RUPANDEHI: Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand has said the government has prioritized agriculture by allocating around Rs 16 billion in grant to purchase chemical fertilizers.

“The process to purchase chemical fertilizers has moved ahead. They cost the same price in the international market. As a result, it will be costlier for farmers. So, efforts are on so farmers should not face difficulties in getting fertilizers,” said the minister while inaugurating the Suddhodhan Park at Suddhodhan Rural Municipality-5 amid a function on Saturday.

Chemical fertilizers are in short supply at present. The government has been holding talks with various foreign countries for the supply. So, the problem would be resolved soon, said the minister.

The Home Minister opined “We are forced to purchase chemical fertilizers at the price as demanded by India. Last time, we could not purchase them as the Government of India fixed high price. It takes time to establish a fertilizer industry at home. It is not easier either. It requires a large amount of energy.”

In another context, the minister clarified that the government brought the citizenship bill to ensure the right of Nepali citizens to citizenship. There should not be any delay in passing the bill, he added.

He also stressed the need for the development of the district including Suddhodhan while conserving religions and social cultural heritages of various casts and communities.

On the occasion, Minister for Tourism, Rural and Urban Development of Lumbini Province, Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary pledged to develop Suddhodhan as a tourist destination. The Province Assembly members Tulsi Chaudhary and Pushpa Tharuni acknowledged that the park has added identity and beauty to the rural municipality.

The rural municipality chair Bishnu Prasad Basyal and vice chair Shanti Devi Gyawali have demanded assistances and support from the federal and provincial governments for the development and beautification of the park. (RSS)