Locusts invade five Terai districts

Locusts, short-horned grasshoppers, have entered Nepal Saturday morning creating widespread fear among the public about crop damage and its consequences on food security. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has confirmed that swarms of locusts had entered Nepal from India today morning, said Dr. Hari Bahadur KC, spokesman at the ministry. However, there was no confirmation about the mass of locusts that entered the country.

Over 20% paddy plantation done across country

With the beginning of monsoon, farmers across the country are now busy transplanting paddy. Asar is popularly known as ‘mano ropera muri ubjaune’ (growing more by sowing less) time.

56% industries in operation but below 50% of their capacity

The industries manufacturing essential goods, which are allowed to run in the lockdown, are operating below 50 per cent of their capacity. According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the industries at 10 different industrial estates producing essential goods are now in operation at around 46 per cent of their total capacities. As per a study conducted by the ministry in 10 industrial estates of the country from May 12 to June 2, only 56 per cent essential industries are in operation...

With swelled budget PMEP to employ 200,000 persons next year

The government has allocated more than double the previous year’s budget to the Prime Minister Employment Programme (PMEP) for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21. The government has allocated Rs. 11.6 billion to mobilise the unemployed youth in development and construction activities running in all 753 local levels for next fiscal year.

Govt increases agricultural budget to Rs 41.4 billion

The government has allocated Rs 41.40 billion for the overall development of agriculture and livestock sectors. Presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2020/21 in a joint session of the House of Representatives and National Assembly on Thursday, Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada said that the government had increased budget for commercialisation, modernisation and mechanisation of agriculture by mobilising the available labour forces.

Budget for agriculture up by 6.6 billion

Presenting the annual budget for fiscal year 2020/21 in a joint session at the Federal Parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada said that the government had increased budget for commercialisation, modernisation and mechanisation of agriculture by mobilising the available labour forces.

Farmers at loss after milk collection drops by 50%

Dairy farmers across the country have been dumping thousands of litres of milk daily due to reduction in its demand after the enforcement of the lockdown.

Strong US dollar hits foreign currency reserve while remittance inflow drops

The significant devaluation of Nepali rupee against US dollar will affect foreign currency reserves and inflation during the period of economic crisis, said economists.

No shortage of rice even in remote areas: FMTCL

The Food Management and Trading Company Limited (FMTCL) has been supplying rice to ensure easy availability of food across the country during the lockdown.

No shortage of rice even in remote areas: FMTCL

The FMTCL has been transporting rice to the remote areas, including Humla, via air as the demand for rice from the locals of the areas has increased amid the fear of COVID-19.