Nepal Agricultural Machinery Quality: Frequent Breakdowns & High Repair Costs for Farmers
23rd March 2025, Kathmandu
Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Ramnath Adhikari has raised concerns about the poor quality of agricultural machinery. He spoke at the ninth annual general meeting of the Nepal Agricultural Machinery Business Association in Lalitpur on Saturday.
Nepal Agricultural Machinery Quality
Minister Adhikari highlighted the challenges farmers face due to substandard equipment. “Farmers are struggling with machinery that breaks down quickly,” he said. “This leads to high repair costs and frustration.”
He shared his own experience, saying, “I bought a hand tractor, but it breaks down every year. I spend over ten thousand rupees on repairs. Farmers investing fifty thousand rupees in machinery should not face such issues.”
Adhikari stressed the need for quality assurance. He urged farmers to buy only reliable equipment. “We must ensure that the tools farmers use are durable and efficient,” he added.
Push for Domestic Production
The minister also emphasized the role of businesses in promoting agricultural mechanization. He called for local production of farming equipment. “We need to produce these tools within the country,” he said. “This will improve quality and reduce dependency on imports.”
Adhikari reiterated the government’s focus on mechanization. “Mechanization is key to reducing costs, increasing productivity, and ensuring sustainable farming,” he said.
Farmers Face Growing Challenges
Farmers across Nepal have reported frequent breakdowns of machinery. Many say they spend more on repairs than on the equipment itself. This has become a major barrier to improving agricultural productivity.
The Nepal Agricultural Machinery Business Association has welcomed the minister’s remarks. They pledged to work with the government to address quality issues.
Government’s Commitment to Modernization
The government has been pushing for agricultural mechanization as part of its modernization efforts. However, the poor quality of equipment threatens these plans.
Adhikari’s call for action highlights the need for immediate solutions. Ensuring reliable and high-quality machinery will be crucial for the sector’s growth.
The association has promised to focus on innovation and technology. They aim to develop tools that meet the specific needs of Nepalese farmers.
As Nepal’s agricultural sector evolves, quality and sustainability remain top priorities. Minister Adhikari’s remarks underscore the challenges ahead and the need for collective action.
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