(Candidates for the 21st Falgun election are reaching out to the public with their manifestos. They are presenting their agenda. At this time, Kantipur is launching a special series ‘Kantipur Debate: Citizens’ Manifesto’ to present the people’s agenda to parties and candidates. You too can write a manifesto for this series, focusing on a specific area. We will give space to manifestos that are based on facts, figures, and logic.)

Ganeshraj Joshi

The agricultural sector is not only the foundation of livelihood and employment for the majority of Nepalis, but also an important sector that contributes to the overall economy and food security. This sector accounts for about a quarter of the national economy. And, agriculture has also been providing raw materials for agro-based industries. 

The state aims to develop an independent and prosperous economy in accordance with the directive principles of the constitution. For that, the national economy can be strengthened by integrating the policies related to economy, industry, commerce, agriculture, land reform, development policy, and natural resource conservation, promotion and utilization in the development of the agricultural sector.

Through the promotion of sustainable commercial farming, production and productivity increase become important aspects for food and nutrition security and self-reliance in major food items. The development of a competitive agricultural system for import substitution and export promotion and the transformation of the agricultural sector through the adoption of climate-friendly technologies, clean food production, processing and distribution systems, making the best use of Nepal's geographical location, ecosystem, climate and agricultural system, is the special need of the day. 

Only through sustainable and farmer-centered development of the agricultural sector can the development of a self-reliant and independent national economy, the basis for industrialization, the creation of national capital, the foundation for the prosperity of the Nepali people and the cornerstone of a socialist-oriented economy be created. In addition, it is necessary to implement clear policies, strategies and programs that the agricultural sector should adopt to address the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal, the adoption of the directive principles, policies and responsibilities of the state, and the needs in line with the federal system of governance. 

Current situation

The location of three major agro-climatic zones from north to south, stretching from east to west, and the vast reserves of water resources have also created a situation of comparative advantage for various agricultural, livestock and forest products. Despite the potential for agricultural transformation through commercialization and diversification in pocket areas that have the necessary infrastructure for agricultural development such as irrigation, roads, electricity, markets, technology and other post-production infrastructure, there is an acute shortage of agricultural workers.

The agricultural sector has not been able to develop due to the adverse effects of climate change, inadequate development of infrastructure such as irrigation, roads and markets, lack of quality agricultural inputs, and mismatch between demand and supply. Due to the development and expansion of problem-based technologies, inadequate investment by the government and private sectors, and weak competitive capacity, the production and productivity growth of this sector is low compared to its potential. As a result, the real annual growth rate of the agricultural sector has fluctuated a lot over the past few decades and has remained around 3 percent. 

Nepal's agricultural production system is still subsistence-oriented and has not been widely commercialized, so the attraction of educated youth towards it has decreased and it has not been established as a respectable and dignified profession. Therefore, the migration of rural youth to cities and abroad is increasing. As a result, about one-third of the country's arable land is barren. And, fertile agricultural land is being rapidly used for residential and non-agricultural purposes. Although the need for research in agriculture to reduce the risk of climate change is clearly evident, research and technology development related to climate adaptation and mitigation is very low.

There should be close coordination and cooperation between the federal, provincial and local levels in accordance with the spirit of the constitution, along with the formulation, implementation and continuous support and monitoring of agricultural and livestock development programs. However, when programs are operated in their own ways and in parallel by all three levels, there is no identity between policies and programs. Therefore, there is a lack of information and data regarding program implementation. A clear basis, framework and legal system for its exchange between different levels have not been developed. 

There is no sufficient employment creation and income generation from the agricultural sector at the rural level, along with an easy way of living. Due to the lack of alternative employment opportunities, the migration of rural youth to urban areas and abroad is increasing. This is due to the acute shortage of labor, and the entire responsibility of agriculture lies on the shoulders of women, the elderly, and children. 

Although the share of the agricultural sector in the national income is continuously decreasing, the population involved in this sector has not decreased accordingly. This can be taken as an opportunity. However, the dependence on rainwater for agricultural production, the inability to ensure the market, and limited income and savings do not seem to attract farmers' own and private investment in this sector. Such uncertainties in the agricultural sector have not been able to transform it into a profitable profession. Increasing the productivity of all means of production, making the country self-reliant in major food items, increasing investment in agriculture, and attracting youth along with creating income and employment opportunities are the main challenges today.

In the subsistence agriculture sector, which is basically dominated by family farming, the productivity of food grains, cash crops, pulses, and vegetable crops has increased by about 50 percent compared to the past 20 years. However, the failure to keep pace with the growth in population and income and changes in eating habits has led to an increase in the import of basic food items in the last few years. In addition, geographical remoteness, lack of infrastructure, limited use of advanced technology, increasing fragmentation of land, shortage of agricultural labor and manpower, weak state of agricultural education, research and extension services, and climate change have remained major challenges to agricultural development. 

When looking at the basic aspects of the development of Nepal's agricultural sector, some questions come to mind - How to make the farming system business-oriented? How to utilize the comparative advantages in agricultural land, water resources, and ecosystems? How to develop transportation and market facilities and make profitable use of them? How to sustainably develop and utilize the resources and heritage of farmers? How to develop the interconnection and complementarity of programs implemented at various levels related to the agricultural sector in the context of federalism?

How to create a state of resilience in the production system while addressing the negative impacts of climate change? How to balance the agricultural trade deficit by replacing imports and promoting exports? How to utilize barren agricultural land? How to address the shortage of agricultural labor? How to control the increasing conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural purposes? How to increase farmers' access to technology and technical services? How to ensure access to production inputs for all types of farmers? It is seen that the parties should address such issues in the agricultural sector in their election manifestos. 

Topics to be included in the manifesto:

It is seen that the parties should bring plans and programs with the goal of transforming the agricultural sector into an inclusive and respected profession that is self-reliant, competitive, climate resilient, contributes to income and employment generation, food and nutrition security, and economic development. Some of the points that the parties should mention about the main policy and the strategy to be adopted to achieve this goal are as follows:

1. Achieve self-sufficiency in basic food items through increasing production and productivity in the agricultural sector. For this, develop and expand technology by increasing government and private investment in the agricultural sector. Expand irrigation, road and electricity facilities in arable land. Make intensive and widespread use of available technology in a sustainable manner in areas with such facilities. To bring the current low productivity at least to the level of neighboring countries . To develop a large-scale production system by consolidating land through policy and legal arrangements in collaboration with various agencies, communities and cooperatives. To increase the capacity of agricultural workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, research and extension workers and enhance their efficiency. 

2. To manage agricultural land scientifically and practically. And, to make proper use of barren and less fertile land. Under this, to discourage bringing agricultural land to non-agricultural use through effective implementation of the National Land Use Policy and Regulations. To contract land consolidation for agricultural commercialization. To promote collective or cooperative farming. And, to develop an integrated land management system at all three levels. To develop appropriate models including agro-forestry systems on vacant, barren and wasteland. To provide marginalized land (such as river valleys and bogs, etc.) to groups and cooperatives for suitable crop/commodity production based on its potential. To facilitate contracts, establish a land contract information center at the local level as per the possibility and need. 

3. To develop and expand a reliable irrigation system based on the need for sustainable productivity growth in the agricultural sector. In this context, collect rainwater in ponds and use it as irrigation, and protect and utilize recharge ponds and water sources. Promote the use of zero-energy and renewable energy in irrigation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and production costs. Increase the irrigated area of ​​agricultural land by maintaining and maintaining existing irrigation systems and developing and expanding irrigation systems of various capacities and types. Ensure the participation of farmer groups, cooperatives, the private sector, community-based organizations, and provincial and local levels to bring effectiveness in the management of irrigation systems. Provide subsidies on electricity tariffs, infrastructure, machinery and tools, and small-scale irrigation to increase access for low-income and marginalized communities.

4. Make the relationship between agricultural research, education, and extension legally active, strong, and effective. 

For this, provide legal recognition to the relationship between these bodies and determine the clear functions, duties and rights of each body. Prepare and implement an integrated action plan. Increase operational cooperation between the crop and commodity-specific bodies operating in these three organizations and determine the technical standards and protocols of production materials. Use digital media such as the internet, apps and artificial intelligence for widespread dissemination of agricultural technology. Develop a large agricultural production area for each local level based on geographical potential, local needs and market certainty and provide agricultural extension services and other business-related facilities in an integrated manner. Adopt appropriate alternative crops/products and methods to minimize damage to the production of various crops/products from wild animals. Ensure the availability and quality of agricultural production materials such as seeds, seedlings, seedlings, chicks, fish fry.

5. Ensure savings for farmers by minimizing post-production losses of agricultural produce, marketing and price management. Making the minimum support price of agricultural commodities, interest rates on agricultural loans and agricultural insurance factual and practical. Strengthening the institutional structure for support price determination, promotion of agricultural businesses, procurement of agricultural products, market management and market regulation by analyzing agricultural prices. Determining the minimum support price before planting crops with ensuring appropriate savings from major crops. Strengthening the market intelligence system to identify opportunities and risks in local and remote markets and guide the production system accordingly. Reducing post-production losses of agricultural produce and supporting the construction of infrastructure such as warehouses for storage in agricultural cooperatives and the private sector. 

6. Improving the balance of agricultural trade by developing a competitive agricultural system through modernization and commercialization of the agricultural sector. In this context, encouraging the development of appropriate mechanization in government and private partnerships. Developing standards for agricultural machinery, quality regulation, research and entrepreneurship. Providing policy support to large commercial agricultural sectors and creating and regulating a suitable environment. Increasing the productivity of the agricultural sector, including protecting and earning livelihoods of medium to small commercial agricultural sectors. कृषि क्षेत्रको आधुनिकीकरण, यान्त्रिकीकरण, नवप्रवर्तनको प्रवद्र्धन तथा कृषक सम्मान जस्ता कार्यक्रमको माध्यमबाट कृषि पेसालाई सम्मानजनक पेसाका रूपमा रूपान्तरण गर्ने । स्थानीय ज्ञान र सीपको सम्मान र स्थानीयस्तरमै आवश्यक कृषि औजार निर्माणका लागि प्रोत्साहन गर्ने । विदेशबाट फर्केका युवालक्षित कृषि उत्पादनका प्याकेज कार्यक्रम तयार पारी कार्यान्वयन र उनीहरूको सीप–ज्ञानको उपयोग गर्ने । कृषि उद्योगलाई आवश्यक पर्ने मागअनुरूपको कच्चा पदार्थ स्वदेशमै उत्पादन गर्न आवश्यक प्रविधि, वित्त तथा ज्ञान उपलब्ध गराउने । कृषि क्षेत्रमा लगानीको वातावरण सिर्जनाका लागि कर्जा प्रवाह तथा बिमालगायतका वित्तीय सेवाको सुधार गर्ने र करमा सहुलियत दिने । 

७. कृषि व्यापार घाटा न्यूनीकरणका लागि आयात प्रतिस्थापन गर्ने । अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय बजार विश्लेषणका आधारमा नेपालको पहिचान दिनेखालका बाली÷वस्तुको निर्यात प्रवद्र्धन गर्ने । यसका लागि आन्तरिक उत्पादन बढाउन सकिने आयातित खाद्यवस्तुहरूको प्रतिस्थापन गरी क्रमश्ः आत्मनिर्भर हुने कार्ययोजना बनाउने । राष्ट्रिय व्यापार एकीकृत रणनीतिले पहिचान गरेका उच्च मूल्यका कृषि उपजहरूको निकासी प्रवद्र्धन गर्ने । नेपालले निर्धारण गरेको मापदण्ड र प्रक्रिया पूरा गरेका वस्तु मात्रै नेपालभित्र प्रवेश हुने व्यवस्था सुनिश्चित गर्ने । बजारको मागअनुसार कृषिजन्य बाली–वस्तुहरूमा स्वदेशी वस्तुको गुणस्तर प्रमाणित गरी निकासी सहजीकरण गर्ने । भौगोलिक संकेतलाई दृष्टिगत गरी निर्यात सम्भाव्य कृषिजन्य वस्तुको उत्पादन क्षेत्र पहिचानपश्चात् प्रांगारिक उत्पादन प्रवद्र्धनका लागि प्राविधिक सेवा–टेवा र उत्पादनोपरान्त कार्यहरू एकीकृत रूपमा कार्यान्वयन गर्ने । व्यावसायिक उत्पादनका लागि बिमाको दायरा बढाउँदै लैजाने । विदेशमा रहेका नेपाली नियोगहरूको सहकार्य तथा समन्वयमा नेपालको पहिचान दिने कृषि उपजको निजी क्षेत्रको सहभागिता प्रवद्र्धन गर्ने ।

८. देशका उपयुक्त सुरक्षित स्थानमा प्रांगारिक खेतीको प्रवद्र्धन र उत्पादनको प्रमाणीकरण हुने सेवाहरूको विकास गर्ने । यसका लागि बिरुवा तथा पशुपन्छीहरूमा एन्टिबायोटिक, औषधि, विषादी र हर्मोनको प्रयोगलाई नियमन र व्यवस्थित गर्ने । पशुपन्छी, वातावरण र मानव स्वास्थ्यलाई एकअर्काको परिपूरकका रूपमा ग्रहण गर्दै एक स्वास्थ्य रणनीति अवलम्बन गर्ने । प्रांगारिक खेतीका लागि उपयुक्त सुरक्षित क्षेत्र तथा बाली तोकी आवश्यक गुणस्तरीय उत्पादन सामग्रीको उपलब्धता सुनिश्चित गर्ने । स्रोत संरक्षण प्रविधिको अनुसन्धान तथा विकासलाई प्राथमिकता दिने । कृषि उपजहरूको प्रांगारिक खेती र प्रमाणीकरण प्रवद्र्धनको माध्यमबाट आन्तरिक खपत तथा निर्यात प्रवद्र्धन गर्ने । माटोमा प्रांगारिक पदार्थको मात्रामा सुधार ल्याउने । रैथाने बाली, बिरुवा, पशुपन्छी तथा जलचरहरूको सूचीकरण तथा संरक्षण गर्ने । रैथाने खाना, परिकार र संस्कृतिको कृषि पर्यटनमा उपयोग गर्ने । जैविक विविधताको संरक्षण, संवर्धन र दिगो उपयोग गर्ने । 

९. कृषि क्षेत्रमा जलवायु परिवर्तन अनुकूलन तथा न्यूनीकरणका लागि विभिन्न प्रविधि तथा पद्धतिहरूको खोज एवं अनुसन्धान र प्रसार गर्ने । यसका लागि जलवायु परिवर्तनबाट बढी संवेदनशील तथा प्रभावितलाई लक्षित गरी कृषि क्षेत्रमा आधारित अनुकूलन कार्यक्रमहरू सञ्चालन गर्ने । जलवायुमैत्री खेती प्रणालीसँग सम्बन्धित परम्परागत ज्ञान, सीप, अभ्यास एवं नवीनतम प्रविधिको प्रवद्र्धन गर्ने । कृषि क्षेत्रमा प्राकृतिक विपद्बाट हुने जोखिम न्यूनीकरण गर्ने । जलवायु परिवर्तनको प्रभाव र प्रवृत्ति पहिचानका लागि विभिन्न रणनैतिक स्थानहरूमा मौसम मापन केन्द्रहरूको विस्तार गर्ने । जलवायुजन्य प्रकोप तथा विपद्बारे सूचना दिन पूर्वसूचना÷सचेतना प्रणाली स्थापना गर्ने । कृषि क्षेत्रमा अनुकूलन तथा न्यूनीकरणका लागि आवश्यक स्वदेशी र अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय जलवायु वित्तका स्रोतहरूबाट वित्त जुटाउने । 

१०. संघ, प्रदेश र स्थानीय तह तथा सम्बद्ध सरोकारवालाबीचको समन्वय र सहकार्यलाई सुदृढ गरी सेवा प्रवाहलाई प्रभावकारी बनाउँदै सुशासनमा सुधार ल्याउने । यसका लागि तीनै तहका कृषि सम्बद्ध निकायहरूको समयानुकूल पुनःसंरचना गर्ने । कृषकहरूको वर्गीकरण गरी दिइने सेवा–सुविधा सुनिश्चित गर्न कृषक कल्याणकारी योजना बनाई कार्यान्वयन गर्ने । कृषि अनुसन्धान, शिक्षा र प्रसारमा क्रियाशील बाली–वस्तु विशेषका निकायबीचको सहकार्यलाई कार्यमूलक बनाउन प्रभावकारी समन्वय संयन्त्रको विकास गर्ने । संघ, प्रदेश र स्थानीयस्तरमा प्रयोगशाला, फार्म÷केन्द्र, तालिम केन्द्र, क्वारेन्टाइन व्यवस्थापनको मोडालिटी विकास गर्ने । खाद्य संकट व्यवस्थापनमा तीनै तहबीच सहकार्य र समन्वय गर्ने । कृषि क्षेत्रको कानुनी, संस्थागत र संरचनागत सुधार तथा जनशक्ति विकास गर्ने । सहभागिता, जवाफदेहिता, पारदर्शिता जस्ता सुशासनका आधारभूत पक्षलाई कृषि क्षेत्रको सेवा प्रवाहमा अवलम्बन गर्ने ।