Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS)
Bhadrapur (Jhapa), Aug 13: Five people have died from Japanese encephalitis (JE) infection in Jhapa in the last four months. So far, JE infection has been confirmed in nine people in the district, out of which five have died.
Among those who died, three are men and two women. Among the infected, three are from Mechinagar, one from Haldibari, one from Bahradashi, one from Kachankawal, two from Birtamod, and one from Arjundhara.
Bishwanath Shrestha, a public health inspector at the Health Office in Jhapa, said that most of the infected people are over 50 years old.
Japanese encephalitis is a viral disease that spreads to humans through the bite of Culex mosquitoes. Once infected, the virus affects the brain. Pigs and ducks are considered the main sources of the JE virus.
People who raise pigs and those living around rice fields and waterlogged areas tend to be at high risk of JE infection if they do not take adequate precaution.
Raj Kumar Pokharel, the vaccination officer at the Health Office in Jhapa, urged people to protect themselves from mosquito bites to avoid JE and to get vaccinated against JE by participating in the regular vaccination programs run by the government.
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15- NA members draw govt.’s attention on various issues
Kathmandu, Aug 13: National Assembly (NA) members have drawn attention of the government to resolve problems of cooking gas shortage as the general people have been hit hard due to this.
Speaking in zero hour of the meeting of the upper house of the Federal Parliament today, Bishnu Devi Pudasaini and Krishna Prasad Adhikari urged the government for market monitoring to control black marketing as there is artificial shortage of cooking gas.
Similarly, Ghan Shyam Rijal demanded release of senior journalist Kishor Shrestha.
Likewise, Padam Bahadur Pariyar stressed the need of resolving problem as construction of Tanahu hydropower project has caused a change in the flow of Seti River.
Rukmini Koirala expressed sorrow over death of 10 climbers including six Nepali climber including Nirmal Purja while climbing Broad Peak in Pakistan.
Similarly, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota asked the government to determine room and house rent by making house and room rent policy in Kathmandu Valley.
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16- Former Prime Minister Deuba back home
Kathmandu, Aug 13: Former president of Nepali Congress and ex-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has returned home today from Bangkok, Thailand, after nearly five months of medical treatment.
He was seriously injured during the Gen Z protest on September 9 and had gone to Hong Kong via Singapore for treatment five months ago.
After completing his medical treatment, former Prime Minister Deuba arrived in Kathmandu this afternoon.
He was received at Tribhuvan International Airport by party senior leaders, including Purna Bahadur Khadka, Dr. Shashanka Koirala, Prakash Man Singh, Bimalendra Nidhi, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, NP Saud, Ambika Basnet, Ishwari Neupane, Meen Bishwakarma, Mohan Bahadur Basnet, and Umakant Chaudhary.
Hundreds of Congress leaders and activists from across the country escorted former Prime Minister Deuba with cheers and shouts from the airport premises to his residence.
Deuba issues appeal after homecoming
Leader Deuba issued an appeal upon arrival, saying that the peaks of the Himalayas, the green hills, and the vast plains of the Tarai have called him back to his home. He mentioned that he has returned not as a leader but as a lifelong citizen of the nation, ready to serve with humility, dedication, and love.
Former Prime Minister Deuba said that Congress is not just a party with a democratic history but a party that has survived decades of political struggle while preserving its existence and dignity.
“I have heard both the silent pain and the strong voices of our youth. I want to say clearly—the Congress has embraced the change that the younger generation has demanded. The world has changed, and we also need to move forward with the pace of time, which is a truth we accept. That’s why, even while enduring physical pain, I had expressed at that time the view that the legitimate demands of the Gen Z movement in September last year needed to be addressed.”
He stated that there is nothing he needs to take politically, but the experiences from his past should be taken by the country and the party, and that it is his responsibility to share that experience with the new generation.
Former Prime Minister Deuba has said that his party colleagues are currently feeling dejected, and now it is time to reconnect with the feelings of people within the party to boost their morale.
He recalled that in 2033 BS when BP Koirala returned to Nepal from exile in India, he announced that it was time for all nationalist and democratic forces to unite, and mentioned that even after 47 years, there is still a need for all-party national unity to strengthen national union.
“I have always said that I have prioritized the nation, democracy, citizens, the constitution, and the law in my life,” he said in the appeal, adding, “I have never done anything against the law or policy. My life is an open book. I pledge that as long as I live, I will continue to work for the best interests of the nation, nationality, democracy, the country, and the people, in accordance with the values of the constitution, law, and ethics.”
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17- MoFA’s Summer Fellowship Programme: Government linking youths with foreign policy
Kathmandu, Aug 13: The ‘Foreign Ministry Summer Fellowship and Internship Programme-2026’ run with an objective of making Nepal’s foreign policy research based, timely and connecting young generation’s knowledge, skill and expertise concluded here on Wednesday.
Opportunity was provided to Nepali young professionals, researchers and students at home and abroad to undertake research on key areas of Nepal’s foreign policy including strategic affairs, development and finance, emerging technologies, clean energy, and the Nepali diaspora in the eight-week programme orgaised by Institute of Foreign Affairs Nepal at the initiative of Foreign Ministry.
The programme had brought together 10 fellows and 10 interns interested in policy and research sectors.
Dr Hindu Sanskritika Karki, who carried out study and research on Nepal’s defense diplomacy in the programme, shared that the summer fellowship programme was an important opportunity for her.
She mentioned, “During the fellowship, we had opportunity to work closely with government and collaborated with other bodies. Furthermore, this has contributed significantly to enhancing our capabilities and it will also support the country in foreign affairs.”
Dr Karki holds a Ph.D. in International Politics from Fudan University, Sanghai in China.
Initiative to connect youth’s knowledge and expertise in foreign policy
Nepal’s foreign policy is based on long-term national interest. The Foreign Ministry has been pointing out the need of making the quality and reach of Nepal’s diplomatic engagement further effective in changed international context.
The role of research and new knowledge would be significant to forward economic diplomacy, investment promotion, trade expansion and enhancement of bilateral and multi-lateral relations linking with Nepal’s development, shared the Ministry.
Changes have been expected in the form of international trade, concessional financial access and development partners in coming days as Nepal is in the process of graduating from the least developed country.
The Summer Fellowship and Internship Programme was forwarded as the initiative to connect knowledge of young researchers and professionals in policy-level at a time there is a need to make Nepal’s foreign policy and diplomatic mechanism further capable to manage such transition.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal mentioned that the programme was based on potential to harness the knowledge, skill, experience and international network of Nepali youths active in study and professional field in abroad for Nepal’s national interest.
The youths participated in the programme had got opportunity to closely understand the policy-related works being carried out in ministry’s priority areas.
The summer fellowship and internship programme was developed based on mainly three basis—knowledge, partnership and network.
The Ministry has expected that the participated youths in the programme could be used as advisor, reviewer or collaborator in future.
Research in 10 topics
As part of the programme, the participants had prepared their own research question, choosing one out of the 10 designated research topics.
The ministry had defined the broad scope of the topic, and within that, participants set research questions based on their interests, expertise, and experience. The designated main topics for research were strategic issues and public international law, digital governance and technology policy, emerging technologies and national security, conflict, instability and economic risks, and climate diplomacy and environmental issues.
Similarly, the topics of research also included energy transition and diplomacy, human mobility, labor diplomacy and workers’ rights, diaspora, inter-country communities and foreign policy, tourism, culture and public diplomacy, as well as development finance and investment diplomacy.
Apart from these topics, a provision was also made where the participants could submit open research proposals on other subjects that have an important connection with Nepal’s foreign policy.
The topics selected this way included emerging issues like technology, climate change, labor migration, energy, diaspora, public diplomacy, and development finance, alongside the traditional priorities of Nepal’s foreign policy.
Direct experience of ministry
The programme did not just prioritize research. There was also an arrangement to directly connect participants with the ministry’s operations and policy processes. Participants joined weekly meetings with the ministry’s liaison officers to discuss the progress, challenges, and upcoming plans of their research. Midweek, there was also a session where participants exchanged research findings with each other.
Similarly, experts, practitioners, former diplomats, and regional specialists gave presentations on various topics related to foreign policy and Nepal’s international relations. Through these sessions, participants got more insights into Nepal’s diplomatic practices and different aspects of international relations.
The programme gave participants the chance to closely understand the ministry’s direct working methods, policy-making process, and diplomatic practices, rather than just limiting them to books and educational materials.
In the first week of the eight-week research programme, a formal orientation was held at the ministry. In the presence of senior officials, participants were introduced and the research topics and questions they would work on were formally registered. In the second week, each participant submitted a work plan that included their research questions, methods, sources, and expected results. In the third week, the first structured guidance session was conducted with senior professionals. In the fourth week, a mid-term review was held, where participants presented their preliminary research findings to the ministry’s contact officers.
In the sixth week, the second guidance session was conducted. By that time, the participants had already prepared drafts of their research. In the seventh week, the complete research draft was submitted to the ministry, and the ministry provided written feedback on it. In the eighth and final week, the participants had presented their research to the minister or senior officials.
After submitting the final research material, they were connected to the summer fellowship and internship network for future collaboration with the ministry.
Policy research with recommendations
As the main output of the programme, each participant had prepared a policy research document. The emphasis was on making the documents targeted at policy makers. This reflected the aim of developing the research not just as an academic exercise but as policy material useful for Nepal’s foreign policy formulation and implementation.
The programme was aimed at new graduates who were studying at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, had obtained such a degree, or had completed their most recent degree within the past two years. Priority was given to those who had already completed their Bachelor’s degree.
The applicants were expected to have educational training, expertise, or professional experience related to at least one of the assigned research topics, along with research and writing skills at a level capable of supporting policy discussions at senior government levels.
Intellectual property obtained to be with the ministry
Participants were required to maintain the confidentiality of information, internal documents, and sensitive materials received from the ministry. This obligation was meant to continue even after the programme ended. Similarly, research materials created during the programme were defined as joint intellectual property of the participants and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Participants who wished to publish the research had to get prior approval from the ministry.
The ministry had made arrangements to use, modify, or build further work on the research material in its policy work, while properly acknowledging the participant’s contribution.
Nepali youth Rashesh Shrestha, who participated in the summer fellowship, said that this programme organized by the Nepal government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is important. “This programme has given us the opportunity to learn a lot,” said Shrestha who works as a research fellow at the Institute of Developing Economies in Japan.
Shrestha said that the Summer Fellowship programme has helped connect Nepali foreign policy and Nepali diaspora abroad. He mentioned that he had done research on labor issues of Nepal during the programme.
A bridge between institutional knowledge and the new generation
Foreign Affairs Minister Khanal said that the summer fellowship and internship programmes are trying to build a bridge between the ministry’s institutional knowledge and the research and international experience of the new generation.
“As Nepal redefines its diplomatic priorities on issues like the changing world order, technology, climate change, labor migration, energy transition, investment, and development finance, this effort to connect the research and expertise of the younger generation to policy-making is presented as a programme linked to building long-term diplomatic capacity,” he said.
Minister Khanal mentioned that research, evidence-based analysis, and informed public debate play an important role in strengthening Nepal’s foreign policy. He urged young researchers to study the changing international developments and contribute to Nepal’s diplomatic practice and policy-making.
Even though the eight-week research practice formally ended with the conclusion of the summer fellowship and internship programme, its purpose seems to go beyond that.
The programme has laid the groundwork for the participation of the new generation in Nepal’s diplomatic practices by facilitating knowledge exchange between the ministry and young people, research-based policy making, and the creation of professional networks for the future, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Rozina Tamrakar, Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), mentioned that the programme has helped young researchers and professionals gain practical experience in diplomacy and foreign policy, as well as assist in linking academic research with policy practices.
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18- Bill designed to implement rights to Dalit community: Minister Gautam
Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS)
Kathmandu, Aug 13: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, has said the government had designed a bill to enforce the fundamental rights of Dalit community. The ‘bill relating to Dalits’ rights and development’ was formulated in line with Article 40 of the Constitution, she added.
In response to the queries raised by the lawmakers at National Assembly on Thursday, Minister Gautam informed that even a committee including subject experts was formed to forward the process as per Legislation Act, 2081. The Minister was furnishing response on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
She reminded that the government had announced progressive schemes including a formal apology to the Dalit community in point no 5 of 100-point Action Plan on governance reform unveiled on March 27. The government is always for the rights and development of Dalit community, the Minister added.
The bill has aimed at ensuring Dalit community’s protection, promotion, empowerment and social justice, thereby increasing their access to and participation in every state mechanism, according to her. She further elaborated that the bill had incorporated the social and economic rights of Dalit community. Under these rights, the issues like Dalit’s health, social security, protection of traditional occupation and just distribution of land and housing are given priority.
The social security system would be made further systematic and the nutritional allowance for Dalit children doubled across the country. Dalit-focused investment is also in the list, according to her.
The Dalit, landless and those residing in the unorganized settlements would be provided lands within this fiscal year, the Minister said, adding that the indigenous skills of Dalit community would be protected and model housing developed targeting the Dalits from Madhes, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces.
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19- RSP expresses deep grief over human loss in Rolpa disaster
Kathmandu, Aug 13: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has expressed deep grief over the death of seven persons and disappearance of five others in a landslide occurred at Kotalbara of Thabang-5, Rolpa on Thursday.
RSP General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya issued a press release, drawing government’s attention towards urgency of search for the missing persons and effective treatment to the injured ones. Immediate rescue, relief and treatment for free of cost are imperative, Acharya reminded the government, adding that it was equally necessary to identify settlements at risk and immediate relocation.
All three tiers of government are urged to extend coordination for disaster management and make effective the early warning system. He also appealed to those residing on the river banks to maintain precaution in view of the torrential rains causing floods. Even the RSP rank and file is urged to extend cooperation to the government for disaster management.
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20- Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province steps down
Sudurpaschim, Aug 13: Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province, Kamal Bahadur Shah, has resigned from the post on Thursday.
Addressing the Sudurpaschim Assembly meeting, CM Shah announced that he resigned from the position in the wake of changing political equation. On July 15, the coalition partner, CPN UML, had withdrawn support to the government Shah was leading in the province.
Shah announced his resignation in the Province Assembly meeting which was called for vote of confidence.
The UML and the Nepali Communist Party have been preparing for formation of a new government as per the agreement reached at central level. As the largest party in the 53-member Province Assembly, the Nepali Communist Party will be leading the government. It has 22 members, while the UML 11, the Nepali Congress 18 and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party one in Province Assembly.
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21- Chinese ambassador Maoming meets NC parliamentary party leader Angdembe
Kathmandu Aug 13: Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Zhang Maoming, held a meeting with Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe in Singha Durbar on Thursday.
The meeting centred on Angdembe’s upcoming visit to China for attending the Asia Regional Conference of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), and the Nepal-China relations.
Leader Angdembe reminded that his visit was not only for the conference but also for sharing experiences related to governance, development practice, and connectivity between the parliaments and political parties of both countries. He viewed Nepal and China could deepen relations at people-to-people level.
Ambassador Maoming also underlined the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations between Nepal and China.
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22- Journalist Shrestha’s detention extended for three days
Kathmandu, Aug 13: Detention of journalist Kishor Shrestha, arrested on charge of breach of individual privacy, has been extended for three days. Editor of the Janaastha Weekly, Shrestha, was arrested on Wednesday night.
Kathmandu District Court allowed Nepal Police to continue investigation on Shrestha by keeping him in detention for three more days, according to spokesperson at Kathmandu District Police Office, Dan Bahadur Thapa. “We received permission from the court for investigation with extension of detention,” he added.
The police had arrested Shrestha from his own residence, Lalitpur on Wednesday night.
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23- MoU signed between NCC and Bagmati University
Kathmandu, Aug 13: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and the Bagmati University to enhance entrepreneurship development, innovation, skills and collaboration between academia and industries.
The five-year agreement was signed by NCC president Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal and Prof Dr Chandra Mani Paudel, president of the Bagmati University. Establishment of long-term cooperation on various sectors, including education, industry, startups and policy-making are incorporated in the MoU. NCC focuses on training needs, joint programmes and support to the establishment of internship and employment centres for the Bagmati University students.
Similarly, the Bagmati University will provide academic expertise, conduct training programmes, consultation for startups and promote research in line with industry needs. During the signing ceremony, Agarwal suggested the universities that they stressed on encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation rather than limiting the study in traditional educational frameworks.
Prof Dr Paudel shared university commitment to practically link education with industry.
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24- Rolpa landslide update: Four deceased identified; nine still missing
Rolpa, Aug 13: Four persons who died after being buried in landslide at Kotalbara of Thawang rural municipality-5 in Rolpa on Wednesday night have been identified.
Police Inspector at Rolpa District Police Office, Krishna Shrestha, informed that among the deceased identified are 18-year-old Shanti Pun Magar, 60-year-old Kamal Bahadur Pun Magar, 75-year-old Dal Bahadur Pun Magar, and 80-year-old Mankhana Pun Magar from Thawang rural municipality-5.
Similarly, 22-year-old Himal Pun Magar and 25-year-old Sanjay Gharti Magar hailing from Thawang rural municipality-5, who were injured in the landslide, have been taken to Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal for further treatment.
According to Inspector Shrestha, 38-year-old Junkumari Pun Magar, nine-year-old Ashim Pun Magar, five-year-old Ashok Pun Magar, 80-year-old Ajambar Pun Magar, 80-year-old Bal Bahadur Pun Magar, 61-year-old Lil Bahadur Pun Magar, 66-year-old Mani Pun Magar, 85-year-old Hastakala Roka Magar, and 34-year-old Mahendra Gharti from Thawang Rural Municipality-5 are missing after the landslide.
The search operation is ongoing. Inspector Shrestha stated that the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local residents are involved in the search for the missing.
The Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police personnel along with locals have been involved in the search for the missing ones, Inspector Shrestha said.
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25- Finance Minister Dr Wagle underscores wider collaboration for nation-building
Damauli (Tanahun), Aug 13: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has underlined the need of all-side collaboration with broader unity for country’s development and prosperity.
At the annual progress review programme organized by the District Coordination Committee, Tanahun in Damauli today, he claimed that the incumbent government is moving ahead with clear policy to take the country to a new height while underlining the need for mutual collaboration and coordination with all sides.
Finance Minister Wagle said that the government has emphatically performing keeping good governance and reforms at the center.
He noted first year of the government is considered the year of reform, second year as the year of good governance, and work is being planned so that the results of these efforts will be visible in the third and fourth years.
“This is the government with public trust. Let us all move forward together to build the country. Let us shun wrong thinking and collaborate and coordinate to take the country to new heights,” he said.
Highlighting that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) came to power with a clear plan to make the country prosperous.
“Based on the foundation of good governance, improvements are happening daily in all ministries. Wherever there are errors, we are correcting them immediately and taking strides,” he added.
Finance Minister Dr. Wagle mentioned that private sector participation is a must for infrastructure development, noting there have been successful examples in the energy sector.
He also highlighted that the government has advanced a robust health insurance framework, informing that the positive measures taken by previous governments for the targeted groups have been maintained this year.
During the programme, Sriram Neupane, House of Representatives member from Tanahun Constituency No. 2, shared that the infrastructure development process has gained momentum.
Also speaking on the occasion, Gandaki Province Assembly members Hari Bahadur Chuman, Jit Prakash Ale, Ashok Kumar Shrestha, as well as Byas Municipality Mayor Baikuntha Neupane, emphasized the need for cooperation and coordination in areas like infrastructure development and tourism promotion.
Likewise, District Coordination Committee Chief Shanti Raman Wagle informed that works completed and issues faced by local, provincial, and federal government offices in the fiscal year 2082/83 will be discussed during the review.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Wagle said the jeep safari operating in Bandipur would help promote tourism. Riding a jeep today from Tundikhel, Bandipur to the Bandipur Rural Municipality office, he expressed the view that tourists can be attracted to rural areas through jeep safari services.
“Tourism can be promoted through such jeep safaris in many hill towns of Nepal, and employment can be created at the local level,” he added.
He also pledged to devise efforts to reduce customs fees on vehicles purchased for running jeep safari services.
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26- Call for presenting claims for government formation in Sudurpaschim
Sudurpaschim, Aug 13: Chief of Sudurpashchim Province, Najir Miya, has called for claims to be submitted for the formation of the provincial government.
Chief Miya has called for claims to be presented for the appointment of a new Chief Minister in line with Article 168 (2) of the Nepal Constitution after Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah’s resignation submitted today has been accepted.
Information Officer at the Office of Province Chief, Dirghraj Bhatta, issuing a press release today, stated that Chief Minister Shah’s resignation from the post has been accepted with immediate effect according to Article 169 (1) (a) of the Constitution, and claims have been invited to form a new government.
Claims have been called for by Friday morning at 11:00 for appointing a new Chief Minister, it is stated.
According to Article 168 (2) of the Constitution, a province assembly member who can secure a majority with the support of two or more parties represented in the province assembly can present claims for the chief minister.
It is reported that submissions are being prepared according to the power-sharing deal between the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and the CPN (UML).
It has already been agreed between the two parties that the CPN will lead the government in the province assembly as the largest party.
To form the province government, 27 votes are needed, and out of the 53-member province assembly, the CPN has 22 and the UML has 11 members.
Likewise, the Nepali Congress has 18 and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has one member.
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27- Regular food supply in remote areas: Minister Yadav
Kathmandu, Aug 13: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply, Gauri Kumari Yadav, has said the government had been supplying food grains regularly in remote districts.
In her address to the seventh anniversary function of the Food Management and Trade Company Limited on Thursday, Minister Yadav argued government’s efforts have ensured food sovereignty to all.
Secretary at the Ministry, Narayan Prasad Sharma Duwadi, urged the Company to resolve managerial challenges and so that it would achieve operational efficiency.
Country Director of the World Food Programme in Nepal, Riaz Lodhi, shared information on the ongoing nutritional initiatives in Nepal, which were being implemented in partnership with the government.
Acting Executive Director of the Food Management and Trade Company Limited, Dilliraj Lamsal, claimed that the Company had made significant achievements.
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28- ‘Promote compost, reduce chemical fertilizers’
Kathmandu, Aug 13: Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee under the House of Representatives, Ashok Kumar Chaudhary, said time has come for Nepali farmers to gradually minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and promote compost so that soil quality would remain intact.
Chairman Chaudhary argued compost would help prevent degradation of soil quality and promote sustainable agriculture. However, government policy should also favour it, he added. The Chairman further informed that the Committee would hold discussion with the industries which manufacture organic fertilizers focusing production, cost and competitiveness.
It was shared during the meeting that 33 percent of arable land in Nepal is barren; more than 45 percent of the agricultural area has witnessed decrease in productivity and quality owing to soil erosion; and more than 90 percent of the Tarai land has low organic carbon. The use of chemical fertilizers (distributed under subsidy) increased by 80 percent in the last 11 years.
Increase in production cost, no role of farmers in fixing prices and unchecked market also featured the discussion. The Committee members expressed their views on women’s labour force, youth employment, small and fragmented cultivation and access to healthy food. The meeting was also for reviewing the subsidy policy, arguing that although Rs 32.46 billion was allocated as grants for chemical fertilizers, the local level received only Rs 360 million for the promotion of organic farming.
Soil scientists and agricultural experts Dr Roshan Babu Ojha, Jagannath Kafle, Madan Poudel and Sandesh Subedi made presentations in the meeting. The Committee members suggested that government forwarded the policy, giving priority to organic farming and improvement of soil quality.
The Committee members including KP Khanal, Ganga Lakshmi Awal, Chandeshwor Mandal, Punam Kumari Agrawal, Basu Maya Tamang, Sagar Dhakal and Prem Bahadur Bayak put forth their views.
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29- Tourism Minister Paudel pays tribute to the deceased climbers
Kathmandu, Aug 13: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadagraj Paudel, paid tribute to the climbers who died in the Broad Peak avalanche, Pakistan.
Minister Paudel offered floral tribute to the deceased climbers- Kili Pemba Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa and Nima Sherpa on Thursday. The lifeless bodies of Gyalu and Nima were brought to Nepal on August 12.
The last rites of Gyalu and Nima were performed on Thursday, while Kili Pemba’s final rites are scheduled for Friday. Additionally, the last rites for Pur Bahadur Gurung, another perished in the avalanche, were conducted on August 6.
The body of renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja was however sent to the UK because his entire family is living there. The remains of one of the Nepali climbers killed in the avalanche is still awaiting repatriation.
The mountaineering tragedy occurred on July 30 had claimed the lives of ten climbers, including six from Nepal.
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30- Rolpa landslide update: Bodies of five missing found in Pyuthan
Rolpa, Aug 13: The bodies of five more persons who went missing in a landslide at Thawang Rural Municipality-5, Kotalbara in Rolpa, have been found in the adjoining Pyuthan district.
With this, the death toll in the landslide has reached 10.
According to Police Inspector at the District Police Office Rolpa, Krishna Shrestha, five people went missing in a landslide incident at Kotalbara on Wednesday night.
Their bodies were found today in various areas along the riverbank in Pyuthan district. The bodies have been identified.
Inspector Shrestha informed that the bodies of 38-year-old Junkumari Pun Magar, five-year-old Ashok Pun Magar, 80-year-old Bal Bahadur Pun Magar, 66-year-old Mani Pun Magar, and 34-year-old Mahendra Gharti from Thawang Rural Municipality-5, Rolpa, have been recovered.
Police have stated that three people are still missing in the landslide.
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