Agriculture: The Primary Pillar for Development, Says Bagmati Province Minister Madhusudan Paudel
12th April 2026, Kathmandu
Madhusudan Paudel, the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development of Bagmati Province, has asserted that the true essence of development lies in local job creation through the agricultural sector.
Agriculture Primary Pillar Development
Speaking at a high-level discussion on “Inter-Provincial Relations and Cooperation in Agriculture,” the Minister highlighted that agriculture is not just a profession but the fundamental backbone of Nepal’s economic progress.
Minister Paudel emphasized that for a country like Nepal, the meaning of development remains hollow unless it directly improves the lives of the people by providing stable employment at the grassroots level.
Job Creation Through Agro-Based Industries
Minister Paudel pointed out that agriculture is the most vital sector for linking development with employment. He urged a shift in focus toward agriculture-based industries to modernize the economy.
“Until we create employment at the local level, the public cannot truly feel the impact of development,” Minister Paudel stated. “For our nation, agriculture is the most significant factor because it is directly tied to job security. Agriculture-based industries and farming are the primary foundations for our growth.”
By prioritizing agro-based enterprises, the Minister believes Nepal can curb migration and build a self-reliant economy.
The Fertilizer Crisis: A Call for Central Support
A major highlight of the discussion was the persistent shortage of chemical fertilizers in Bagmati Province. Minister Paudel clarified the distribution roles, noting that while the central government is responsible for procurement, the provincial government handles distribution.
Key Statistics for Bagmati Province:
Annual Requirement: Approximately 113,000 metric tons of fertilizer.
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Current Status: Supplies remain significantly inadequate compared to the demand.
The Minister expressed concern that despite the clear demand, the central government has not been able to provide a sufficient quota to meet the needs of Nepalese farmers in the province.
“The issue of fertilizer is raised constantly. We only distribute what the center procures, and currently, the supply is far from enough,” he added.
Promoting Organic and Sustainable Farming
To mitigate the dependency on imported chemical fertilizers, Minister Paudel urged a transition toward organic and bio-fertilizers. He stressed that sustainable development in agriculture requires a balanced approach:
Increased Productivity: Utilizing better seeds and technology.
Sustainability: Focusing on organic farming to maintain soil health.
Coordination: Enhanced cooperation between federal, provincial, and local governments.
Conclusion
The Minister’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for stakeholders to view agriculture as a business and an industry rather than just a subsistence activity.
With the right focus on local employment and a steady supply of inputs like fertilizer, the agricultural sector can transform the economic landscape of Bagmati Province and the entire nation.
For more: Agriculture Primary Pillar Development
