- Wednesday, 9 July 2025
Kathmandu, July 1: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has expressed serious concern over an alleged change in the Civil Service Bill in an unauthorised way, calling it an insult to the dignity of parliament when the Bill had already been unanimously endorsed by the House of Representatives.
Taking to social media, Dr Koirala stated, “This is not a normal incident; it is disrespect for the sovereign Parliament.” He demanded immediate action against those responsible for the alteration and urged that such change be reverted.
The leader further stressed that the Bill should not proceed without the inclusion of a mandatory cooling-off period, underscoring the need for respect for parliamentary procedures.
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Makeshift embankment to prevent flooding in settlements
Nepalgunj, July 1: Construction of a makeshift embankment along the Rapti River has begun to prevent flooding in the nearby settlements.
The construction activities have been forwarded through People’s Embankment Programme, Lamahi, Dang, in a bid to protect more than two dozens of villages of Raptisonari, Narainapur and Duduwa rural municipalities.
A team of technicians comprising Project Chief of People’s Embankment Programme, Dr Narayan Subedi, has been constructing emergency embankment by adopting bamboo piling technology so that it would prevent flood from entering the settlements. The undertaking has been going on for the past one week after identifying vulnerable areas.
He added that construction of temporary embankments is underway also at Dhalaiya of Raptisonari rural municipality-6, Piprahawa of ward no 7, Khalla Jhagadiya, Devpurwa, Sonbarsha of Narainapur rural municipality, Gangapur and western part of Duduwa rural municipality to lessen the flood risk.
Though tender was announced in Jesth month for the construction of concrete embankment, it was not possible due to lack of budget and pebbles, shared Subedi.
“The encroachment of the Rapti River puts around 30,000 locals at high risk. So the embankments are being constructed for the time being to lessen the risks”, said Nepali Congress Constituency President, Poshan KC.
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Embankments built along Kaligandaki River
Mustang, July 1: The increasing deposit of stones, gravel, sand and debris in the Kaligandaki riverbed continues to pose a significant threat to the settlements in vicinity.
To address this situation, the implementation of a multi-year Kaligandaki River Control Project has recently been concluded here. The Project was funded by the federal government.
Under the Project, an embankment has been constructed along a 65-kilometer stretch of the riverbank, extending from Chhusang-3 in Baragung Muktichhetra rural municipality to Dhamphus-3 in Thasang rural municipality.
The Project, implemented by the Water Supply, Water Resources, and Irrigation Sub-Division Office of Mustang, includes various protective structures totaling 3,410 metres in length. According to Sanjay Koirala, head of the Sub-Division Office, the project was implemented in two phases: from Chhusang in Baragung-3 to Syang in Gharpajhong-3 (package I) and from Marpha in Gharpajhong-2 to Dhamphus in Thasang-3 (package II)
The contract for both rounds was awarded to Amit Builders, with costs amounting to Rs 91.02 million for Package I and Rs 91.06 million for Package II, it has been said.
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Speaker Ghimire urged to probe issues over Civil Service Bill
Kathmandu, July 1: No sooner had the lower house of the federal parliament, House of Representatives, passed the Civil Service Bill with a provision of 2-year cooling off after a year plus intense debates than it created furor in the wake of tampering with the bill document.
In response, Ramhari Khatiwada, Chairman of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the House of Representatives, has requested Speaker Devraj Ghimire today to probe the issues over the changes in the provision of Civil Service Bill.
Talking to media persons in Singha Durbar premises, Chairman Khatiwada said, “As a new section (5.a) was added as the proviso of Clause 82 (4), Speaker Ghimire was requested to investigate into it.”
The Bill passed by the HoR on Sunday had provisioned a 2-year cooling off, avoiding the civil servants to secure constitutional and diplomatic appointments for two years after retirement or registration.
Anyone involved in tampering with the Bill should be taken action, Khatiwada said, pledging that he too will face action if he was found guilty of it. He further said the Committee had taken seriously the changes made on cooling off provision.
He reiterated, “Parliament is the ultimate body to make law. Those involved in such mistakes warrant investigation and action.”
Meanwhile, the Committee failed to meet today after the Bill courted controversy. The Bill is yet to reach the Upper House.
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‘Collective efforts must to end child labour’
Gandaki, July 1: Collective efforts of three-tier governments as well as other bodies concerned were underlined to end child labour, one of the pressing problems Nepal has been facing, the said speakers.
At a programme organised by Social Development Centre under the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry here Monday, they pointed out the need of ensuring together the rehabilitation of child labour, reunion with families and formal and informal education programme.
On the occasion, a campaigner against child labour and Chairperson of Swanta Sukhaya Paropakar Pratisthan, Prof Dr Krishna Kumar Shrestha, expressed the view that child labour could be ended if an environment was created where children were not forced to do labour and imparted appropriate education. It could be resolved with collective efforts, he stressed.
Likewise, Chief of Labour Office, Pokhara, Suresh Dhakal, shared that though the law has prohibited child labour, children are forced to do labour in different pretexts in urban areas. Even the parents of such children must be made responsible for their duties, he argued.
Talking about the activities carried out by the Centre to end child labour, President of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gokarna Karki, complained of minimum support from government bodies to this campaign. He mentioned that child labour could be stopped if local level were proactively involved to this effect.
Similarly, Chief of Education Development and Coordination Unit, Kaski, Loknath Acharya, however, expressed the view that if someone provides proper care along with education to children from poor families, it should not be considered child labour.
Other speakers—member of Pokhara-4, Parbati Makaju, Chairperson of the Centre and former President of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rajendra Kumar Lalchan, among others laid emphasis the need of collective efforts of all to stop child labour.
On the occasion, programme facilitator Bhakta Raj Rasaili, shared that there are 1,147 child workers including 323 girls in Pokhara city alone. Of them, around 650 children are working at workshops, garages and metal industries, it was shared.
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NA meeting: HoR message on Citizenship Bill tabled
Kathmandu, July 1: A message obtained from the House of Representatives regarding the Nepal Citizenship (second amendment) Bill, 2081 BS has been tabled before the National Assembly (NA). Secretary Dr Surendra Aryal tabled the document before the upper house.
Similarly, NA Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal read out a letter about the temporary designation of duties and responsibilities for members in the Council of Ministers.
The NA Chair apprised the upper house that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development is to look after the daily administrative affairs undertaken by the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in absence of the latter who left here on June 28 for Spain.
Similarly, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, has been assigned to handle the portfolio of Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, who had embarked on Thailand on June 24 to attend an event.
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NA meeting: Appropriation Bill discussed
Kathmandu, June 1: The National Assembly today commenced the deliberation on the Appropriation Bill- 2082 BS.
The budget allocations to the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President and the National Planning Commission were discussed in the meeting.
Bhagawati Neupane underscored the need for a policy departure for the improvement of budget system. “The selection of projects on the basis of needs and relevancy and allocation of sufficient budget with an effective implementation will contribute to achieving proportionate development,” he argued.
Radheshyam Paswan demanded the appropriation of budget on the basis of sources’ management and needs.
As per the agenda for the session today, the discussions will also be held on budget allocations to various ministries: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ministry of Home and Ministry of Defence.
Meantime, airing their voices during the zero hour of the session, the lawmakers drew the government’s attention to the urgency of being fully prepared to deal with potential incidents of natural disasters during this monsoon.
They also urged the government to ensure sufficient supplies of chemical fertilizer for farmers.
Uday Bahadur Bohora said farmers demand around 1.3 million metric tons of fertilizer, while the supply is just around 0.4 million metric tons.
Nara Bahadur Bista said continuous rains have adversely affected farmers in the Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces.
Narayan Datta Mishra said Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolis and Godavari Municipality have been significantly affected by excessive rains, adding that the lack of a systematic sewage system has made the situation worse. He also sought an investigation into the alleged removal of the ‘cooling-off’ provision from the Civil Service Bill in an unauthorized manner.
Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) demanded the prompt restoration of the Karnali Bridge along the Postal Highway in Bardiya.
Mohammed Khalid called for the government’s efforts to promote paddy plantation in Madhesh, while Rajendra Laxmi Gaire insisted on the need to guarantee the travel safety of people during the rainy season.
Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar demanded the withdrawal of the luxury tax announced on gold and silver, while Gomadevi Timilsina urged the Nepal Electricity Authority to manage the messed up electric wires in various districts of Terai/Madhesh region.
Durga Kumari Gurung stressed that the situation forcing people from Karnali to go to India for jobs must end, and emphasized the need for skill-enhancing and self-employment opportunities within the country.
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Jhapa reports eight new cases of Covid-19
Baniyani (Jhapa), July 1: Jhapa, the district in Koshi Province, has received 15,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19, according to Ramesh Barakoti, Chief of the Health Office, Jhapa.
As per the newly implemented vaccination schedule, priority groups include individuals with weakened immune systems, children above the age of five, expectant mothers, and those in direct contact with healthcare workers or infected people.
The district has reported eight new COVID-19 cases of late. Of these, five are residents of Jhapa, while the remaining cases include one each from Morang, Ilam, and Dolakha.
Testing for suspected cases has been initiated at Kakarbhitta border point in Mechinagar municipality. Three health personnel have been deployed for the task. However, officials are yet to determine a designated health facility for referring serious cases, Barakoti added.
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Strengthening NAC helps aviation sector thrive: Minister Pandey
Kathmandu, July 1: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has asserted that strengthening Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) was essential for the development of entire aviation sector.
At a programme organised here on the occasion of 67th anniversary of national flag carrier, NAC, Minister Pandey expressed the commitment that the government would always support for the development of NAC, mentioning that it has carried historical importance and is a backbone of country’s tourism sector.
He directed NAC management and staffs to work in factual and result-oriented manner.
Sharing about achievements made so for, Executive Chairperson of the NAC, Yubraj Adhikari, argued that Public Procurement Regulations has become main obstacle to NAC’s progress. Adhikari laid emphasis on the need of maintaining reliability through affordable, trustworthy and regular service. Safe and affordable flights help enrich people’s trust as accounts to NAC’s objectives.
NAC observed its anniversary by organizing week-long programmes. The formal programme has held today at New Road based central office of NAC in presence of Minister Pandey.
NAC, established on July 1, 1958, has been conducting foreign flights to- New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai of India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Narita of Japan, Doha of Qatar, Dubai of United Arab Emirates and Riyadh of Saudi Arab from two wide-body ‘A’ 330 and two narrow-body ‘A’ 320.
It has two twin otter aircrafts for domestic flights as well.
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‘Respect freedom of expression to strengthen democracy’
Kathmandu, July 1: Freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Very preamble of Nepal’s constitution 2015 has finely mentioned ‘full freedom of press’, thereby encouraging atmosphere for free flow of information and journalists’ rights to free reporting.
The constitution has been lauded much for its progressive provisions to enforce federal democratic republic. In the wake of preparation going on to make laws to suit new system along with the digital disruption, stakeholders, however, have expressed concern over the legal provisions and ongoing efforts of restriction, urging all sides including parliament and government to respect press freedom.
In a progrmme organized with the support of Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Kathmandu on Monday, the speakers from diverse sectors reminded freedom of expression is indispensable to democracy, so, they argued, controlling measures go against the system.
Rights activists, human rights defenders, journalists, filmmakers, judiciary members, and government representatives gathered to comprehensively assess “Press Freedom and Related Laws: Status and Way Forward” in the event organized by Freedom Forum.
In his presentation, advocate and Right to Information expert Sanjeeb Ghimire stated, “Freedom is by default, and restriction is the exception or purely based on certain condition when it comes to checking freedom of press.”
Nepal’s constitution, considered one of the most progressive documents in the world, guarantees freedom of opinion and expression as a fundamental right under Article 17 the Right to Freedom. This progressive legal framework establishes a strong basis for safeguarding these rights, he cited.
While the constitution allows for reasonable restrictions on freedom of expression, these provisions have often been ‘misused’ often to curtail free speech and press freedom, Ghimire expressed worry.
Moderating the session, Taranath Dahal, Executive Chief of Freedom Forum, reminded Nepal’s commitment to international human rights instruments and argued, “Right to freedom of expression and freedom of opinion, the fundamental rights guaranteed by our constitution and international human rights instrument, can not be curtailed.”
Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi added, “If the media ignores its duties toward both its profession (journalistic ethics) and the citizens it serves, society will naturally reject or discredit it. That is why media should principally be self-regulated rather than face State control.”
“Media freedom is uncomfortable truth to those who assume public posts and they attempt to deny this truth,” he claimed, adding that criticism of those in power is principally protected in democracy.
Film producer and director Manoj Pandit expressed concern over the State’s perception of filmmaking. He argued that that the State still views filmmaking as a potential means of misleading society, rather than recognizing it as an art form that can educate and enlighten the public. He criticized attempts to impose moral lessons on filmmakers instead of promoting creative freedom.
Senior journalist and columnist Namrata Sharma said, “Any situation forcing media to survive on fear is not expected in democracy.”
Devi Khadka, General Secretary of NGO Federation Nepal, said that civic space in the country was shrinking due to various reasons. As this space is increasingly encroached upon, the freedom of expression, one of the core agendas of civil society is under threat.
The event also attended by Ramkala Khadka, the President of Working Women Journalists ( WWJ), Dr Sudamshu Dahal, and Dr Nirmal Rijal from academia, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Joint Secretary Yagya Prasad Adhikari, assessed various existing laws including the Press and Publication Act, 2048 BS (1991), National Broadcasting Act, 2049 BS, Penal Code, 2074 BS( 2017), Online Media Operations Directives, 2073 BS, Social Network Directives, 2081 BS and some bills (Media Council Bill and the IT and Cyber Security Bill) that are presently under consideration. They advocated for FoE-friendly provisions in the bills.
While concluding the session, Freedom Forum Chair Hari Binod Adhikari said that although everyone’s definition of freedom may differ, it is essential to respect one another’s freedom while exercising one’s own rights. “We are always committed to the cause of democracy and the protection of civic freedoms, and ready to cooperate with government for enabling these fundamental rights,” he stressed.
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One month of monsoon: 674 incidents, 31 deaths, 112 injuries
Kathmandu, July 1: In one month of this year’s monsoon, 674 monsoon-related disasters were reported from across the country with 31 casualties and 112 injuries.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), total 87 landslide incidents were recorded during the review period. These events partially damaged 25 houses and destroyed 11. Additionally, 14 animals were killed and seven cow sheds were destroyed. The estimated physical loss from landslides amounted to Rs 22.01 million.
Flooding incidents numbered 64, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to seven others. As many as 123 families were affected by the floods.
Lightning strikes proved to be the deadliest, claiming 82 lives and injuring 20 people.
In 45 reported cases of wind-related disasters, one person was killed and three others were injured. The physical loss from these incidents was estimated at Rs 2.6 million.
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Foreign employment fraudsters will face action: Minister Bhandari
Patan, July 1: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, has said those involved in foreign employment fraud by using legal loopholes would be brought to book.
At a programme organised by Safe Migration (SAMI) Programme in Lalitpur today, Minister Bhandari shared, “There are 36,000 cases of fraud at the Department of Foreign Employment. So we are planning to amend the constitution in order to settle such cases and take action against those involved in cheating.”
Stating that development and promotion of employment in the country is the alternative to forced foreign employment, he mentioned that priority was given to domestic employment promotion along with safe foreign employment. “The Ministry is planning to forward a campaign through SAMI in order to work in favour of country’s economic development and prosperity by bringing Nepalis back from foreign employment. We have now forwarded programmes through skill development foundation keeping internal employment in mind”, added Minister Bhandari.
SAMI Project has proved the relevance of the programme, he observed, mentioning that the ministry had wanted to expand safe migration programme to all 753 local levels.
Similarly, Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Krishna Hari Pushkar, said the government would always play positive role to implement SAMI programme.
Likewise, a representative of Swiss Embassy in Nepal opined that SAMI Project is a significant learning.
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PM Oli addresses FFD4 Plenary, calls for justice and fairness in global economic and financial system
Kathmandu, July 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called for justice and fairness in the global economic and financial system.
The PM, who is currently on an official visit to Spain to attend the United Nations (UN)’s ‘Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4)’, made this call while delivering a statement at the FFD4 Plenary on Monday.
On the occasion, he also called for adequate climate finance that is concessional, predictable, and accessible. “The Sevilla Commitment must serve as a vital catalyst for the development and progress of all the LDCs. It must also ensure a smooth, irreversible and sustainable graduation,” the PM emphasized.
The following is the full text of the PM’s statement:
STATEMENT by Rt. Hon. Mr. K P Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal as the Chair of the LDCs and in National Capacity at the Plenary of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) 30 June 2025, Seville, Spain
Distinguished Co-Chairs, Your Excellencies the Heads of State and Government, Mr. Secretary-General of the United Nations, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the group of the least developed countries.
Let me begin by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Spain—for generous hospitality, and for warmly welcoming us into this historic and beautiful city.
Excellencies, A decade ago, in Addis Ababa, the world pledged solidarity with the LDCs.
The commitment was also echoed in the 2030 Agenda. We promised to leave no one behind and committed to uplift the furthest behind first. Ten years on, the world is making progress. Global GDP has grown—roughly from 75 trillion to 115 trillion. But inequality is rising—between and within nations. At the very moment when solidarity is most needed— Official Development Assistance is shrinking.
Debt is suffocating the South—specifically, LDCs’ debt has tripled in the last decade. Trade is fractured. Growth is unequal. Investment remains weak, and poverty is persistent. Technology and innovation are advancing in leaps and bounds in developed countries. But the LDCs face a stark technological and digital divide—seriously hindering their economic and social progress.
Poor and inadequate infrastructure continues to impede our potential. In global development forums, LDCs remain marginalized—their voices often unheard. Climate change strikes LDCs the hardest, although they emit less than 1 percent of greenhouse gas. After Addis Ababa— only four LDCs have graduated.
Excellencies,
Despite multiple challenges, LDCs are resolute to overcome them with the strength and ingenuity of their people as well as the support and solidarity of their development partners. This is also demonstrated by the 14 LDCs advancing toward graduation.
Against this backdrop, the Sevilla Commitment we adopted today gives us a chance to change the course. It promises a renewed global financing framework for the realization of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The developing countries, particularly LDCs, strongly urge for its full implementation in good faith and high spirits. In this regard, we call for justice and fairness in the global economic and financial system. We stand for reform of global financial architecture.
We urge our development partners to deliver 0.7 percent ODA commitment to developing countries; and to meet and go beyond 0.2 percent for the LDCs.
We seek grants and concessional finance on fairer terms.
We stand for rules-based and equitable global trading system where all countries accrue benefits. We stand for vibrant private sectors connecting Global North and Global South through value chains bringing common prosperity to all.
We stand for a UN-led tax convention.
We call for adequate climate finance that is concessional, predictable, and accessible. The Sevilla Commitment must serve as a vital catalyst for the development and progress of all the LDCs. It must also ensure a smooth, irreversible and sustainable graduation.
Excellencies,
Let me touch briefly upon my national context now. We are graduating from the LDC status in 2026. While our determination remains firm, we need robust support from our development partners to realize our development aspirations. Nepal is proud to have served as a co-facilitator of Sevilla Commitment—alongside Norway, Zambia, and Mexico. We thank all Member States for their trust. Excellencies, Let us implement the Sevilla agenda with urgency to overcome despair and to reignite hope:
Hope for a fairer global governance system that respects all voices.
Hope for partnerships built on solidarity.
Hope for sensible investment in people and planet.
Hope for a better world where no country is left behind.
Thank you!
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Weather: Heavy rain forecast at one or two places of four provinces
Kathmandu, July 1: The monsoon wind has its influence throughout the country at present with the monsoon low pressure trough somewhat closer to west Nepal, towards north from its average position, the Meteorological Forecasting Division said.
The weather will be generally cloudy across the country today.
There is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning in some areas of the hilly regions of the country including Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, as well as in some areas of the remaining regions.
The Division stated that there is possibility of heavy rainfall in one or two places in the Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces.
There is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snowfall in some areas of the country’s high hilly and mountainous region.
Similarly, tonight it will be generally cloudy in the hilly areas of the country including Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, while the remaining areas will have partially cloudy condition.
There is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning in some places of the hilly regions of the country, including Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, as well as in some areas of other regions. There is also a possibility of heavy rainfall in one or two places of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces.
The Meteorological Department has stated that there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snowfall in some areas of the high hilly and mountainous regions of the country.
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Minister Khadka back home after attending SCO’s Energy Ministerial level Meeting
Kathmandu, July 1: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka returned home last night after participating in the fifth energy ministerial meeting organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Ningbo city, Zhejiang province of China.
He informed RSS that various discussions on energy cooperation with China took place in the meeting, claiming that his visit to China was fruitful.
Minister Khadka said that at the SCO Ministerial level meeting he sought commitment for further cooperation and contribution in Nepal’s energy sector in the future as well as informed the meeting about the targets Nepal has set in the energy development sector.
He said, “Energy is no longer just a business matter, it is the foundation of our sustainable development and shared prosperity. Nepal has now planned to advance the energy sector as a key driver.”
It has been reported that the meeting, which took place from June 23 to 27, included energy ministers from nine member countries, including the host country China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as three observer countries and 14 dialogue countries.
He met with the Nepali community while he was in China. Minister Khadka left for China on the night of June 23 to participate in the meeting.
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Imports from India amount to 434 billion, exports 87 billion from Birgunj customs
Birgunj (Parsa), July 1: Goods worth Rs 434 billion 260 million have entered Nepal through the Birgunj border from the neighboring country India in the last 11 months of the current fiscal year 2024/25.
It is said 76.80 percent of the total imports through this customs check point are goods imported from India.
According to Deepak Lamichhane, the Chief Customs Administrator of the Birgunj Customs Office, the majority of import and export through this border is with the neighbouring country, India.
Argentina comes in second place after India in terms of imports through this check point. Many goods and commodities are imported from Argentina. In the current fiscal year, goods and commodities worth Rs 46.74 billion have been imported from Argentina. The share of goods imported from that country is 8.27 percent.
Similarly, goods worth Rs 28.86 billion have been imported from the northern neighbour China during the same period. The share of imports from China is 1.22 percent.
In the 11 months of the current fiscal year, goods and products worth Rs 565 billion 420 million have been imported from 50 countries at the Birgunj border.
Similarly, goods and items worth Rs 91 billion 510 million have been exported to foreign countries through the Birgunj border in the last 11 months of the current fiscal year. During this period goods and items worth Rs. 86 billion 970 million have been exported to India through this border. This volume of export to India comprises 95.05 percent of total export trade volume through Birgunj customs.
America comes in the second place in terms of volume of exports through this customs during the same period. Goods and products worth Rs 2.18 billion have been exported to America, which is 2.38 percent of total exports.
Similarly, goods worth Rs 680 million have also been exported to Afghanistan through this border customs check point during the same period.
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Kavre supplies 70 percent of its total milk production to other districts
Kavrepalanchowk, July 1: Kavrepalanchok district, which has attained self-sufficieny in milk, supplies 70 percent of the total milk produced in the district to the federal capital Kathmandu and some other districts.
Data shows that approximately 149 million 280 thousand liters of milk is produced annually in the district, the District Livestock Service Office said. There are 43 thousand 107 milch cows and 59 thousand 320 milch buffaloes in the district at present.
According to the Office, among the total dairy buffaloes in the district, there are 34,340 local breed and 24,980 improved breed buffaloes.
Office chief Dr Srija Wagle said official statistics are being collected regarding the amount of money coming into the district from milk sales recently.
According to the Office’s statistics, the highest milk production has been occurring in the municipalities of Panauti, Banepa, Mandandeupur and Panchkhal in the district.
Kavrepalanchwok has a history of selling milk since the year 2009 BS, and it was declared as ‘Self-sufficient District in Milk’ in 2073 BS.
According to the District Dairy Producers Cooperative Association, around 70 percent of the total milk produced in the district is being supplied to other districts. “Of the total milk produced in the district, 30 percent is consumed in the district while the rest is supplied to other districts including Kathmandu,” said Narayan Prasad Badal, the president of the Association. He said 70 dairy cooperatives have been regularly collecting milk from various areas of the district and more than 100 on a personal basis.
Badal added that about 500 thousand liters of milk is produced daily in Kavre, and 300 thousand liters of it is sent to the market for sale.
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Foreign Minister urges int’l community for assistance in climate finance, sustainable agriculture
Kathmandu, July 1: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has called on the international community to support sustainable agricultural systems for Nepal and countries with similar topographies, as well as climate finance for the Himalayan region.
Addressing the 44th General Assembly of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held in Rome on Monday, she urged for ensuring grant-based international climate finance for Nepal, particularly for the mountainous regions, which are suffering from the impacts of climate change.
“The mountainous region of Nepal and countries like Nepal are the most vulnerable due to climate crisis. However, these areas have been neglected in climate finance and adaptation efforts. It is essential that all those concerned over this issue pay attention to it,” Minister Rana said.
Stating that the agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy, she mentioned that agriculture contributes 23 percent to Nepal’s gross domestic product and that nearly two-thirds of the population depends on agriculture.
She also made it clear that the role of agriculture is crucial in food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and rural development.
Minister Dr Rana stated that the goal of creating a hunger-free world by 2030 is still unfulfilled and it is being challenged by pandemics, climate crises, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions.
She stated that sustainable and resilient mountain agriculture promotion is essential not only for our livelihoods but also important for the planet’s biodiversity, food security, and the ecological balance of the Earth.
“We are seeking collaboration to expand farmers’ access to early warning systems. In the context of increasing climate risks, we expect stronger collaboration with FAO for the promotion of sustainable mountain agriculture. Additionally, Nepal has expressed the expectation of sharing experiences and knowledge about successful practices to increase the participation and leadership of women and youth farmers,” reiterated Minister Rana, expressing Nepal’s desire to expanding successful and innovative agriculture practices as the ‘four better’ approach.
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