Nepal first in South Asia to develop nationwide digital soil map

Nepal has developed a digital soil map for the first time aiming to support soil fertility management in the country. Digital soil map (DSM) is a map created using computer technology to show various elements or properties of the soil. Such a map, based on the results of soil analysed in the laboratory through mathematical and statistical models, provides various information about the elements in the soil and its effects on the environment.

Laudable Efforts to Revitalise Agriculture

Despite facing challenges in achieving the targeted economic growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country heaved a sigh of relief after it recorded the highest ever production of paddy this year. Agriculture is the main Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributor to the country’s economy where about 60 per cent of the country’s population is involved. It has been a major sector of the economy in terms of income, employment and food security.

COVID-19 completely shuts down 10% industries, businesses

Most of the micro, cottage and small industries have been completely shut down due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Prices of construction materials fall

Prices of construction materials -- iron, sand and pebbles -- have come down of late. With the decline in the price of iron billets in the international market, iron has also become cheaper in Nepal, said the traders.

Farmers’ statistics collection starts

As per the government plan of listing the farmers and classifying them, the Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock Development has pushed forward the listing process. An information management system has already been developed for this purpose.

Single window system of trade coming into effect from tomorrow

Nepal National Single Window System, one of the main provisions for the implementation of Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is coming into effect from Tuesday. According to the ministry source, the NSSW system was planned to be brought into effect from the 69th International Customs Day which falls on Tuesday (January 26). “The concerned implementation authorities of NSSW are working actively to implement the system from Tuesday,” said Dr. Yogendra...

NOC working to construct new petroleum pipelines

Following the successful construction of the Amlekhgunj-Motihari Petroleum Pipeline Project one-and-a-half years ago, the government has stepped up works to expand the project in other places as well. Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has already begun a study on the construction of two pipeline projects -- Amlekhgunj, Bara, to Lothar, Chitwan and Siliguri, West Bengal, India to Charaali, Jhapa, Nepal, according to NOC spokesperson Binitmani Upadhyay.

Nepal, Israel sign protocol to send 500 Nepali workers

The government of Nepal and Israel have signed a protocol to implement the agreement reached between Nepal and Israel in September last year on the temporary employment of Nepali workers in Israel’s special labour market sector. Kumar Prasad Dahal, Director General of the Department of Foreign Employment and Hanan Goder, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal, singed the protocol on behalf of their respective governments in the presence of Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security Gaurishankar...

Sugarcane farmers get Rs. 573 million

Sugar mills have paid Rs. 573 million to the sugarcane farmers so far. According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the sugar mills who owed farmers Rs. 653.1 million, have paid Rs. 573 million to them since a four-point agreement binding the sugar mill owners to clear their dues within 21 days was reached between sugarcane farmers and the government on December 28, 2020.

Local levels seek budget for next fiscal year

Local levels, seeking special and supplementary grants that are to be provided by the federal government, have applied for budgets to carry out upwards of 3,000 projects for the coming fiscal year 2021/22. Applying for grants through electronic means, the local levels proposed budget for about 1,599 projects under supplementary grants and 1,450 under special grant, said Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli, member of the National Planning Commission (NPC).