FNCCI President Dahakal calls for agricultural reforms, collaboration

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has emphasised the necessity of reforms and collaboration to harness Nepal's agricultural potential.

Speaking at the Nepal Country Investment Discussion in Kathmandu today, Dhakal remarked that agriculture is the backbone of the economy and that appropriate strategies and programmes are essential to benefit from it.

He mentioned that the agriculture sector continues to provide employment to a large population and significantly contributes to the GDP. However, he pointed out that Nepal has not achieved the desired success in agriculture due to issues such as limited access to finance, fragmented land ownership, and outdated technology.

Highlighting that financial inclusion alone is insufficient, Dhakal stated that a broader approach is required to improve the agricultural value chain, connect farmers to markets, and ensure access to capital for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. He stressed the importance of increasing investment in agriculture and rural infrastructure to foster rural entrepreneurship. He also mentioned his personal efforts to formalise remittances and expand financial services in rural areas, thereby empowering farmers, women entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

Dhakal disclosed that the Nepal Development Public Limited Company has been established under the leadership of the FNCCI, aiming to invest in projects and companies to transform Nepal's economic landscape.

Expressing gratitude to development partners for their support in Nepal's agriculture and other development projects, Dhakal underlined the need for collaboration between the government, other stakeholders, and the private sector to build a prosperous economy.

By RSS