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To make farmers self-reliant, underground irrigation systems are being constructed in various parts of Nuwakot to provide much-needed convenience. Construction has commenced in Bidur Municipality-9, 10 and Panchakanya Rural Municipality-1, aiming to irrigate 8,000 ropanis of land across four locations.

The initiative follows a study conducted by a technical team to address the challenges faced by farmers in irrigating cultivable land situated above continuously flowing rivers. An on-site inspection at Sukkhatars, Nuwakot, involving people's representatives and technicians, laid the groundwork for this project. Ramesh Kumar Mahat, a member of the Bagmati Province Assembly, laid the foundation stone for the project at Gerkhu, Bidur Municipality-10, stating that it would facilitate vegetable and crop production for local farmers. 

Mahat emphasized maintaining quality in the construction work and highlighted the initiative as a solution to Nuwakot’s ‘dry tars’ problem, where fertile lands lie dry despite rivers flowing below. Mayor Rajan Shrestha of Bidur Municipality shared plans to drill 102 meters deep to extract water for irrigation. The cost for digging stands at Rs 11,000 per meter, and the work is being carried out under the Federal Ministry of Energy and Irrigation.

Simultaneous construction of underground irrigation systems is underway in Colony of Bidur-9, Gerkhutar of Bidur-10, and Aapchaur of Panchakanya-1. The Integrated River Basin Irrigation and Water Resources Management Program, in coordination with the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, is spearheading the deep boring construction to alleviate irrigation challenges faced by farmers.

The project, currently in its first phase, will expand in the second and third phases to include additional irrigation canals, tanks, pipelines, irrigation ditches, and reserve tanks, ensuring water reaches farmers’ fields. The comprehensive plan aims to increase agricultural productivity, enhance self-reliance, and create self-employment opportunities for local farmers. 

Mayor Shrestha noted that the lift technology irrigation system would address the depletion of fertile lands due to a lack of water, significantly benefiting general farmers. With continuous efforts from the technical team and support from the government, the initiative is expected to bring transformative change to the dry lands of Nuwakot, advancing agricultural self-sufficiency in the region.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 38.81 points to close at 2,755.47 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 3.33 points to close at 480. 90 points.

A total of 17,183,854-unit shares of 316 companies were traded for Rs 9. 31 billion.

Meanwhile, Bishal Bazar Company Limited (BBC), Karnali Development Bank Limited (KRBL), Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL), Sindhu Bikash Bank Ltd (SINDU) and Support Microfinance Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Mithila LaghuBitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (MLBBL) was the top loser as its price fell by 10.00 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 57 trillion.

The National Farmers’ Commission has urged all three tiers of government to introduce a pension scheme for farmers and formulate necessary policies, laws, and procedures to support this initiative. Emphasizing the critical role of farmers in Nepal’s economic development, the commission highlighted the need to prioritize their social security and improve their livelihoods. To this end, the commission proposed establishing a contribution-based farmers’ fund, which it believes will strengthen farmers’ social security and make agriculture a more attractive occupation. Discussions on this matter have already been held with provincial and local governments in Surkhet.  

Tek Bahadur Bogati, a commission member, underscored the importance of acknowledging farmers’ contributions to the economy. He stated that farmers, who sustain the nation through their labor, deserve respect and support from the state. Social security, including pensions, is essential to recognize the lifelong efforts of farmers and ensure their well-being.  

In addition to pensions, the commission recommended several measures to enhance the quality of life for farmers. These include establishing an agricultural labor bank at the local level to support farmers and their families, providing quotas for higher education to children of farmers who work at least 100 days a year, and offering concessions on healthcare and electricity. The commission also suggested maternity allowances for female farmers, paid leave for agricultural workers, and increased budget allocations for agriculture, recommending a minimum of 10 percent of the total budget. Furthermore, the commission proposed the establishment of a farmers’ bench in courts to provide legal aid, production-based subsidies to encourage productivity, awards for outstanding farmers, and free telephone and internet services to facilitate agricultural consultations.  

However, farmers in Karnali expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of farmer-friendly policies and ineffective delivery of state services. Many complained that the actual beneficiaries are often excluded due to bureaucratic hurdles and the dominance of middlemen in the agricultural sector. Farmer Nita Chand emphasized the need for targeted subsidy programs for commercial farmers, while Ram Bahadur Shahi pointed out that middlemen hinder improvements in farmers’ living standards.  

Local leaders echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for better coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments to address the challenges in agriculture. Bir Bahadur Giri, Chairperson of Barekot Rural Municipality, stated that effective solutions to agricultural issues require strong coordination between all levels of government. Similarly, Sunita Sapkota, Deputy Mayor of Sharda Municipality, highlighted the necessity of unified efforts to bring about meaningful reforms.  

With 32,600 households in Karnali engaged in agriculture, as reported by the National Census 2021, the commission’s recommendations aim to tackle persistent challenges and ensure that farmers’ contributions are recognized and supported, fostering a more secure and sustainable future for those in the agricultural sector.

In recent times, cooperatives have faced criticism, but women-led initiatives have proven their potential to succeed. The Women’s Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative Organization, located in Khairahani Municipality-10, Kathar, Chitwan, stands as a testament to this success.  

While savings and credit cooperatives often face challenges, most agricultural cooperatives, like this one, operate efficiently. According to Managing Director Purnamaya Adhikari, the cooperative’s strength lies in its honesty, transparency, and the commitment of its all-women membership.  

When asked about achieving a 100 percent loan recovery rate, Adhikari said, “A woman cannot succeed without family support. Women are generally more cautious about debt. They ensure loans are utilized properly, knowing they must repay them to maintain their social standing.”

Adhikari explained that loans are issued only after thorough discussions in group meetings held at the ward level, in the presence of cooperative employees. The process includes monitoring the purpose and progress of the borrowers, ensuring funds are used effectively.  

The cooperative, which has 1,835 female members, also allowed five widowers to join after their wives' deaths. It has transformed 125 members into entrepreneurial farmers and supported 195 in animal husbandry and agriculture, while 235 have ventured into other businesses.  

The cooperative provides loans at 14 percent interest for education, real estate, and vehicles, but rural enterprise loans are offered at a concessional nine percent interest rate. Through the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Rural Enterprise Finance Project, members can access loans of up to Rs 5m at subsidized rates. The cooperative itself received Rs 20m for setting up a rice mill, which processes and packages locally grown rice.  

The mill has resolved long-standing issues of market access and unfair pricing for farmers. Local farmer Kamala Bhandari shared her experience: “After the mill started, we didn’t have to search for buyers or accept unfair prices. I’ve been able to send my children to school with my agricultural income, and they’re now employed.”

Cooperative President Geeta KC highlighted how rural enterprise loans have empowered members by eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair prices. She remarked, “Previously, farmers suffered from middlemen’s exploitation. The subsidized loan enabled us to run the mill and secure fair prices for our members.”

The ADB’s National Director for Nepal, Arno Koshwa, praised the initiative, saying it has commercialized farming and liberated farmers from exploitative practices. “Business requires investment, knowledge, and skills, and this cooperative has successfully combined all three,” Koshwa said during a project monitoring visit.  

The Women’s Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative Organization is not just a strong example of women’s empowerment but also a model for agricultural cooperatives striving for sustainability and farmer welfare.