Govt to work with pvt sector for farm commercialization

KATHMANDU, July 16:

Minister for Agricultural Development Hari Prasad Parajuli on Wednesday said the government would collaborate with the private sector for commercialization of agriculture sector.

Speaking at the national workshop on ´One Village, One product (OVOP Program´ in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Parajuli said the government had introduced various programs for the agriculture sector thought the budget realizing the fact that economic development is possible only through the development of agriculture sector.

The program was organized by the Agro Enterprise Center (AEC) under the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) to discuss the challenges and problems related to the OVOP Program which is being implemented in 32 districts across the country.

The OVOP Program, which was introduced in 2006/07 in seven districts with four products, is a public-private partnership program which is run by AEC.

“The OVOP now should be taken ahead with more specialization. AEC, which is the implementation partner, should work toward expansion of the program,” added Parajuli.

Similarly, Secretary at MoAD Jay Mukunda Khanal said that the ministry was in favor of gradually handing over the program to the locals for its sustainability. “The ministry will provide technical support to the local community to run the program,” he added.

Also speaking at the program, FNCCI senior vice president Pashupati Murarka said his organization has taken the OVOP Program with utmost importance. “This important program should be taken ahead in the coming days as a medium to create employment opportunities and uplifting the economic status of the people,” added Murarka.

Likewise, former president of FNCCI Chandi Raj Dhakal said attention should be given for quality improvement, market expansion and packaging of the OVOPs.

AEC president Bhawani Rana said locals are benefiting from the program.

Source: Republica