FNCCI urges government to prioritise agricultural modernisation for economic growth

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Supplies (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has emphasised the need to modernise and commercialise subsistence agriculture to maximise the benefits of the agricultural sector.

Speaking at the ninth annual general meeting (AGM) of Nepal Agricultural Machinery Entrepreneurs' Association (NAMEA), Dhakal pointed out that despite Nepal's vast potential in agriculture, the country has been unable to fully capitalise on it. He stressed the importance of mechanisation, modernisation, and commercialisation to enhance agricultural production and productivity.

“There is immense potential in the agricultural sector, given Nepal’s geographical structure, climate diversity, and natural resources. If commercialised, agriculture could provide employment for hundreds of thousands of people, make the country self-reliant in agricultural products, and increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Dhakal remarked.

He criticised the continued neglect of the agricultural sector and urged the government to prioritise it in the upcoming annual budget with a practical and implementable plan. Dhakal also highlighted FNCCI’s readiness to collaborate with the government through its agricultural wing, the Agro Enterprise Centre (AEC), coordinating efforts across its 124 district municipal chambers of commerce and industry in all 77 districts.

FNCCI Senior Vice President Anjan Shrestha, speaking at the event, acknowledged the provision of subsidies in agriculture but pointed out their frequent misuse. He called for better management of subsidies and called for state investment in agricultural production and marketing using advanced technology. He further emphasised the importance of timely access to fertilisers, seeds, and technology for farmers to bolster agricultural development.

In his address at the AGM’s inauguration, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, urged entrepreneurs to take the lead in manufacturing agricultural equipment domestically. Minister Adhikari underlined the vital role entrepreneurs play in advancing agricultural mechanisation. He stated that the government is prioritising mechanisation to reduce production costs, boost productivity, and establish a sustainable agricultural system.