KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Karishma Kathariya has urged the government to guarantee the procurement of paddy from farmers at the minimum support price. Speaking in the House of Representatives on Monday, Kathariya highlighted the recurring challenges faced by farmers, including fertilizer shortages and natural disasters.
She stated that the lack of timely access to chemical fertilizers this year has created a risk of reduced agricultural output. Furthermore, she noted that recent heavy rainfall and flooding have damaged standing paddy crops that were ready for harvest. Kathariya pointed out that when the government fails to purchase paddy, farmers are often unable to receive the minimum support price set by the state.
The lawmaker called on the government to coordinate with local levels to ensure that the state guarantees the purchase of farmers’ paddy at the officially designated minimum support price.
