Lawmakers demand sugarcane subsidy restoration, urge flood relief action

KATHMANDU: Members of the National Assembly have urged the government to immediately revoke its decision to cut sugarcane subsidies and maintain the previous support for farmers.

Speaking during the zero-hour session on Friday, the lawmakers emphasized the need for timely assistance to sugarcane growers.

Leading the demand, CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Gangakumari Belbase criticized the government’s decision to halve the subsidy, urging it to provide the earlier amount to protect farmers’ livelihoods. She said, “The government has reduced the sugarcane subsidy by half, despite setting the minimum support price at Rs 585 per quintal last Mangsir. I request the government to restore the previous subsidy immediately and refrain from actions that harm farmers.”

Meanwhile, ruling UML lawmaker Gopal Bhattarai called on the government to reopen the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani customs points, which have been stalled due to floods and landslides. He also urged the authorities not to delay in making the Korola checkpoint in Mustang operational as an alternative trade route. Bhattarai noted that nearly 400 containers are currently stuck due to the disruption at northern border points and stressed urgent action to resume operations.

UML lawmaker Sharadadevi Bhatt highlighted the need for special government attention to prevent the spread of diseases such as dengue and cholera, especially in flood-affected areas. She pointed out that despite warnings from Radio Nepal about rising dengue cases, preventive measures like mask usage remain minimal, and the risk of epidemics remains high. She also expressed concern over the increasing cases of cholera and recent deaths from COVID-19.

Lawmakers collectively emphasized that the government should accelerate relief efforts for people affected by floods and landslides to mitigate losses and ensure timely support for affected communities.