Muktinath Development Bank Launches ‘Muktinath Agri-Finance 360’ to Boost Agricultural Investment and Farmer Sustainability

4th January 2026, Kathmandu

In celebration of its 20th anniversary Muktinath Development Bank has officially unveiled the Muktinath Agri Finance 360 program. This comprehensive initiative is designed to revolutionize the agricultural landscape in Nepal by expanding investment increasing productivity and ensuring the long term sustainability of farmers.

Muktinath Agri-Finance 360

By bringing together a wide array of stakeholders from the public private and financial sectors the bank has created a holistic platform to address the structural challenges facing the country agricultural industry. This program represents a significant shift toward integrated financial services that prioritize the needs of smallholder farmers and large scale agri enterprises alike.

MINISTERIAL VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

The launch event was graced by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr Madan Pariyar who underscored the necessity of a collaborative environment for the growth of the agricultural sector. The minister pointed out that achieving meaningful progress requires a multifaceted approach including the strengthening of credit quality the promotion of financial literacy and the expansion of agricultural insurance. He specifically called for more women friendly agricultural initiatives and entrepreneurship programs tailored for the youth. The forthcoming national agriculture policy is expected to provide a robust framework that fosters such innovations and addresses the historical barriers to farming success in Nepal.

STRATEGIC SHIFT TOWARD PRIVATE SECTOR LED INITIATIVES

During the program Dr Rajendra Prasad Mishra Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture noted that policy reforms have paved the way for more private sector involvement in agricultural value chains. He suggested that commercial and development banks should consider establishing dedicated subsidiaries focused exclusively on agricultural finance. Such a move would allow for more specialized lending and risk management tailored to the unique seasonal cycles of farming. The coordination of these initiatives by Nepal Rastra Bank is seen as vital for ensuring that financial institutions have the regulatory support needed to increase their exposure to the agricultural market without compromising financial stability.

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES IN AGRI ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT

Banking expert Ajay Shrestha delivered a keynote presentation highlighting the various obstacles and opportunities within the sector. He identified high risk in agricultural lending weak credit quality and structural inefficiencies in value chains as primary hurdles. However he also pointed out that Nepal has immense untapped potential compared to other developing nations. Opportunities lie in the adoption of digital financial services the development of robust value chains and the widespread implementation of agricultural insurance. By using data driven approaches and collaborating with the private sector banks can mitigate risks while supporting the modernization of Nepalese farms.

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PANEL INSIGHTS ON THRIVING AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

A panel discussion moderated by Bhuvan Dahal brought together experts from Nepal Rastra Bank the Agricultural Development Bank and the private sector. The panel concluded that for Nepal to thrive the agricultural sector needs a prioritized credit investment strategy and practical risk management policies. There was a strong consensus on linking investment with cooperative models to ensure that even the smallest farmers have access to markets. Key recommendations included ensuring storage facilities at the provincial level encouraging women entrepreneurs and introducing technology friendly practices to reduce production costs and improve the quality of the final output.

INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY AND ESSENTIAL INPUTS

A major theme of the Muktinath Agri Finance 360 program is the integration of modern technology and the guaranteed availability of essential inputs. To improve yields farmers must have access to high quality seeds fertilizers efficient irrigation systems and modern farm machinery. The bank aims to act as a catalyst in this process by facilitating finance for these inputs. Furthermore the program emphasizes the importance of making agricultural insurance widely available to protect farmers from the unpredictable impacts of climate change and natural disasters ensuring that a single bad season does not lead to permanent financial ruin for rural households.

NATIONWIDE COLLABORATION AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

The launch event saw participation from approximately 350 stakeholders including representatives from government agencies NGOs financial institutions and research universities. This cross sector collaboration is one of the first of its kind led by a development bank in Nepal. By bringing researchers market centers and entrepreneurs onto a single platform Muktinath Development Bank is fostering a cohesive future roadmap for the industry. This inclusive approach ensures that the solutions developed are practical and address the real world needs of those working on the ground from the plains of the Terai to the hilly regions of the north.

CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS FOR FARMERS AND INVESTORS

In conclusion the Muktinath Agri Finance 360 program is a landmark initiative that positions Muktinath Development Bank as a leader in sustainable agricultural finance. By integrating financial services with technology and cooperative engagement the bank is set to create a long term impact on rural livelihoods across Nepal. As the program rolls out farmers can look forward to more accessible credit and better support systems for their enterprises. Investors and entrepreneurs interested in the agricultural sector are encouraged to explore the various partnership opportunities offered under this new 360 degree framework.

For More: Muktinath Agri-Finance 360