Kathmandu – Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has called for the modernization and commercialization of Nepal’s subsistence farming practices to unlock the potential of the agricultural sector. Speaking at the ninth annual general meeting of the Nepal Agricultural and Machinery Entrepreneurs Association, Dhakal emphasized that agriculture holds vast possibilities for employment generation and economic growth if approached strategically.
“Nepal's geographical diversity, climate variation, and abundant natural resources make agriculture a sector of immense potential. By commercializing agriculture, we can create jobs for millions and make the country self-reliant in agricultural production. This would significantly enhance agriculture's contribution to Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Dhakal said.
Highlighting the underperformance of the agricultural sector despite the nation’s heavy dependence on it, Dhakal urged the government to prioritize agriculture in the national budget and formulate actionable plans. “Nepal claims to be an agricultural country, but the sector has been continuously neglected. We must change this narrative with a budget that truly supports the modernization and mechanization of agriculture,” he added.
The FNCCI has been working to promote agricultural entrepreneurship through its Agricultural Enterprise Center, and Dhakal affirmed the federation’s commitment to collaborating with the government to implement agricultural reforms. FNCCI’s 124 district and municipal chambers of commerce across 77 districts are ready to support initiatives for sustainable agricultural growth, he said.
Call for Effective Subsidy Management and Technology Promotion
During the program, FNCCI Senior Vice President Anjan Shrestha highlighted issues of subsidy misuse in the agricultural sector. He stressed the need for effective management of subsidies to ensure their intended impact. Shrestha also called on the government to promote state investment in agricultural production and marketing through the integration of advanced technologies.
“Providing farmers with timely access to fertilizers, seeds, and technology is critical to achieving agricultural development. These efforts will not only enhance productivity but also ensure the sustainability of the sector,” Shrestha remarked.
Government’s Commitment to Mechanization and Productivity Growth
Inaugurating the general assembly, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, underscored the critical role of entrepreneurs in driving agricultural mechanization. He urged private sector stakeholders to take proactive steps toward domestic production of agricultural machinery and equipment.
“The government is committed to reducing production costs, increasing productivity, and establishing a sustainable agricultural system through mechanization. Entrepreneurs must support this vision by innovating and manufacturing locally,” Adhikari said.
The general assembly concluded with a shared commitment from stakeholders to prioritize the modernization, mechanization, and commercialization of agriculture, with the aim of transforming Nepal into an agriculturally self-reliant nation.
