Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel presented the National Farmer Award to several distinguished farmers from across Nepal. The recipients included Suresh Kumar Mehta of Arya Krishi Farm and Ramesh Sah of Ramesh Krishi Farm from Koshi Province, Bharat Kumar Yadav of Shambhunath Fishery, and Hira Bahadur Thapa Magar of Nijgadh Banana Agriculture Farm from Madhesh Province.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the awards also honored Chet Prasad Dhakal of Kalika Livestock Development Center and Dayaram Machamsi of Greenline Agro Pvt. Ltd. from Bagmati Province, Tshiring Gurung of Nwanghisi Agriculture and Livestock Organic Farm, and Batuli Tiwari of Mitra Vatika Agricultural Farm from Gandaki Province. Additionally, Jayapal Maurya and Subash Kurmi of Shanti Unnat Animal Husbandry and Fish Farm from Lumbini Province were recognized.
Govinda Oli and Bharatnath Yogi from Karnali Province, along with Prem Prasad Joshi of Khaptad Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Farm, and Lok Bahadur Thapa of Kailashedhari Agriculture and Poultry Farm from Sudurpaschim Province, were also honored. These awards were presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and each recipient received a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 and a certificate of appreciation.
President Paudel, addressing the award distribution ceremony, emphasized the importance of the agriculture sector in creating employment opportunities for Nepalese youth, particularly those seeking foreign employment. He advocated for youth-focused startup programs prioritizing agriculture, urging policymakers and professional organizations to foster an environment that attracts youth returnees to the agricultural sector.
He further highlighted the necessity of ensuring justice and income for the poor, along with respect for laborers, stating that economic prosperity in Nepal can be achieved through the development of agriculture, tourism, water resources, and industry. President Paudel underscored the need for special programs to boost production, employment, and exports while reducing imports.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, also spoke at the event, acknowledging the crucial role farmers play in making Nepali agriculture self-reliant, production-oriented, and modern.