PM Oli calls for doubling agricultural production, modernising farming methods

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasised the urgent need to double agricultural production and adopt modern, productive farming methods, moving beyond subsistence agriculture.

Speaking at the 13th annual general assembly of the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) held at his official residence in Baluwatar, Kathmandu today, PM Oli, who also serves as the Chancellor of AFU, highlighted the importance of reducing reliance on farming solely for livelihood. He suggested that agricultural production could be enhanced through thorough research on suitable crops and market expansion strategies.

To achieve this, PM Oli stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, cooperatives, and the private sector. He urged AFU to produce skilled agricultural scientists, engineers, and other professionals to meet the growing demand for human resources in Nepal's agriculture-based economy.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately 66% of Nepal's population is engaged in agriculture, which contributes one-third of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP).

PM Oli further asserted that modern systems and mass production would secure markets. He warned that Nepal would continue to suffer from a trade deficit unless production increased and criticised the reliance on exports and remittances to drive the economy.

Additionally, he mentioned that the government plans to cultivate fruit on vacant forest land, which would enhance agriculture's contribution to the national economy and increase self-reliance in food production.

By RSS