoral areas, and 35 in fisheries.
He added that proposals for the registration of 17 new varieties-including one of rice, three of apple, two of walnut, one of lemon, and three of avocado-have been submitted under the ongoing research initiatives. The National Seeds Board has already registered eight new varieties, comprising three of apple, two of orange, and three of avocado.
According to the Ministry, a target has been set to recommend 75 agricultural technicians by the end of the current fiscal year. Minister Adhikari also informed the House that the Ministry aims to produce 900 tonnes of various crops by the fiscal year's end, of which 380 tonnes have been produced as of April 13.
Additionally, the Ministry had set a goal of distributing 500,000 seedlings and saplings of vegetables and fruits to nurseries. So far, 15,692 seedlings have been distributed, the Minister noted.
