What Relief is Available for Farmers Whose Fields Were Washed Away by Floods and What Crops Can Be Grown on ‘Bagar’ Land?

Information on the types of relief available for farmers whose fields have been washed away by floods, and the possibilities of farming on ‘bagar’ (sandy) land. The floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers have washed away many riverbank farmlands, causing significant damage to agricultural production in some areas. Experts have noted that many fields have been covered with sand, stones, and gravel, making it impossible to cultivate crops on these lands as before, at least in the immediate term.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment has reported that the collection of accurate data on flood-induced agricultural damage is underway. In this context, we have explored government relief programs prepared for farmers and the rapid cultivation options suitable for ‘bagar’ affected areas. Here, we present an interview conducted by Pratiksha Khanal with Vinod Kumar Bhattarai, Deputy Director General of the Department of Agriculture, for ‘BBC Haatemalo’.