Experts insist on banning import of agricultural products

Published On: October 17, 2022 01:00 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Oct 17: Experts have said that there is a need to ban agricultural products imported from abroad for the improvement of Nepal's food system and food sovereignty.

According to them, there is a need to ban agricultural products imported from abroad as the production of food products is decreasing due to environmental effects and other reasons in the world.

Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu on Sunday, experts said that due to environmental impact, the world is facing a food crisis triggered by decrease in food production. Agricultural experts also said that it is necessary to increase the production and productivity of food items by balancing the environmental impact. In order to improve the food system in Nepal, they suggest that the government make an incentive policy to increase investment in the agricultural sector and organize the agricultural sector.

On the occasion of the 42nd World Food Day, Deputy Director of Agriculture Department, Dr Hari Bahadur KC said that there is a lack of agricultural research, manpower and investment in the agricultural sector of Nepal from both the government and the private sector.

Similarly, he also said that the new technologies developed in the agricultural sector have displaced the Nepali traditional technology. Dr KC said that if the Nepali traditional technology can be developed into a new technology, it will be possible to increase the competition in the agricultural sector internationally. He mentioned that it is necessary to give priority to the products produced by Nepali farmers in the market and prevent agricultural products imported from abroad.

Likewise, President of All Nepal Peasants Federation (ANFPa), Dr Prem Dangal, demanded that the government bring food regulations and form a National Food Sovereignty Council to improve the food system.

Similarly, Human Rights Alliance General Secretary Bidur Subedi said that there is a lack of agricultural education in Nepal. He expressed his concern that farmers are also going abroad as education related to agriculture is weakening.