The program includes incentives for farmers to encourage export-oriented production and programs to displace import of agro-products by setting up collection centers for different agro produces in various parts of the country. [break]
Speaking at a press meet here on Monday, Minister for Agricultural Development Tek Bahadur Thapa Gharti said the implementation committee at the ministry led by secretary will keep vigil on work progress of programs implemented under the ministry.
The committee also includes joint secretaries from other line ministries.
The government has increased budget for agriculture sector increased by 76 percent to Rs 21.4 billion in the current fiscal year.
The new programs included promotion of lentil production for export, and expansion of black cardamom and ginger farming in mid and far western region. The government has allocated to Rs 11.6 million for the purpose.
The government has set aside considerable amount of money to reduce import of agro products. It has allocated Rs 32.5 million for sheep development program in different mountainous districts to displace sheep and wool import.
Sheep wool is one of the key raw materials for hand-knotted carpet industry.
Similarly, Rs 33.5 million has been allocated to promote buffalo farming in Tarai districts with the target of producing 500 tons of buffalo meat.
The government will also build four cold stores and three ventilated onion storehouses in different parts of the country. It will also set up a sophisticated fruits market in Chobhar and flower market in Kirtipur as well as five slaughter houses in urban centers. Similarly, 10 livestock market and ten dairy firms will be built under public-private-partnership models in different parts of the country.
The budget has earmarked Rs 5.2 million for the production of compost fertilizer and upgradation of 10,000 cowsheds in 40 districts. Likewise, it has set aside Rs 150 million to subsidize premium for livestock and crops insurance.
The government will also set up agro products collection centers in 50 districts and establish fish markets in Janakapur and Bhairahawa. It has also allocated Rs 414.4 million to implement programs of food security promotion in 19 districts of mid and far-western districts.
Likewise, programs on improve seeds will be implemented in Rukum, Rolpa, Gulmi, Slayan, Pyuthan and Arghakhachi. The government has set aside Rs 339.2 million for the purpose.
Minister Gharti said the government has earmarked Rs 120 million to conduct various agricultural trainings to attract the youths into farming and check brain drain. Under the program, Rs 50 million has been set aside to conduct training for commercial farming, Rs 30 million for animal husbandry, Rs 20 million for bee-keeping, Rs 10 million for fish farming and Rs 10 million for mushroom farming.
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