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Preliminary discussion on the draft of agriculture act 2080

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On July 30, 2023, ForestAction Nepal, the secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), organized a preliminary discussion program on the need for an integrated agriculture act at SAP-Falcha, Kathmandu. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Bedu Ram Bhusal, Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MOALD), as well as the Secretary and joint secretaries from MOALD. There were also honorable members from the Agriculture, Cooperative, and Natural Resources Committee (under the House of Representatives), the National Planning Commission, the National Farmers Commission, and various other stakeholders, such as agriculture experts, farmers, media persons, activists, representatives of CSOs, and AAF members.

The event was conducted in two sessions. During the first session, two presentations were made, one by the Ministry and the other by AAF. The second session was dedicated to discussions on the topic at hand.

During the event, Dr. Rajendra Mishra, the joint secretary from MOALD, shared the first draft of the Agriculture bill that was prepared by the Ministry. In his presentation, he emphasized that the proposed act aims to promote the protection of farmers, the farming occupation, agri-business, water conservation, indigenous products/commodities, and agrobiodiversity.

Additionally, Dr. Rajendra Mishra further highlighted that the proposed act also encompasses the management of a gene bank and ensures the rights of farmers and farming communities.

At the event, Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel, an AAF activist, presented a review of the first draft of the Agriculture bill. Dr. Paudel criticized the draft prepared by the Ministry, stating that it appeared to be more focused on the agricultural business promotion act rather than on an integrated agriculture act. He emphasized the need for all dimensions of agriculture to be taken into consideration while preparing the act. He expressed his concern that the proposed act failed to prioritize the smallholder farmers. He also stressed the importance of extensive discussions with stakeholders during the drafting process of the act.

Following the presentations, the floor was opened for the discussions. During the open discussion session, various viewpoints were expressed by the guests and participants. Here is a summary of the key viewpoints:

– In order to make the act more comprehensive and effective, there is still a need for significant discussions.

– There is an urgent need for the act to be implemented as soon as possible in order to address the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector effectively.

– There has been a lack of attention given to conservation in regards to the farmers group, women group, and forest group.

– Before the formulation of Agriculture act, there is a need to discuss effectively on issues of arable land.

– The purpose of the Agriculture Act should be to localize and empower farmers by prioritizing institutional and bureaucratic restructuring.

– Research institutes and university should actively engage in research initiatives, create knowledge, and provide evidence-based recommendations to foster progress in agriculture. Furthermore, these institutions should work collaboratively and take ownership of implementing policies, programs, and interventions aimed at addressing the challenges faced by farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

– The Agriculture Act should comprehensively address the important aspects of education, research, and dissemination within the agricultural sector.

– There is a need for coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Irrigation, and the Ministry of Forestry and prepare the integrated act.

Forest fire management in Nepal: Status, emerging challenges and response strategies

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Forest fire pose threats to the ecosystem and human lives every year in Nepal. The problem is exacerbated with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and prolonged droughts. Despite efforts from multiple agencies, forest fire remains a threat due mainly to high accumulation of fuel load in the forests and poor forest management practices. This calls for effective forest fire management strategies with a combination of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery measures. In this backdrop, ForestAction Nepal in collaboration with Nepal Forester’s Association (NFA), Global Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies (GIIS), and Institute for Study and Development Worldwide (IFSD) organized a half day dialogue to identify key gaps and challenges pertinent to forest fire management in Nepal.

Some key takeaways from the dialogue are:

– With changing patterns and intensity, it is important to understand the forest fire dynamics to reduce the hazards.

– In recent years, local communities are losing interest and motivation in getting involved in extinguishing forest fire in nearby community forests. Though several reasons can be attributed to this, the primary factor has been increasing regulatory requirements for the user groups to acquire timber and other benefits from the forest.

– Declining interest and involvement of user groups in forest management activities has resulted in high deposition of burning materials/biomass in the forests, thus triggering the risk of fire. This demands for a radical rethinking on the use of forest biomass.

– While technological innovations have proven to be effective in some cases, policies and strategies should largely focus on engaging community institutions and their participation in management of forest fire in Nepal. In addition, adequate focus should be laid on reducing risks of communities who get involved in forest fire management.

– While problems and issues pertinent to forest fire in Nepal are largely understood, prioritizing research and piloting will provide a solid ground for scaling out strategies and options for forest fire management.

Click here to download the event report

Our dream: localization of food, livelihood and economy

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In a remarkable display of community spirit dedication towards Sustainable agriculture, representatives from alliance of agriculture, civil society and media organizations gathered on June 30, 2023, to celebrate 4th International Localization Day and 20th National Paddy Day at Kavresthali, Kathmandu. This event aimed to promote the age-old practice of rice transplantation, emphasizing its importance in ensuring the food security and financial stability of the agricultural community in Nepal, as well as its overall positive effects on the environment. The collective effort of all the stakeholders made this event a resounding success, creating awareness and inspiring a positive campaign.

Bestowed by the hazy day, the event commenced with an opening ceremony led by the agriculture experts, representatives from different organization and media outlets, along with local farmers, highlighting the importance and necessity to promote sustainable farming practices and provide support to local farmers. The event kicked off with informative session, where famers shared insights and knowledge techniques related to rice transplanting.  The session emphasized the ecological advantage productivity associated with this method. Following the session, participants eagerly ventured into nearby paddy fields to engage in hands-on experience. Guided by experienced farmers and experts, enthusiastic representatives’ donned traditional farming attire, rolled up their sleeves, and joined the local famers in the muddy fields. This active participation fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among the attendees.

The media played a crucial role in amplifying the events impact with journalists from mainstream media documenting the activities and interviewing participants. Through their coverage, they aimed to raise awareness globally, showcasing the significance of traditional farming methods and the efforts made by different related organization, and local farmers in promoting sustainability. As the day drew to a close, local farmers and affiliated officials expressed their gratitude to all the attendees for their unwavering support in promoting sustainable agriculture in the region.

The National Rice Transplanting Day served as a remarkable example of the positive impact, by paving the way for promotion of strategic intervention and support while simultaneously honoring the rich cultural heritage of traditional rice cultivation.

 

Joint Meeting on sharing emerging findings, reflections and learnings

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Women around the world are disproportionately stressed by unpaid care work and the effects of shocks, especially in emerging and rural economies. However, much of the work being done to transition to a net-zero economy is frequently fragmented, biased against women, and does not take into account their specific needs and interests. The Gender Equality in a Low-Carbon World (GLOW) research programme was initiated by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in response to this pressing knowledge gap. GLOW funded 12 initiatives in 17 low- and middle-income nations to investigate into how to incorporate women’s economic empowerment into low-carbon, climate-resilient transitions. Nepal was successful in bagging the two out of twelve projects which are implemented by  ForestAction Nepal-, Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions  in Sindhupalchok and Nawalparasi district while  SIAS  implementing Co-production of Shock Resilient Business Ecosystems for Women Engaged Enterprises (CREW) in Ramechhap, Dolakha and Arghakhanchi districts.

In order to share emerging findings, reflections and learnings between two above mentioned IDRC funded projects in Nepal under (GLOW) program and to identify the areas for collaborative outputs and synergy building for a better enabling environment on women’s economic empowerment in natural resource management sector, ForestAction Nepal along with the SIAS Nepal and their consortium partners organized the joint meeting on 28 June 2023 in the presence of the Dr. Bhim Adhikari, Senior Program Specialist /Sustainable Inclusive Économies – IDRC Canada.

ForestAction Nepal’s consortium partners, HIMAWANTI Nepal, AFFON, and FenFIT, presented their perspectives on approaches and strategies adopted in the project, reflected the achievements, issues and opportunities on women empowerment using forest solutions. The session specifically focused on enterprise and entrepreneurship, socio-political empowerment, sustainable forest management, knowledge dissemination. The research ideas were shared on the impact of forest-based enterprises, challenges of adopting feminist approaches in the consortium, procedural and policy challenges and societal issues, and key learnings encountered during the project interventions.

Similarly, SIAS’ partners (NIMS College, ARIA Solutions, and Himalayan Bio Trade Limited (HBTL)) reflected on 18 months into the CREW Project: Interventions, Approaches, and Reflections in its 3 districts under themes like understanding barriers and constraints, enterprise development through technological and institutional innovations, capacity enhancement to amplify voices and agency, and knowledge dissemination and policy uptake.

The common issue identification and discussion for synergy building were moderated by Dr. Naya Sharma Poudel and Dr. Dil Bahadur Khatri. The majority of the discussions centered on community forest users committee dynamics, policy-level constraints, and the joint collaboration between the consortium might be groundbreaking; the need for meso-level government engagement; societal-level constraints, challenges, and barriers; reflections; open dialogue; Intersectionality within the feminist approach; integrating the productive economy and the care economy; all these for ensuring the sustainability of the forest and agri-best enterprises.

Dr. Bhim Adhikari concluded with the emphasis on the dire need for comprehensive research shifting sectoral policy into macroeconomic policy, deeper analysis of the contradictory policies that restrict the use of the resources on which they are heavily dependent, taking all these stories of learning and co-learning into the global context, exploring how people perceive the upgrading of technology in society, exploring the stories of more incorporation of the private sector, fair trade, branding, and labelling for the sustainability of enterprises—all these for ground-breaking outcomes. He emphasized that now onwards he would appreciate a common outcome of learning from both FAN and SIAS on the research reports. His words of encouragement and critical feedback have opened up the path for both projects to pave their way in a more inclusive, sustainable, and productive way, analyzing them through a feminist approach with an intersectional lens.

Data informed action to protect species in Peril 

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Jalthal, a 6100 hectare block of forest, is known for its rich biodiversity. The forest is remnant of once lush and continuous forest of lowland of Nepal. The forest is gradually degrading and its rich biodiversity is gradually eroding. Dillenia indica, a rare species in Nepal, demonstrates case of biodiversity erosion in the forest associated with development during last five decades.

Locally called as Paanchfal and Thaaidith   grows into a medium sized tree used to be a common species in Jalthal forest. Our detail forest survey shows that the  species is about to vanish from the forest. We have spotted only two individual trees and they are without seedlings and saplings. Standing trees are  degraded due to lopping. Locals have not seen its flower and fruits for last two decades. The tree is multipurpose with edible fruit. Fruits are eaten raw, picked and even used in traditional medicines. Twigs are used as fodder and woody parts as firewood.

Given its situation in the forest and to protect the valuable genepool in the wild, ForestAction Nepal joined Bishal Community Forest and Division Forest Office (DFO) Jhapa to protect the species’ last individuals in the forest. Protection of standing trees coupled with awareness among forest user and provision of alternative fodders are expected to conserve the species’ valuable genepool in the forest.

This demonstrates ForestAction Nepal’s Darwin Initiative project’s   ‘data informed conservation action’.

Two-days Participatory Workshop on Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture

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Forest Action Nepal, secretariat of Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF) along with Free student Union (FSU) Lamjung campus, hosted a two-day participatory workshop focused on Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. The event, held on June 13 and 14 of 2023 aimed to promote sustainable agriculture and disseminate innovative and proportionate solutions for agriculture challenges in the region.

The workshop brought together researchers, experts, and students in the field of Agriculture. Participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing their knowledge and experiences related to agroecology and sustainable farming methods. The event was structured to foster collaboration and encourage the exchange of ideas among the attendees.

Keynote speakers at the workshop highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices to mitigate the negative impacts of conventional farming on the environment. They emphasized the need for promoting biodiversity, conserving natural resources, and reducing chemical inputs to ensure long term agriculture sustainability.

Throughout the two days, various topics were covered, including organic farming, permaculture, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and soil conservation strategies. Attendees actively participated in hands-on demonstrations, practical sessions, and interactive group activities to enhance their understanding of these concepts.

Additionally, the workshop featured presentations on successful case studies of agroecology implementation from different parts of the world. These success stories provided inspiration and practical insights for participants, demonstrating the positive outcomes of the sustainable agriculture practices.

The two-days participatory workshop on Agroecology and sustainable agriculture at Lamjung Campus proved to be valuable platform to exchange knowledge, networking and collaborative efforts. The event undoubtedly succeeded in sowing the seed of sustainability in compliance with the aim of the workshop.

World Environment Day 2023 celebrated

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Solving environmental problems is not the responsibility of anyone alone. Togetherness in the movement obviously makes a huge difference. While “World Environment Day 2023” was globally celebrated with the campaign #beatplasticpollution, the ACIAR funded EnLiFT2 project implemented under ForestAction Nepal, along with Salle Chaubas Forest Management Committee and Sub Division Forest Office, Chaubas, organized a one-day “School Level Awareness Program” on June 5, 2023, in Setidevi Secondary School, Yakpa tole of Bhumlu-4, Kavre, Nepal. The celebration serves as a spur for collaboration and group efforts to build a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for future generations. This day was celebrated primarily to raise public awareness of the need to protect the environment by avoiding the use of plastic and instead utilizing eco-friendly alternatives. The event was chaired by Mr. Lok Bahadur Kunwar, the coordinator of Salle Chaubas Forest Management Committee, in the presence of Mr. Prem Bahadur Bhujel, chairperson of Bhumlu Rural Municipality (RM), as chief guest. Other guests, like the chief administrative officer of Bhumlu RM, the coordinator of the Forest, Environment, and Disaster Committee of Bhumlu RM, the chairperson of Bhumlu 5, the Assistant Forest Officer from Sub Division Forest Office-Chaubas, the school’s representative, FECOFUN Bhumlu, CFUG’s representatives, the Private Forest Owners Association, etc., participated in the program.

Marking the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day 2023, the events were divided into multiple sessions that centered on beating plastic pollution. The sessions were a silent rally on the importance of environmental conservation, with the participation of hundreds of students from three major schools in Bhumlu and Kavre. The rally was demonstrated, seeking to bring recognition of how plastic pollution impacts a natural environment. It was staged to bring attention to environmental issues and prompt action to prevent or address plastic pollution. The plantation program was carried out on the school premises to promote the preservation of trees, maintain a sustainable environment, and promote the greenery around the school premises.

Inter-school speech competitions and inter-school quiz competitions were conducted, in which three higher secondary schools, Bhumlu 4 and 5, participated. The main aim of these competitions was to offer the students the chance to socialize not only with classmates but with different students from other schools and learn through these interactions. Further, this competition also helped the students to observe, share their opinions, choose their words, ease oral communication, and take many actions to motivate them to fight against plastic pollution.

This event was intended to encourage fun learning methods while also enhancing general knowledge on diverse environmental-related themes. Overall, all the participants present there benefited from the diverse themes discussed in this event, making them more environmentally conscious. Two cultural dances and songs were performed by the students to promote social and cultural interaction as well as a sense of community well-being and unity. These dances were accompanied by powerful social messages and narratives. Ecofriendly alternatives like cloth banners, handmade papers, hemp bags, etc. were used throughout the program to encourage the use of green alternatives.

 

Green enterprises are empowering marginalised women and beating plastic pollution

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Nepal has an illustrious reputation for its beautiful mountains, but has now been taken over by a storm of plastic pollution, which forms mountains of waste in urban spaces and creates detrimental effects on human health. Nepal generates roughly 2.7 tons of plastic waste each day; 16% of urban waste is plastic. Kathmandu alone uses 4,700,000 to 4,800,000 plastic bags daily, according to research by ICIMOD.

Indeed, plastic pollution is a global scourge: by early 2023, court cases concerning plastic pollution had been reported in more than 30 different countries. World Environment Day 2023 turns a spotlight on the problem and urges collective action to stop it.

While the world commemorates World Environment Day, the 30 rural and marginalised women entrepreneurs of three community forests involved in the project Economic Empowerment of Women Through Forest-Based Solutions have an ecofriendly alternative to the plastic crisis. It is bio cups and plates, also known as Duna Tapari in Nepali, which have been used in the country for food packaging, for time immemorial. The cups are made from naturally fallen leaves and sustainably picked from self-sustaining sources like Shorea robusta (Sal leaves).

Image source: ForestAction Nepal

The women are modernising the once-arduous, traditional occupation of making these plates, by now using low-carbon, women-friendly technologies. To achieve this, the project is empowering women entrepreneurs on gender and social inclusion issues, providing skill-based trainings, and group management training, and forming women’s leadership circles.

The women undertook an inventory of Sal leaves in their local forest area. The information was then integrated into the community forest management plan, which opens avenues for the women to establish multiple enterprises based on the non-timber forest products.

The fresh green leaves are collected manually without harming trees and dried to make lapha – a couple of leaves stitched together with bamboo pins which are then pressed by electric machine to achieve an appropriate size and finish.

This process is efficient, timesaving, reliable, hygienic, and easy to operate. What is more, using clean energy technology aligns with the goals of SDG 7, Affordable and clean energy, empowers women, bridges the gender development gap, and helps to build a new identity for rural women as those who handle electric machines.

These women entrepreneurs have left no stone unturned in exploring markets for their products. Sal products are profoundly connected with Hindu culture and have strong religious relevance. People use them in all major life events from birth to death, such as weaning ceremonies, birthdays, exhibitions, workshops, social gatherings, marriage, community feasts, ethnic celebrations, parties, and funerals.

In recent years, Sal products have become popular with hotels, restaurants, homestays, event planning organisations, international and domestic non-governmental organisations, tourist attractions, etc. Due to their renewability, non-toxicity, high socio-economic value, strength, and durability, these products have grown commercial markets in both the national urban space and international markets.

In addition, these products have multiple environmental benefits. In many aspects, this eco-product is considerably superior to plastic. Contrary to plastics that are composed of polymers, oil, and fossil fuels, which pose a serious threat to living things, its raw materials are rich in sources of various flavonoids and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, and wound healing activities . Plastic takes around 20–500 years to decompose, leaving hazardous scars on the Earth that affect generations. But these biodegradable cups are converted into manure and dissolve into the soil, creating more life through their organic manure.

This climate-smart innovation also aligns with the SDG Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production , and Goal 13: Climate action respectively. Since the overall process of preparing Sal leaf products involves manual labour and the use of renewable energy, these products emit less carbon compared to plastic. Emissions are about 6 kg of CO2 per kg of plastic .

Every sector is touched by the plastics that create massive carbon footprints. Replacing the deep-rooted plastic economy overnight in a developing country like Nepal is a herculean task, as numerous livelihoods are connected with it. But it’s critical to take one step at a time.

It’s predicted that by 2050, we’ll be making approximately four times as much plastic as we do now. And based on the current situation, the OECD predicts that by 2060, plastic trash is predicted to triple, with half of it ending up in landfills. In the era of climate crisis, behavioural shifts to eco-friendly consumption and embrace of green attitudes is urgent. There is a pressing need to have zero impact on the environment and for each person to become an eco-champion of their own.

To develop the culture and practice of green packaging use in our daily routine, a robust and comprehensive policy intervention to discourage the use of plastic is a must. Providing incentives, subsidies, and tax exemptions for eco-friendly products would be appropriate efforts by the government. Furthermore, increasing taxes on plastic products that compete heavily with the bio-products would motivate women entrepreneurs to produce bio cups and plates at a larger scale.

These bio cups and plates can be a ray of hope for a sustainable environment, supporting marginalised sections of society, especially rural women, to improve their livelihoods and become economically empowered. Next time you buy these plates, you are also supporting and rewarding the hard work of these women, who have fought countless internal and external patriarchal, wars against gender stereotypes to be entrepreneurs. It is time to accelerate this action and switch to a bio-based circular economy and reimagine a plastic-free environment.

The blog was originally published in CDKN website as a part of the gender equality in low carbon world (GLOW) program funded by IDRC Canada.

Enhancing the collaboration between farmers and journalist

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ForestAction Nepal, secretariat for Alliance of Agriculture for Food, organized 2 days interaction program (May 24-25, 2023) with the journalist, media personnel’s and farmers from Chitwan and Makawanpur districts respectively at Syangdi, Chitwan. The main objective of this event was to orient the journalists on the contemporary issues of food and agroecology and also to bridge the gap between the farmers and the journalists.

During the interaction, both farmers and media personnel shared their concern about the uncertain future of agriculture and its significant impact on the national food system. Farmers also criticized about the ineffective policies and programs that pose a serious threat to their livelihood. They expressed that it is essential to consistently exert pressure on the government and bureaucracy to prioritize and protect farmers’ agendas and issues at the national level.

Similarly, journalists committed to supporting farmers in addressing the pressing issues through their media writings and coverage. Furthermore, they also placed their appreciation on the inclusion of a comprehensive agricultural context as a priority in their reporting efforts.

 

International Biodiversity day: Taking biodiversity to grassroots

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International Biodiversity Day 2023 was marked with various activities in the project site of Jalthal, Jhapa. The event brought together  diverse stakeholders; from school students to the Head of local governments in multiple activities.

The event commenced on 22 May, in Jalthal, Jhapa. Head of Haldibari Rural Municipality Inaugurated the program wherein a documentary highlighting floral and faunal diversity, ecosystem, and socio-ecological significance of Jalthal remnant forest was premiered on the day. The primary objective of showcasing the video was to highlight the significance of biodiversity in Jalthal and sensitise stakeholders.   The documentary was based on the comprehensive biodiversity profiling of Jalthal forest by the Darwin Initiative  project. The documentary is available in https://www.facebook.com/JalthalBiodiversity and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhLflddbpZs

Likewise, sixteen students from eight different High schools were engaged in a poster preparation event.  Students identified ’23 Actions for Biodiversity’ in Jalthal forest. These 23 points are in congruence with 23 Targets of Global Biodiversity Framework. The students were initially oriented about the objective of the program and the content of the poster, following which they were prepared in four days period.  Based on innovative idea and excellence, the students were awarded during the event on the International Biodiversity Day. Two girls and two boys were awarded with educational materials and cash prize.

A Biodiversity Appreciation walk was organized on 21st May which brought students and teachers from five different secondary schools in the forest. During the forest walk, students were informed about the significance and features of Jalthal forest biodiversity. This was an important event to increase awareness about biodiversity.

The Jalthal project, led by ForestAction in collaboration with DARWIN Initiative, has supported in establishing and operating eco clubs in high schools. Educational materials for students (Binoculars, Birds and butterfly guidebooks, Stationaries etc.) were handed over during the ceremony on 22 May.

The project coordinator Dr. Lila Nath Sharma organized a forest transect walk on 20th and 21st May, which was aimed at introducing salient features of the forest biodiversity to nature enthusiasts and youth leaders.

Project supported in organizing Forest walk on 23rd May to celebrate International Biodiversity Day. This was attended by journalists and nature enthusiasts and local leaders including representatives of local government.

The events directly engaged and benefited over 250 people representing over forty various institutions-community forests, local governments, Division Forest Office, schools, civil society organizations, political parties  and media. These events were crucial in raising awareness on the importance of biodiversity and inform people about myriads of threats bearing upon forest biodiversity. The events were reached to thousands of people through social media and local newspapers. These events were covered by over two dozens of news outlets.

 

Policy dialogue on “Community institutions and forest-based enterprises: Prospects of transformation”

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While the Government of Nepal has set the goal of achieving prosperity from forestry, the country holding 44.74% of forest area demonstrates the prospects of forest based enterprises. Along with the ambition, there are a range of challenges that have been rather discouraged in promoting community-based forest enterprises in Nepal. Community institutions are facing several challenges in the establishment and operation of forest-based enterprises. With the aim to discuss opportunities and challenges in promoting forest-based enterprises and laying out ways forward, ForestAction Nepal, in support from the Australian Government, organized a policy dialogue on “Community institutions and forest-based enterprises: Prospects of transformation” on 6th June 2023. A diverse group of actors from the government, non-government, civil society, private sector, local government among others expressed their views during the event.
Click here to download the event report

A delegation meet with Agriculture Minister to discuss forthcoming policies, programs and budget

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ForestAction Nepal, the Secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), in collaboration with other partner organizations, scheduled a delegation with Agriculture Minister Dr. Bedu Ram Bhusal in 8 May 2023 to discuss the forthcoming policy, programs, and prioritizing promotion of Agro- Ecology and sustainable agricultural development in the upcoming policy and programs deliberately in the fiscal year’s Budget. Our counterparts briefly read out the report and submitted the minute to the honorable minister.

His comments show his comprehension of the issues. He voiced his concern about irrigation becoming a significant issue in agriculture and described how its enforcement can be a key factor in Nepalese agriculture. Similarly, he concentrated on the need for conducting a campaign to promote Raithane fruits that grow in forest areas, interwoven with the agriculture sector. He believed that organic and commercial production should be supported in tandem, to maximize the collective potential.

Click here to download the meeting minutes

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