KASKI: Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, has emphasized the need to integrate agricultural production with tourism.

He made this statement while inaugurating the 21st Paddy Day event organized by the Pokhara Tourism Council in Pokhara-23, Margi Phewaphant, today.

Chief Minister Pandey highlighted the paradox of importing food items despite having arable land with irrigation facilities lying barren.

He urged that farmers should be incentivized with subsidies to encourage crop cultivation.

He also stressed the importance of preventing the fragmentation of arable land to boost agricultural productivity.

Minister for Health and Social Development of Gandaki Province, Bindu Kumar Thapa, echoed Pandey’s sentiments, stating that linking agricultural production with tourism would yield greater benefits for farmers.

Chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Pomnarayan Shrestha, shared that the council has been organizing paddy plantation festivals in various locations across Kaski to motivate farmers.

During the event, farmers gifted paddy and ghee to Chief Minister Pandey.

RSS