Finance Minister issues directive for paying dues to dairy farmers

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is set to immediately settle the dues owed to the dairy farmers. Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has instructed the senior officials of the Ministry, including Revenue Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire, to expedite the process of payment to dairy farmers, as per the Finance Minister’s Secretariat.

Before issuing the directive, the Finance Minister held discussions with Agriculture Minister Jwala Kumari Sah, Agriculture Secretary Govinda Prasad Sharma, and Livestock Development Secretary Rewati Raman Poudel.

The dairy farmers have been protesting for several months, claiming they have not been paid for their products. The Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) had requested the Ministry of Finance for the funds to pay the farmers.

“The State cannot remain passive while the farmers suffer due to non-payment for milk. The farmers’ dues will be settled either today or by Sunday,” stated Minister Pun, while issuing the directive. He also clarified that the Finance Ministry will not withhold the dues owed to the construction entrepreneurs.

Minister Pun has directed the Agriculture Minister and secretaries to allocate the budget for this purpose.

Revenue Secretary Ghimire stated that the Finance Minister has issued clear directives for paying the dairy farmers and the Ministry will gradually settle the dues owed to the farmers.

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