Khotang Municipality Distributes 400 Bulls to Farmers for Self-Employment
Khotang Municipality Distributes 400 Bulls to Farmers for Self-Employment
Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality has launched a program to distribute high-breed bulls to local farmers. The initiative aims to promote self-employment among farmers and make the municipality self-sufficient in buffalo meat production. This year, bulls worth approximately NPR 62 million are being distributed under the program.
According to Vice Mayor Bishan Rai, the bulls were procured from farms in the Terai region and are being distributed to farmers through agricultural groups. "This year, we have planned to distribute 400 bulls," he stated. "Under the municipality's agricultural program, farmers will receive high-breed bulls with a 75% subsidy. So far, we have already distributed 200 bulls."
The municipality, which consists of 15 wards, has already allocated NPR 16 million worth of bulls in Ward No. 3 Bamrang, NPR 7 million in Ward No. 4 Khalle, NPR 12 million in Ward No. 5 Lafyang, NPR 3 million in Ward No. 7 Dorpa, and NPR 8.5 million in Ward No. 15 Bijayakharka. Vice Mayor Rai mentioned that the remaining funds allocated to these wards will also be used to procure and distribute bulls to farmers.
According to the municipality's agricultural department head, Tej Prakash Jaisi, farmers are required to pay only 25% of the total cost of the bulls. The funds are deposited into the accounts of agricultural groups, which then manage the purchase, transportation, and distribution of the bulls. The municipality has prioritized agriculture to generate employment opportunities, especially for young people, and to increase income levels through livestock farming.
The municipality expects that raising bulls and buffaloes will not only boost meat production but also increase organic manure availability, which will, in turn, enhance vegetable and crop yields. The program is part of the municipality's broader strategy to commercialize agriculture, which was approved in last year's municipal assembly.
Apart from livestock farming, the municipality has been providing subsidies to farmers for commercial cultivation of bananas, kiwis, lemons, oranges, coffee, tea, and vegetables. To reduce dependence on external sources for plant saplings, the municipality has established coffee nurseries in Ward No. 6 Nerpa and Ward No. 14 Buipa. These nurseries, supported by municipal investment, are currently nurturing 1.7 million coffee saplings.
Municipal agricultural head Jaisi emphasized that producing saplings locally is more cost-effective than purchasing them from external sources, which is why the coffee nurseries were established. Around 100 daily wage workers have been employed at these two nurseries. Under the municipality's plan to commercialize agriculture, it is estimated that once coffee production begins, the municipality could generate NPR 12 billion annually.
"We plan to sell the coffee produced in Diktel not only in the local markets but also in different cities across Nepal. For surplus production, we have already secured agreements to export it to the UK," said Vice Mayor Rai. "Some of the coffee will be processed in Nepal for domestic consumption, while the rest will be directly exported to the UK without processing."
Additionally, under the municipality's kiwi promotion program, the planted kiwi trees have started yielding fruits. To facilitate post-harvest processing, a kiwi processing center has been established in Ward No. 6 Nerpa.
This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the economic upliftment of the local farmers and promote self-sufficiency in agricultural production. The municipality remains committed to expanding its agricultural programs to enhance productivity, improve the livelihoods of farmers, and boost the local economy.
To further support farmers, the municipality is also working on introducing modern farming techniques and training programs. These initiatives aim to educate farmers on advanced agricultural practices, ensuring sustainable and profitable farming. Additionally, irrigation projects are being developed to provide a reliable water supply for farming activities, reducing dependency on seasonal rainfall.
Future plans include expanding livestock farming programs to incorporate dairy production, which will create additional revenue streams for farmers. The municipality is also exploring opportunities to establish food processing industries that can add value to agricultural products before they reach the market. These measures will not only strengthen the local economy but also create more employment opportunities for the youth.
The municipal government remains dedicated to making Diktel a model agricultural hub, demonstrating the potential of well-planned and effectively implemented agricultural policies. With continued investment and strategic planning, the region aims to become a leader in commercial farming and agribusiness development.
#Agriculture #Livestock #Self-Employment
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