State must prioritize respect for farmers: President Poudel

Kathmandu: President Ram Chandra Poudel has said that the state should prioritize respect for farmers.

He expressed this view while addressing the National Excellent Farmers Award Program 2082 organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment in Kathmandu on Friday.

“The nation’s happiness lies in the smile of farmers and the country’s prosperity lies in the progress of farmers. Therefore, in the changing context, the state should prioritize respect for farmers,” he said.

Stating that agriculture is the main basis of the country’s prosperity and farmers are the jewels of the nation, he stressed that the agricultural sector should be promoted not only as a means of livelihood but also as a major cornerstone of nation building. “For this, a culture of labor should be developed. It is the hard work, sweat and dedication of farmers that have made the country’s economy dynamic,” President Poudel said.

He pointed out the need for the state, private sector and all stakeholders to unite and take initiatives to increase investment, technology, marketing and youth participation in agriculture.

“Along with the energy of youth, the use of modern technology and the visionary policy of the state, the agricultural sector should be made the main basis of production, employment and prosperity. For this, respect for farmers, protection and modernization of the agricultural profession are the needs of the day,” he said.

President Poudel said he was happy to honor farmers, who are the pillars of nation building and carriers of the nation’s prosperity.

He further said that the country becomes prosperous through the hard work, skills and dedication of farmers, and that the National Excellent Farmer Award and honor program has contributed to establishing agriculture as a respected profession.

“I believe that the dream of nation building will come true only if agriculture is developed as a respected, professional and self-reliant sector,” he said.

He added that after political change, the country’s need is economic prosperity, and that the expansion of agriculture, water resources, tourism, infrastructure, information technology and industry are the basis of development.

President Poudel said agriculture is the sector that creates employment opportunities for youth in Nepal, and since it is also a source of raw materials for industry, the state should formulate planned policies and programs to develop this sector. He emphasized encouraging youth entrepreneurship-focused programs by prioritizing agricultural businesses.

He said the state should identify problems and challenges in the agricultural sector to achieve the goals set in the Sixteenth Plan and move the country toward prosperity.

“To ensure investment in this sector, it is necessary to arrange agricultural loans at low interest rates. It is necessary to bring special programs from the government, policymakers, planners and stakeholders to reduce imports and increase exports by increasing production and employment in the country,” he said.

Stating that the government and private sector should work to create an investment-friendly environment to attract youth returning from abroad into agriculture so they can use their skills, he said that marketing of farmers’ produce, timely supply of seeds and fertilizers, identification and management of farmers’ problems, provision of modern tools and equipment, concessional loans, and agricultural insurance are pressing issues that the state should prioritize.

On the occasion, President Poudel presented the Best Farmer Award, each carrying a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 and a certificate, to 14 farmers from different parts of the country.