KATHMANDU, June 19: Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, has formed a five-member taskforce to investigate grants released to agriculture and livestock beneficiaries in the last decade.
The taskforce is coordinated by joint secretary at the Ministry, Badri Prasad Dahal, and is mandated to submit a detailed study report to the Ministry within six months. It is tasked to review the previous reports, take stock of misuse of grants and recommend for timely reform.
What is missing in budget for agriculture?
The agriculture sector, which makes up nearly 25 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), receives grants from the government under various headings every year. The grant is provided for agricultural growth and commercial agriculture.
It has been reported that genuine farmers have no access to the grants provided by the government due misuse of funds. The taskforce will study and identify the misuse of grants, make a gap analysis and forward recommendations accordingly. It is also tasked to recommend the best practices on grants after the investigation. The taskforce has been asked to report to the Ministry at least twice a month or on a needs basis.
