Dr. Koirala slams govt over farmer woes, demands immediate action

KATHMANDU: Senior Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has raised serious concerns over the government’s agricultural policies and its treatment of farmers.

He highlighted issues such as farmers not receiving fertilizer during critical planting periods, surplus milk going to waste due to lack of market access, and sugarcane growers constantly struggling to receive subsidies and payments, warning that such problems prevent the country from achieving food self-sufficiency.

Speaking through social media, Dr. Koirala accused the government of prioritizing agriculture only in speeches and on paper, while failing to deliver tangible support.

“Farmers are unable to get fertilizer when needed, forced to queue to buy it, and often have to pour surplus milk onto the streets. Payments and subsidies for sugarcane, the country’s major cash crop, are delayed or reduced. How can we ever achieve food self-reliance under such conditions?” he questioned.

Dr. Koirala stressed that the government’s policy failures and indifference are causing immense hardship for farmers. He described the situation as deeply troubling, with farmers forced to take their sugarcane crops to street protests to claim their rightful earnings and government subsidies.

He urged the government to immediately address farmers’ legitimate demands and alleviate their suffering. “Their demands must be met without delay,” Dr. Koirala emphasized.