Madhes Province farmers to get Rs 2bn in grants for animal husbandry

MAHOTTARI: Farmers involved in animal husbandry in Madhes Province are set to receive grants.

According to Bardibas-based Economic Corridor Project Office of Madhes Province Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, a process to allocate Rs 2 billion in grants to 179 farmer groups in Madhes Province has reached its final phase.

The grants aim to encourage farmer groups in agriculture and production-oriented activities, said Office Chief Surendra Yadav. The programme is supported financially by the World Bank. The office has selected farmer groups in eight districts of Madhes Province, encompassing more than 5,000 farmers, shared Information Officer Santosh Prakash.

Grants will be distributed based on the number of farmers and their proposals. Rautahat district will receive the highest allocation (Rs 550 million), followed by Saptari (Rs 310 million), Mahottari (Rs 260 million), Dhanusha (Rs 230 million), Sarlahi (Rs 160 million), and Bara (Rs 140 million). Conversely, Parsa district will receive the lowest amount (Rs 70 million).

The provision requires the concerned farmer group to invest 55%, with the office providing 45% of the total investment. The programme operates across 84 local levels connected to the East-West Highway and Postal Highway in the province. The main objective of the project is to develop rural enterprises by fostering a supportive environment for market relations between small producers and farmers associated with the agriculture value chain.