Chunnaprasad Poudel urges agricultural revolution, plans Butwal as health hub

KATHMANDU: Chunnaprasad Poudel, a Nepali Congress candidate from Rupandehi-2, has asserted that an agricultural revolution is essential for the sustainable improvement of Nepal’s economy.

Speaking at an event organised by the Nepal Kisaan Mahasangh in Butwal on Friday, Poudel clarified that comprehensive reforms in the agriculture sector could curb capital flight and strengthen the national economy.

Poudel stressed that efforts by the private sector alone are insufficient.

He called on the government to implement policy reforms, attract investment, and ensure investor protection to achieve a true agricultural transformation. “Without an agricultural revolution, sustainable economic improvement is impossible,” he stated.

As the operator of Yashoda Foods, Poudel highlighted that his company’s “Current Noodles” product annually consumes over Rs 100 million worth of locally produced Aakbare chili.

He added that the product is exported to more than 25 countries, promoting domestic production, preventing capital outflow, and earning foreign exchange.

To incentivize farmers, Poudel explained, investments have been made in groups, with arrangements to purchase chili at predetermined prices.

He urged the expansion of such industries across Nepal, advocating for the establishment of export-oriented industries based on local raw materials.

Poudel also stressed the need to modernize agriculture with scientific and technological approaches, prioritizing the economic, social, physical, and industrial development of Rupandehi.

Highlighting the need for a Nepali Congress-led government to implement his plans, Poudel appealed to voters to elect him in the upcoming elections.

Butwal to Become a Regional Health Hub

Poudel also outlined plans to develop Butwal as a “health hub.” During interactions with hospital operators, pharmaceutical entrepreneurs, and pharmacists, he proposed upgrading Lumbini Provincial Hospital into a health science institute.

He further suggested elevating Siddharth Bal & Mahila Hospital (Amda) to the status of a medical college and enhancing the quality and facilities of private hospitals and healthcare institutions.

Poudel emphasized that providing reliable, high-quality health services in Butwal would reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside the region.

The event, chaired by Janak Koirala, chairman of Mercis City Hospital, was attended by Chiranjivi Joshi, chairman of Tinau Hospital; Gannidhi Khanal, central member of Melan; and Ganesh Sedhai, chairman of the Nepal Pharmacy Association, Rupandehi, who offered recommendations on improving the healthcare sector.