Rs 450 Million Distributed to 951 Farmers in Nawalparasi Purba Over Five Years

The Agriculture Development Office in Nawalparasi Purba has distributed nearly Rs 450 million in grants to local farmers over the past five fiscal years, from 2077/78 BS to date, significantly supporting agricultural development in the district.

According to Information Officer Bishwas Kafle, a total of 951 farmers have benefited from various subsidy programmes during this period. The grants ranged from as low as Rs 870 to as large as Rs 50 million, depending on the nature and scale of the projects implemented.

Among the major beneficiaries, the Jugepani Tamangtol Farmers' Group received Rs 50 million under a crop insurance scheme, marking one of the largest single allocations. Kafle also noted that several individual farmers have received support under multiple programmes aimed at boosting productivity and sustainability.

The Office has rolled out a wide range of initiatives targeting different aspects of agriculture. These include support for commercial vegetable farming, fruit orchard management and expansion, and the establishment and scaling up of smallholder farms. Additional programmes have focused on maize seed production, promotion of maize farming, advanced agricultural tools exhibitions, and small-scale irrigation systems.

Efforts have also been directed toward off-season vegetable production, enabling farmers to increase income through year-round cultivation. These initiatives collectively aim to modernize farming practices and enhance food security in the district.

Office Chief Rajesh Silwal stated that the current fiscal year prioritizes highway corridor-focused crop production and promotion programmes, alongside emergency response and relief initiatives for farmers. The Office is also emphasizing on-site training for specific crops, food promotion projects, and continued support for vegetable production.

For the ongoing fiscal year, the Office has allocated a budget of Rs 51.7 million. Silwal confirmed that most of the approved programmes have already been launched, while the remaining are in the implementation pipeline.

The consistent financial and technical support provided by the Agriculture Development Office has played a vital role in strengthening the agricultural sector in Nawalparasi Purba. With continued investment and targeted programmes, the district is expected to see further growth in productivity, commercialization, and farmer livelihoods in the coming years.