Nepal's Agriculture Minister Announces Major Policy Shift: New Agriculture Act and Forest Guard Recruitment

In a decisive move to address Nepal's long-standing agricultural and environmental challenges, Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary has declared that legal and policy reforms are now the ministry's top priorities. Speaking at a critical meeting of the Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives on Friday, Chaudhary highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive Agriculture Act, describing the current absence of such legislation as a significant gap in the nation's policy framework.

Addressing the Legislative Void

Chaudhary expressed deep concern over the fact that Nepal still lacks a unified Agriculture Act, a situation she termed "unfortunate" given the sector's importance to the country's economy. The minister emphasized that establishing this legal framework is essential for solving long-term issues affecting farmers and the broader agricultural ecosystem. This push for reform aligns with the recent structural changes in the government, where the agriculture and forest ministries were merged into a single entity to better address policy gaps and streamline operations.

As a member of parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party and a lawyer by profession, Chaudhary brings a unique legal perspective to these challenges, having recently assumed office under Prime Minister Balen Shah's new government. Her focus on legislation reflects a strategic approach to creating a stable environment for agricultural growth and environmental conservation.

Boosting Forest Security with New Recruitment

Beyond legislative reforms, the ministry is taking immediate action to strengthen its operational capacity in the field. Chaudhary announced that the government plans to initiate new recruitment for forest guards within the current fiscal year. This initiative directly addresses the critical staffing shortages that have hampered forest protection efforts across Nepal.

The recruitment drive is a vital step in safeguarding Nepal's botanical resources, which Minister Chaudhary has previously warned are under threat from climate change and human activities. By increasing the number of forest guards, the ministry aims to enhance monitoring and enforcement capabilities, ensuring better protection of oxygen sources, medicinal plants, and the country's natural wealth.

A Broader Vision for Agriculture and Environment

Chaudhary's announcements come amidst a series of proactive measures by the ministry to support farmers. Recently, she released guidelines for determining the Minimum Support Price (MSP), requiring the ministry to publish price information for major crops before sowing begins to help farmers make informed decisions. Additionally, she has urged the public to report black marketing and artificial shortages of agricultural inputs, pledging a zero-tolerance policy toward activities detrimental to farmers.

The government is also working to ensure an adequate supply of chemical fertilizers, with plans to distribute around 600,000 metric tonnes of subsidized fertilizer by the end of the current fiscal year to support the paddy planting season. These efforts, combined with the push for a new Agriculture Act and expanded forest guard recruitment, signal a comprehensive strategy to revitalize Nepal's agricultural sector and protect its environment.