As the two major festivals—Dashain and Tihar—are just around the corner, it is disheartening to learn that more than Rs 2.57 billion in dues owed to milk and sugarcane farmers in the country remain unpaid. The delay in clearing these dues raises questions about justice, dignity, and survival for those who toil day and night to feed us. The outstanding dues—Rs 1.27 billion to milk farmers and Rs 1.30 billion to sugarcane farmers—highlight the government's failure to serve the interests of ordinary farmers. These payments are crucial for repaying loans, purchasing seeds and fertilizers, and covering basic household expenses for most farmers. As farmers have complained, the delay in payments has pushed them into a vicious cycle of debt. This situation not only undermines their ability to make further investments in their work but also erodes their confidence in their profession, making the country further dependent on basic agricultural products.

Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari's recent assurance that the government will clear all dues by Dashain is a welcome statement, but it is difficult to believe that the government will actually live up to its words. The government, on various occasions in the past, has made similar pledges, only to delay action and leave farmers in a precarious position. While the payment of Rs 335.70 million to milk producers is a step in the right direction, the remaining Rs 2.57 billion still looms large. The government's failure to act promptly reflects a broader issue of mismanagement and inefficiency within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD). The repeated delays in payment and the ongoing misuse of agricultural grants highlight a systemic problem that must be addressed. The government's promise to disclose the names of individuals who have misused grants is a positive step, but it must be followed by concrete action to hold those responsible accountable and prevent further exploitation of the system.

The failure to settle outstanding dues to milk and sugarcane farmers has broader implications for Nepal's agricultural sector and overall economy. If farmers continue to face delays in payments, it could lead to a decline in agricultural productivity, as they may be reluctant to continue farming altogether. This, in turn, could impact food security and lead to higher food prices in the country. Furthermore, the government's inaction in settling their dues sends a dangerous message that the concerns of farmers are not a priority. We, as a newspaper, urge the government to act decisively to clear the outstanding dues of these farmers at the earliest possible time. These farmers have already waited too long for the payments they rightfully deserve. The government must not only fulfill its promises but also implement long-term reforms to prevent such delays from occurring in the future.

 
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