Kathmandu, June 7 -- The Government of Nepal (GoN) has long provided grants to promote traditional agricultural skills and to preserve, develop, and market indigenous crops. Addressing a ceremony in Kathmandu on Saturday to mark 100 weeks of the “Indigenous Agriculture Market,” Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari emphasized that these incentives are part of a broader effort to safeguard the country’s farming heritage while encouraging pesticide‑free produce.
Minister Adhikari praised growing public awareness of indigenous crops and organic foods, noting that the market has been instrumental in raising visibility and improving consumer access to local, chemical‑free products. He also highlighted the vital role that local governments and entrepreneurs play in conserving and promoting Nepal’s agricultural traditions.
Former Minister Sher Bahadur Tamang, speaking at the same event, urged municipal authorities to take concrete steps to preserve native seeds, crops, and traditional agricultural skills. He further recommended that indigenous products—such as millet-based spirits—be branded to enhance their market appeal.
Joint‑Secretary Dr. Ramkrishna Shrestha of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reported that, since fiscal year 2020/21, the GoN has awarded conditional grants to some 300 municipalities to bolster traditional agricultural skills and support indigenous‑crop initiatives.
Entrepreneurs, farmers, elected representatives, and consumers at the celebration uniformly called for continued, collective action to protect Nepal’s native seeds, crops, and farming skills and knowledge.
