Pokhara Metropolis to Provide 70 percent Grant in Agro Sector

Pokhara Metropolitan City is to provide a 70 percent grant in the agriculture sector based on production. Presenting the budget of the upcoming fiscal year 2080/81 of the Metropolitan City, Deputy Mayor Manju Devi Gurung said an arrangement would be made to provide at least a 70 percent grant to classified land based on production to mobilize investment according to priorities while distributing agriculture production materials and equipment.

Deputy Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Manju Devi Gurung. via Pokhara Metropolitan City Office Portal

The budget program has allocated Rs 5 million for a small irrigation program to construct and repair irrigation canals to increase agriculture production. It has also given special priority to the construction of plastic ponds to harvest rainwater on sloped land. Deputy Mayor Gurung shared that Rs 3.5 million has been allocated to launch an agricultural equipment maintenance campaign next year.

Similarly, the Metropolitan City has allocated Rs 12.4 million to run an organic garden management campaign, potato production program, winter crop campaign, and expansion of fish ponds under the commercial agriculture production program. A total of Rs 1.5 million has been allocated to make the agriculture ambulance service more systematic and effective. The agriculture ambulance service was established with the objective of collecting local agro products for consumers.

A total of Rs 4.2 million has been allocated for various programs, including emergency crop conservation, IPM technology, and primary agriculture technology publicity. Additionally, Rs 1.5 million has been allocated to expand the Goat pocket area, and Rs 3 million for the management of stray cattle.

Likewise, Rs 3.3 million has been allocated to distribute basic medicine free of cost, Rs 20.5 million for a regular vaccine program, and Livestock health camp.