Fri Sep 20 13:15:18 UTC 2024: ## Nepali Congress Spokesperson Calls for Commercialization of Agriculture to Boost Production
**Dhangadhi, Nepal (September 20, 2024)** – Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, spokesperson for the Nepali Congress (NC), has called for the commercialization of the agriculture sector in Nepal to increase production and achieve self-sufficiency.
Speaking at an event organized by the NC’s Department of Supply and Consumers in Dhangadhi on Friday, Dr. Mahat highlighted the alarming disparity between the large percentage of the population dependent on agriculture (over 60%) and the relatively low contribution of the sector to national production (around 25%).
He expressed concern about the declining interest in agricultural professions and the lack of market access for farmers, hindering the sector’s growth.
Participants at the event also raised concerns about the challenges faced by consumers, including high prices for essential commodities, while genuine farmers struggle to access subsidies. They attributed these issues to inadequate market monitoring and called for the government to prioritize production subsidies over operational costs.
Stakeholders urged the implementation of agriculture-friendly policies to uplift the sector and improve the current supply system for the benefit of both farmers and consumers.
First Piper 