May 1: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Beduram Bhusal, has said that 1.3 million hectares of cultivable land in Nepal has been left barren.

Speaking at an event commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the All Nepal Peasants' Federation in Kathmandu on Sunday, the Minister emphasized the importance of utilizing this land to increase agricultural production.

Furthermore, Minster Bhusal announced that the forthcoming annual budget and policies would provide incentives to farmers, acknowledging that the agriculture sector has been neglected due to several issues.

Minister Bhusal revealed that the current budget allocation of Rs 51 billion for the Agriculture Ministry has been mostly allocated towards buying chemical fertilizers, with only a small portion allotted to local and provincial levels and government employees.

As a result, the Minister emphasized the need for additional funding to assist farmers and boost the agriculture sector.

In addition, Minister Bhusal underscored the importance of providing timely access to chemical fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, tools, and infrastructure to maximize agricultural benefits.

Minister expressed the government's commitment to ensuring food sovereignty and shared that regulations were being drafted to this end.

At the same event, Bhairav Regmi, leader of the peasant movement, expressed hope that the government would address the 62-point demand they submitted to safeguard peasants' rights.

Balram Banskota, Chairman of the All Nepal Peasants' Federation, highlighted that the development of agriculture is a prerequisite to the country's progress.