Author: space4knews

March 9, Kathmandu – Today marks the observance of Irrigation Day and the Water Resources and Irrigation Department’s Foundation Day, celebrated under the theme “Systematic Use of Water Resources, Supporting the Construction of a Prosperous Nation” with various programs. The government initially established the Canal Department in 1952 BS as the starting point for irrigation on agricultural land. Since then, the government has been commemorating Irrigation Day on this occasion. The institutional development of irrigation progressed through the Canal Department, the Irrigation and Drinking Water Department, the Irrigation and Climate Science Department, and in 1987 BS, was transformed into the Irrigation Department. Following the promulgation of the constitution in 2015 BS, the Irrigation Department and the Department of Water-Induced Disaster Management were dissolved, and in 2018 BS, the Water Resources and Irrigation Department was established.

In Nepal’s history, the first government-initiated irrigation project was the “Chandra Canal,” which began construction in 1979 BS and was completed in 1985 BS. It is recognized as the first modern and Nepal’s oldest irrigation system. The canal was developed through the special initiative of then Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher Jang Bahadur, with the technical leadership of Shahi Sena’s General Dilli Jung Thapa. Recently, with financial and technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the canal’s 32 major structures, which have now completed a century, underwent reconstruction and strengthening.

This canal, drawing water primarily from the Triyuga River in Udayapur, provides irrigation facilities to 10,500 hectares of land in Saptari district through a 28 km main canal and 11 branch canals. It benefits approximately 35,000 farming households. Although irrigation access continues to expand on arable land, there remains the significant challenge of extending irrigation to nearly 1 million hectares of land. According to E. Mitra Baral, Director General of the Water Resources and Irrigation Department, out of a total cultivable area of 2.536 million hectares, irrigation reaches about 1.587 million hectares. Areas irrigated through surface, groundwater, reservoir, and lift irrigation methods have shown an average increase in hectare yield.

Nepal’s total arable land spans 3.557 million hectares. Baral noted, “As Nepal’s economy is primarily agriculture-based and about 62 percent of the population is engaged directly or indirectly in agricultural activities, sustainable, reliable, and efficient irrigation systems are essential for agricultural modernization, increased production, and food security. With this in mind, the department works with high priority to extend irrigation facilities to arable land.”

National Pride Projects: Rapid Progress
Six national pride projects under the department have gained momentum and are being prioritized for on-time completion. These projects include: Mahakali Irrigation Project (Kanchanpur), Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project (Kailali), Babai Irrigation Project (Bardiya), Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project (Surkhet), Sikta Irrigation Project (Banke), and Sun Koshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project (Sindhuli). This fiscal year, three of these projects have shown good progress.

• In the Sikta Irrigation Project, irrigation structures have been extended to 22,500 hectares so far, with the total irrigated area reaching 42,766 hectares.
• The Babai Irrigation Project has expanded irrigation structures over 27,330 hectares, targeting a total irrigation area of 36,000 hectares.
• Rani Jamara Kulariya Project has extended irrigation structures to 14,300 hectares, with a total irrigated area of 38,300 hectares.

Progress has also been made on the third phase of the Mahakali Irrigation Project. Director General Baral stated, “The Sun Koshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project and Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project are expected to make progress soon.”

Terai-Madhesh Groundwater Irrigation Program
The department is currently operating a program to provide irrigation facilities via groundwater irrigation technology to approximately 318,000 hectares of land in the Terai and inner Madhesh regions. The primary aim of this program is to develop groundwater irrigation systems on arable lands to increase agricultural production, ensure food security, eradicate hunger, and generate employment. The program covers 19 districts in Terai-Madhesh as well as hilly districts such as Udayapur, Makwanpur, Surkhet, Chitwan, Dang, Ilam, and Sindhuli. Baral explained, “Due to a lack of necessary technical knowledge for running groundwater irrigation systems, the department is making efforts to regularly resolve user issues.”

Last year, during the dry season in Madhesh Province when drought conditions prevailed, the department swiftly addressed problems and continued underground water irrigation to protect the paddy crop. The government had declared Madhesh Province a drought-affected area for three months starting July 21. Based on reports from task forces formed to identify and address issues related to water, irrigation, and agriculture, necessary measures concerning groundwater irrigation were implemented.

Water Resource Conservation and Management
The Water Resource Conservation Department is implementing an integrated river basin irrigation and water resources management program aimed at irrigating 25,000 hectares. The department systematically advances plans for water resource conservation, river control, and water-induced disaster management. According to Director General Baral, “The department also operates and manages canal systems in completed irrigation systems.” To date, 1,477 kilometers of embankments, 13,671 hectares of land elevation, and 635 check dams have been constructed. Baral added, “We are actively working on water resource conservation, river control, and water-induced disaster management.”

Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Luis Diaz scored in the first half to give Bayern the lead. Early in the second half, Harry Kane doubled Bayern’s advantage with a goal. Although Kylian Mbappe scored for Real in the 74th minute, the team could not equalize. Kathmandu, April 7.

In the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg held last night at Real Madrid’s home ground, Santiago Bernabeu, Bayern Munich achieved a crucial away win, gaining an advantage ahead of the return leg. Luis Diaz opened the scoring for Bayern in the 41st minute of the first half. Just one minute after the second half started, Harry Kane added another goal to double the lead. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe responded in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, trying to bring his team back into the match. Despite applying pressure afterward, Real failed to find an equalizer. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer played a vital role with an outstanding performance to secure the victory. The second leg is scheduled to take place next week at Bayern’s home ground.

25 Chaitra, Kathmandu – The Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee has set the wholesale prices for agricultural products for today. According to the committee, large Indian tomatoes are priced at NPR 70 per kilogram, small local tomatoes at NPR 30 per kilogram, small Indian tomatoes at NPR 30 per kilogram, and small Terai tomatoes at NPR 36 per kilogram. Red potatoes are priced at NPR 21 per kilogram, Indian red potatoes at NPR 23 per kilogram, and dried Indian onions at NPR 37 per kilogram. Similarly, local carrots are NPR 35 per kilogram, Terai carrots NPR 30 per kilogram, local cabbage NPR 35 per kilogram, Naribal cabbage NPR 25 per kilogram, local cauliflower NPR 40 per kilogram, Jyapu cauliflower NPR 60 per kilogram, local white radishes NPR 16 per kilogram, hybrid white radishes NPR 20 per kilogram, long bhanta (eggplant) NPR 50 per kilogram, and short bhanta NPR 70 per kilogram.

Additionally, cluster beans (strings) are priced at NPR 100 per kilogram, pea pods NPR 80 per kilogram, local ghee beans NPR 60 per kilogram, hybrid ghee beans NPR 60, rajma ghee beans NPR 120, tate beans NPR 120, bitter melon NPR 120, bottle gourd NPR 60, and parwar from Terai NPR 90 per kilogram. Chichindo is priced at NPR 100 per kilogram, ghiroula NPR 80, jhigini NPR 120, ripe pumpkin NPR 60, long green pumpkin NPR 40, short green pumpkin NPR 50, okra NPR 110, sugarcane NPR 70, bitter gourd NPR 70, pindalu NPR 65, and sukus NPR 65 per kilogram.

Rayo sag (mustard greens) is NPR 60, palungo (amaranth) NPR 70, chamsur NPR 90, torisag (mustard leaves) NPR 50, methi (fenugreek) NPR 90, green onions NPR 100, bakula lettuce NPR 45, tarul NPR 70, female mushrooms NPR 170, male mushrooms NPR 330, king oyster mushrooms NPR 300, and shiitake mushrooms NPR 1,000 per kilogram. Bitter melon is NPR 400 per kilogram, niguro NPR 80, broccoli NPR 80, beetroot NPR 70, sajivan herb NPR 120, koirala herb NPR 280, red cabbage NPR 45, jiri saag NPR 60, gathkovi NPR 60, celery NPR 13, parsley NPR 200, fennel leaves NPR 90, mint NPR 120, tamarind NPR 180, tama (fermented bamboo shoots) NPR 130, tofu NPR 150, and gundruk NPR 280 per kilogram. Apples (Jhole variety) are NPR 250 per kilogram, Fuji apples NPR 300, bananas (per dozen) NPR 220, lemons NPR 300, pomegranates NPR 350, green grapes NPR 22, black grapes NPR 350, Indian oranges NPR 150, and green watermelons NPR 50 per kilogram. Bhui katther is NPR 170 per piece, local cucumbers NPR 40 per kilogram, hybrid cucumbers NPR 25, local crossed cucumbers NPR 30, khakatar NPR 80, limes NPR 80, Chinese pears NPR 250, Nepali nuts NPR 70, Indian nuts NPR 100, strawberries NPR 300, and kiwis NPR 450 per kilogram. Also, amla (Indian gooseberry) is NPR 190, ginger NPR 90, dried chili NPR 450, green chili NPR 100, bullet green chili NPR 70, mache chili NPR 100, Akabare chili NPR 800, ramdo chili NPR 120, fresh green garlic NPR 100, and fresh coriander NPR 120 per kilogram. Dried Chinese garlic is NPR 230 per kilogram, dried Nepali garlic NPR 150, dried garlic chhapi NPR 120, fresh garlic chhapi NPR 100, dried dried fish NPR 1,000, fresh fish (Rahugadi) NPR 340, fresh fish (Bachuwa) NPR 300, and fresh fish (Chhadi) NPR 320 per kilogram.

Chait 25, Rolpa – Millet produced in Lungri Rural Municipality of Rolpa has been shipped to Kathmandu for sale for the first time. The Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative operating in Lungri Rural Municipality collected millet produced from seven wards within the municipality and sent it out of the district on Tuesday. The cooperative had gathered around 80 quintals of millet. Of this, approximately 10 quintals, equal to 1,000 kg, were sold in the local market, while the remaining 70 quintals, or 7,000 kg, were dispatched to Kathmandu, informed Bhumi Bishw, Chairperson of Lungri Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative.

“Nepali Mato Company purchased the millet from the cooperative at a rate of 70 Nepali Rupees per kg and transported it to Kathmandu,” said Bishw. “We have exported millet worth NPR 490,000 outside the district for the first time.” The cooperative and Nepali Mato Company had signed an agreement for the purchase and sale of millet in Mangsir 2082 (November-December 2025).

The good price received for this indigenous millet has encouraged local farmers. Yamkumari Bishw, a local farmer, expressed that the guarantee of selling their produce locally has motivated them to increase production. She also noted that the weekly agricultural market held every Tuesday in the municipality makes it easier for farmers to sell their agricultural products.

“Earlier, we were worried about where to take our produce for sale, but now it has become much easier,” she said. Bharat Kumar Thapa, Chairperson of Lungri Rural Municipality, stated that they aim to brand the millet and expand it to international markets. He considers the growing demand for Rolpa millet in Kathmandu as a positive sign, especially at a time when the production of indigenous crops is declining. He also shared the municipality’s vision to create a brand for Lungri’s millet and reach global markets.

In addition to increasing millet production, the municipality plans to run programs focusing on the promotion and production of other indigenous crops, as outlined in their strategic points. Bhupendra Pandey, Chief of the Agriculture Section in Lungri Rural Municipality, informed that millet produced by around 100 farmers has been sent to Kathmandu. He added that the municipality will emphasize providing necessary tools, orientation training, seeds, and technical support to farmers to increase millet production.

According to data from the Agriculture Knowledge Center Rolpa, the district produces about 1,700 metric tons of millet annually. The highest production occurs in the rural municipalities of Sunchahari, Lungri, Gangadev, Paribartan, and Sunilsmriti.

March 8, Kathmandu – Independent Member of Parliament Mahaveer Pun has stated that former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli should admit that mistakes were made during the JNU movement. Responding to questions from journalists on Tuesday at the Federal Parliament building, MP Pun emphasized that although the then Prime Minister Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak did not give orders to fire bullets, as the head of the government, Oli must accept responsibility and apologize without hesitation.

He stressed that subordinates’ mistakes are issues that the leading figure must acknowledge. “Today, they say they did not give the order to shoot. However, they are the leaders. How can someone be comforted by the excuse that they did not know? When you are the leader and a subordinate commits a mistake, you must accept it. You have to say sorry,” Pun said. “Apologizing does not diminish a person’s worth; it elevates it. If you do not take responsibility for mistakes as the accountable person, how can you be considered a leader? This is my personal view.”

The United States and Iran have announced a two-week ceasefire. This agreement was reached shortly before the deadline set by US President Donald Trump, who had warned that “all civilization would be destroyed.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that, in coordination with the Iranian armed forces, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured. Israel, involved in the conflict, has also indicated that it will comply with this ceasefire agreement.

Iran confirmed that it presented a 10-point plan for the ceasefire to the US through Pakistan, which served as a mediator in the negotiations. Following the ceasefire agreement, fuel prices have begun to decline. The price of crude oil, which was trading at $100 per barrel as of Tuesday, has dropped to $94.5 per barrel. Asian stock markets have also reached higher levels following the agreement.

25 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Both houses of the Federal Parliament are convening today. According to the schedule, the House of Representatives will meet at 1 PM this afternoon at Singha Durbar. During the session, Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) is expected to present the ‘7th Annual Report of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, 2082.’ Additionally, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle will introduce the ‘Alternative Development Finance Mobilization Bill, 2082.’ Prior to the bill presentation, there is a scheduled proposal to seek permission to table the bill. The Speaker will also read a letter received from the President’s Office regarding the reordering of the Council of Ministers.

Similarly, the National Assembly meeting is set for 1:15 PM today. At this session, Prime Minister Balendra Shah will present the ‘Annual Report of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority for Fiscal Year 2081/82’ to the assembly.

The Nepal Cricket Association is preparing to implement a grading system for umpires for the first time in order to improve their performance standards. The technical committee is monitoring umpire performances and providing suggestions for improvements in discussions with the match referees. Kathmandu, 24 Chaitra.

During a Prime Minister Cup one-day cricket match against Madhesh Province, Lumbini captain Dev Khanal faced a one-match suspension after expressing dissatisfaction with an umpire’s decision. In the final ball of the eighth over, Dev was given out caught behind while attempting an uppercut off a ball bowled by Rupesh Singh. Although the umpire’s decision was out, Dev showed displeasure and remained on the field for some time. Following this, the match referee imposed a one-match ban on him.

In the second edition of the Nepal Premier League, Chitwan Rhinos player Rijan Dhakal was penalized after expressing dissatisfaction over an umpire not giving him out on an LBW appeal during the match against Lumbini Lions. This edition of the LPL has faced intense criticism due to numerous questionable umpiring decisions. Last year, during the Jay Trophy, cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane also pointed out the urgent need for significant improvements in umpiring standards in Nepal through social media.

A senior umpire commented, “Players are punished when they make mistakes, but umpires repeatedly make incorrect decisions without any consequences. If the Cricket Association of Nepal does not take disciplinary action against them, how can umpiring standards improve?” Lumbini Province’s head coach Basant Shahi also expressed dissatisfaction with umpiring standards, stating, “Not only our team but all teams are unhappy with the umpiring decisions. The umpiring standard in the Prime Minister Cup has not been satisfactory and needs improvement.”

CAN spokesperson Chumbi Lama stated, “The issue of umpiring was discussed during the board meeting. Based on the technical committee’s report, a grading system for umpires will be implemented. We believe this will help enhance the quality of umpiring.”

Chaitra 24, Syangja – A couple who had been absconding for 29 years after being convicted in a polygamy case has finally been arrested. Umakant Pokharel (also known as Humbahadur Thapa), 52, and Sharadadevi Pokharel, 46, residents of Biruwa Rural Municipality-4, were taken into custody recently. Prashannraj Chaudhary, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and spokesperson for the Syangja District Police Office, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday.

A case against the couple was registered on Vaisakh 19, 2053 BS, accusing them of polygamy. The Syangja District Court found both guilty and sentenced them to two months in prison each. However, they went into hiding before the verdict could be enforced. According to police sources, they evaded punishment by concealing their true identities and living in India. During the investigation, authorities tracked their whereabouts and arrested them, DSP Chaudhary said.

After their arrest, the couple was presented before the court. The court directed their transfer to Syangja District Jail to serve the prison sentence. Police have recently intensified efforts to locate fugitives in order to enforce court orders promptly.

March 24, Mahendranagar – Education, Science and Technology Minister Sasmita Pokharel stated that the legal provision assigning the Prime Minister as the Chancellor and the Education Minister as the Vice-Chancellor of Nepalese universities will be reviewed. Minister Pokharel made these remarks during a visit to Sudurpaschim University in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, on Tuesday while speaking with journalists.
“It is essential to end the increasing politicization within universities. To achieve this, the current system that designates the Prime Minister as Chancellor and the Education Minister as Vice-Chancellor will be revisited,” she said.
During the visit, she also mentioned that the current government is firmly implementing the previous government’s decision to dissolve student organizations within universities. Minister Pokharel expressed the government’s commitment to supporting academic development and instructed university officials and staff to work in alignment with the government’s pace and the hundred-day action plan.