Minister Thapa declares end to commission-based budgeting in agriculture ministry

Dhangadhi: Bir Bahadur Thapa, Minister for Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives of Far Western Province, has announced the end of the long-standing practice of distributing the ministry's budget through commissions.

Speaking at a media dialogue organized by Bhumiraj Media Nepal Pvt. Ltd. in Dhangadhi on Thursday, Minister Thapa said that the upcoming fiscal year's annual program was developed after eliminating allegations of commission-based budgeting and regional bias in allocations. “The perception that the Ministry of Agriculture operates through intermediaries and distributes budget in favor of the minister’s constituency has now been completely dismantled,” he stated.

Minister Thapa shared that during his visits to all nine districts and discussions with farmers and stakeholders, he encountered widespread concern about the misuse of budgetary funds through middlemen. “After seven years of criticism, we have ensured this year that both issues—budget disparity and commission practices—have been brought to zero. The budget has now been distributed equitably to all 88 local levels across the province, based on priority,” he added.

Initially hesitant to lead the Agriculture Ministry due to its tainted reputation, Minister Thapa revealed that he only accepted the role upon his party's insistence. “I had requested the Ministry of Forests instead, but the party entrusted me with Agriculture. I took it as a challenge and worked to clear the negative image,” he said.

He emphasized that of the 35 provincial assembly members who spoke on the new budget, only two raised minor concerns about the Agriculture Ministry’s allocations, while 33 expressed support—evidence, he claimed, of restored confidence.

Minister Thapa also clarified that budget allocations made under the directive of the Social Development Committee, including those targeting projects incomplete since 2076 BS, are being misinterpreted. “Some have accused us of keeping budget lines for commission. If someone wants a commission, they can come forward now—but we won’t allow this culture to continue,” he said, calling for an end to such practices for the sake of political integrity.

Reiterating his commitment to transparency, Thapa said he has never taken commissions and pledged not to do so in the future. He highlighted the government’s new initiatives, including province-wide livestock vaccination and employment for 3,000 agricultural students.

Minister Thapa also revealed plans to declare 20 local levels as organic farming zones and to build two model cowsheds each in Kailali and Kanchanpur to boost local employment.

During the event, Tek Bahadur Bista, Chief of the Agricultural Knowledge Center, presented a working paper on district-level agricultural activities, including spring maize, vegetable farming, beekeeping, and Tharu potato and orange development. He said the center is providing equipment like silage tube wells, power tillers, and beehives at 50 percent subsidy.

Shankar Bogati, Private Secretary to Minister Thapa and officer at the ministry, presented the policy reforms initiated by the ministry.

Farmers also shared their experiences at the program. Dilliraj Joshi from Godavari Municipality-3 emphasized the potential of Nepal’s agricultural sector, calling for stronger government support. Man Bahadur Chaudhary from Ghodaghodi Municipality-4 cited a lack of heavy equipment as a key barrier, while Manoj Chaudhary from Godavari Municipality-8 highlighted challenges in getting fair market prices and urged a focus on organic fertilizer promotion.

Participants, including farmers, media professionals, and other stakeholders, discussed the ministry's positive steps and provided feedback for further improvement.