KATHMANDU: Bagmati Province’s Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Madhusudan Paudel, has emphasized the need to expand access to and use of foreign agricultural technologies in Nepal to boost commercial agricultural production.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 8th Agritech International Expo, which began today at the Chitwan Exhibition Centre, Minister Paudel said Nepal must adopt and learn from international innovations to increase productivity.

He noted that such expos play a vital role in transferring knowledge and modern technology to local farmers, helping them transition toward commercial and export-oriented agriculture.

“These kinds of expos allow Nepal to learn, adapt, and expand the use of advanced technology,” he said. “This will not only support farmers in commercial farming but also help make our agricultural sector export-focused.”

The minister stressed that farmers should move away from subsistence farming and make full use of modern agricultural technologies to enhance productivity and profitability.

He also said that the provincial government has given high priority to attracting youth to agriculture, reducing imports, discouraging middlemen, and ensuring that real farmers receive subsidies.

According to him, programs based on production-linked subsidies and interest subsidies are being implemented with special focus on youth-targeted initiatives through separate guidelines.

“We are working with priority on production-based subsidies and interest subsidies. We are also alert and committed to developing special procedures to support youth-focused programs,” he added.

Minister Paudel further informed that the government is actively working to ensure the timely supply of chemical fertilizers and to operate organic fertilizer factories.

During the event, stall exhibitors briefed the minister on various challenges related to government policies, customs duties, and taxation.

As in previous years, this year’s exhibition has seen participation from farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, investors, cooperatives, concerned agencies, and business establishments from across the country.

The three-day international exhibition features more than 100 stalls from national and international agricultural companies from Nepal, India, China, and other countries.

According to Srijal Bhattarai, Managing Director of Media Space, visitors can gain detailed information on poultry farming, fish farming, goat farming, cattle and buffalo rearing, dairy businesses, agricultural tools and equipment, farm machinery, animal health and veterinary services, food technology and food processing, pesticides, fertilizers, seeds, agricultural training, and financial solutions.

The event is being promoted by the National Agriculture Modernization Program under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development of the Government of Nepal.

Supporting organizations include the National Dairy Development Board, Nepal Agricultural Cooperative Central Federation Ltd., National Farmers Group Federation–Nepal, Rural Municipality National Federation–Nepal, Nepal Poultry Federation, Mushroom Producers Farmers Association–Nepal, Agriculture and Forestry University, and Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The expo is jointly organized by Nepal Media Space Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Futurex Trade Fair & Events Pvt. Ltd. It will run until Magh 4 (Jan 18), with free entry passes available for visitors.