Author: space4knews

A discussion with stakeholders on the bill prepared for the amendment and integration of the Youth Act was concluded under the chairmanship of Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment Ramji Yadav. The ministry has initiated the process of drafting a bill that incorporates timely improvements to youth-related laws and includes necessary provisions for effective implementation. Minister Yadav expressed commitment to strengthening the bill by integrating effective practices from various countries along with Nepal’s positive efforts.

On July 17 in Kathmandu, representatives and prominent figures from various youth organizations such as the National Youth Council, Nepal Youth Club, and Youth Advocacy Nepal participated in the discussion. The ministry informed that it is moving forward with the bill drafting process aimed at timely amendment of youth-related laws to include provisions necessary for effective implementation. Youth participants at the event suggested that the law should include provisions ensuring respectful participation of young people, recognizing their contributions across different sectors.

Additionally, participants emphasized that positive practices adopted by other countries in youth-related fields should also be incorporated into the bill. Responding to these suggestions, Minister Yadav stated that the bill would be further strengthened by studying effective approaches from different countries worldwide along with Nepal’s past positive achievements and efforts. The discussion was also attended by Ministry Secretary Deepak Kafle, former Secretary Ram Prasad Thapliya, Joint Secretaries Baburam Bhandari and Manita Shrestha, Joint Secretary of the Foreign Employment Board Chandra Bahadur Shivakoti, Associate Professor Dipesh Ghimire from Tribhuvan University, and Deputy Secretary of the Nepal Law Commission Jaleshwar Ram, among others.

According to data from the Department of Agriculture, as of July 16, rice transplanting has been completed on 69.77 percent of the total planted paddy fields nationwide. Sudurpashchim Province leads with 90.67 percent completion, while Madhesh Province shows notable improvement with 57.13 percent transplanting achieved. With the monsoon active and irrigation facilities available, the Department of Agriculture is optimistic that transplanting will be completed in the remaining 30 percent of the area within July.

July 16, Kathmandu – Midway through this year’s rice transplanting season, approximately 70 percent of the rice planting area has been completed across the country. According to statistics from the Department of Agriculture, an average of 69.77 percent of transplanting has been done across all seven provinces as of July 16. Last year, transplanting for the same period was 72.14 percent. Out of the total 1,373,862 hectares available for rice cultivation nationwide, transplanting has been completed on 958,574 hectares this year.

By province, Sudurpashchim Province is leading the progress. Out of 162,250 hectares in the province, transplanting has been completed on 147,116 hectares, resulting in 90.67 percent completion. However, last year during the same timeframe, this figure was higher at 96.99 percent. Lumbini Province has also made good progress; transplanting has been completed on 80.65 percent (243,042 hectares) of its total 301,372 hectares area.

Similarly, in Gandaki Province, 78.36 percent of the area has been transplanted; in Bagmati Province, 77.33 percent; and in Karnali Province, 77.05 percent. Madhesh Province has shown significant improvement as well. Whereas last year only 46.83 percent of transplanting was completed by the first week of July, this year the figure has increased to 57.13 percent. In Madhesh, transplanting has been done on 221,546 hectares out of the total 382,433 hectares available.

In contrast, Koshi Province shows a slight decline this year with 54.86 percent completion compared to 61.79 percent at the same time last year. Out of the total 276,386 hectares available, transplanting has been completed on 151,619 hectares. Observing the nationwide transplanting status, with the active monsoon and expanding irrigation availability, most provinces show substantial physical progress in transplanting. The transplanting process will continue throughout July, and it is expected that the remaining 30 percent of the area will also achieve good completion.

Due to a sharp increase in fake and smuggled footwear in the market, the government has issued a warning to take stringent action against such activities. The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection has directed to prevent illegal sales occurring both on social media and in physical stores. The department has urged all businesses to strictly comply with legal standards regarding product labeling, smuggling, and sales under the Consumer Protection Act 2018.

1st Shrawan, Kathmandu – With the illegal trade of fake, substandard, and smuggled footwear rapidly growing in the market, the government has warned of stringent measures. The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply has cautioned everyone against engaging in or facilitating such illegal activities.

According to the department, recent complaints have highlighted widespread sales of unlabeled, fake, and low-quality footwear bearing well-known brand names. These products are being distributed not only through physical stores but also extensively via social media and various digital platforms (online shopping), the department stated.

The department considers that smuggled footwear disrupts fair competition and poses a risk of consumer fraud. Referring to various provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2018, the department issued a stern warning reminding businesses of their responsibilities. Section 6 mandates producers to affix compulsory labels on their products. Similarly, Section 8 requires importers to comply with legal conditions when bringing goods into the country, and Section 11 holds sellers accountable for specific responsibilities.

The department emphasized that these provisions must be strictly enforced to ensure consumers’ constitutional and legal rights to quality goods and services. It has issued necessary instructions to producers, importers, transporters, warehouse operators, and retailers to adhere to legal obligations and conditions. The department reiterated that anyone found selling counterfeit goods, supporting smuggled products, or acting against consumer interests will face strict consequences.

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has imposed a fine of Rs 205,000 on KB Agro Hamro Meat and Mart located in Chabahil for selling expired food and beverage products. During an inspection, expired consumable drinks such as Rash Badam Drink, Fanta, and Sprite were discovered at the mart, resulting in action taken under the Consumer Protection Act.

On the same day, the department also conducted inspections at ten other firms and industries across Kathmandu and Lalitpur, issuing directives for necessary improvements. During the inspection, KB Agro Hamro Meat and Mart operating in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-6 Chabahil was found to have stocked expired items that pose serious health risks to consumers.

The drinks, including ‘Rash Badam Drink,’ ‘Fanta,’ and ‘Sprite,’ were found expired yet still available for sale. Based on the violation under Section 16(2)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act 2075, the department exercised authority under Section 39(1)(b) of the same act to fine the mart Rs 205,000.

In the fiscal year 2082/83, the government managed to spend only 80.55 percent of the total allocated budget. Capital expenditure was limited to 46.79 percent of the target, leaving most strategic and large-scale projects confined to announcements on paper. Ambitious plans such as the fertilizer factory, Nijgadh Airport, and squatter management failed to make substantial progress.

As of 1st Shrawan in Kathmandu, by the last day of fiscal year 2082/83 (32nd Asar), all indicators of public expenditure were disappointing. The government could not even spend half of the total development budget this year. According to data from the Office of the Auditor General until 32nd Asar, capital expenditure was restricted to 46.79 percent. The government had targeted NPR 4 trillion 7 billion 88 crore in capital expenditure, but by the fiscal year-end, only NPR 1 trillion 908 billion 4 crore had been spent on development.

The government presented a total budget of NPR 19 trillion 641 billion 11 crore for this fiscal year. However, actual spending reached only 80.55 percent of this target, amounting to NPR 15 trillion 821 billion 16 crore by 32nd Shrawan. Recurrent expenditure amounted to NPR 10 trillion 439 billion 9 crore, which was 88.4 percent of the target, set at NPR 11 trillion 809 billion 8 crore.

The previous fiscal year’s budget was implemented under the leadership of three finance ministers. The budget was initially presented by then Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel. Following protests on the 23rd and 24th of Bhadra, economist Rameshwar Khanal took charge of the Finance Ministry. After the elections on 21st Falgun, Dr. Swarnim Wagley was appointed finance minister in the powerful government formed subsequently. Despite the budget being implemented by two expert finance ministers, the government failed to even show signs of initial improvements. However, Finance Minister Wagley has pledged that the poor state of development expenditure will not continue in the current fiscal year.

In terms of financial management, expenditure reached 92.56 percent of the target. Out of a target of NPR 3 trillion 752 billion 4 crore, NPR 3 trillion 473 billion 3 crore was spent. Through a mid-term budget review, the government aimed to reach a total expenditure of 85.96 percent, hoping to increase recurrent spending to NPR 11 trillion 259 billion 7 crore and capital spending to NPR 2 trillion 433 billion.

Financial management expenditure exceeded the set target, with NPR 3 trillion 190 billion spent. The total budget expenditure was expected to reach NPR 16 trillion 883 billion 2 crore according to the mid-term review.

The government has enforced stringent biosecurity measures to control the spread of devastating diseases and pests that may enter Nepal through imported agricultural products. Due to non-compliance with phytosanitary standards set by the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre, consignments of almonds arriving from India have been stopped at the border. Agricultural experts have recommended that the federal government declare pocket zones and initiate special programs to increase self-reliance and boost domestic production of crops such as almonds.

Kathmandu, 18 July – What happens if devastating diseases or pests originating overseas enter Nepal through imported agricultural products? Experts warn that such an occurrence could cause unimaginable damage to Nepali agriculture and biodiversity. Nepal’s biological system is unique; foreign pests arriving in Nepal’s new and suitable environment often lack natural predators to keep them in check. As a result, they spread uncontrollably and destroy indigenous crops from fields to storage. In light of these risks, the government has tightened biosecurity and imposed strict monitoring and conditions on imported agricultural products.

Following increased restrictions on agricultural commodities like bananas, mangoes, coriander, and avocados, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment’s Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre has also applied stringent entry conditions on almonds (peanuts), their seeds, and kernels coming from India. Since 7 July, new standards have been enforced, and transport vehicles carrying almonds from India have been prevented from entering Nepal due to non-compliance, according to senior crop protection officer Prakash Paudel of the Plant Quarantine.

According to the ministry’s circular, every almond consignment from India must fully comply with Nepal’s specified biosecurity standards. These include obtaining a phytosanitary certificate issued by India’s National Plant Protection Organization, which must affirm that the almonds are free from prohibited pests as prescribed by Nepal.

It is mandatory to declare and certify that the almonds are completely free of devastating pests and diseases such as lesser mealworm, Mediterranean flour moth, bacterial fruit blotch, blackeye cowpea mosaic virus, cowpea mild mottle virus, and peanut stripe virus. Prior to import, the almonds must be fumigated with methyl bromide at a rate of 32 grams per cubic meter for 24 hours at a minimum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, accompanied by laboratory test reports. Packaging must also be sanitized.

“Almond consignments sent from India to Nepal have been halted at the border because the necessary additional declarations and documents were not provided,” said senior crop protection officer Paudel. “Only consignments that meet the criteria and are certified will be allowed entry into Nepal.” He added that importers failing to comply with regulations will not be granted entry permission under any circumstance.

Almonds produced in India have a record of these pests and diseases. This strict government regulation is not new; similar provisions have existed since the 2015 Gazette but have only recently been effectively implemented. The quarantine committee now requires that potential biological threats (diseases/pests) be explicitly stated when granting entry permission for any item, and guarantees through phytosanitary certificates must be obtained. To safeguard the nation’s biodiversity, risk assessments based on citizen petitions will determine national import conditions. In cases where specific pests or diseases are not regulated in exporting countries, the committee assesses national lists and issues alerts as needed. “The almond restrictions follow this process to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases,” Paudel explained.

How much almonds does Nepal import from India? Almonds, categorized under oilseed crops, were imported from India worth NPR 216,922,000 in the 11 months of the 2025/26 fiscal year. The total quantity imported was 17,051,864 kilograms (approximately 17,051.86 tons). Nepal mainly imports three types of almonds: seeds, raw almonds with shells, and shelled kernels. The majority imported are shelled kernels valued at NPR 134,383,600 and weighing 9,044,333 kg (9,044.33 tons). Raw almonds with shells are the next highest, with imports of 8,001,151 kg (8,000 tons) valued at NPR 81,602,200. Seeds for sowing are also imported, with a quantity of 7,380 kg (7.38 tons), valued at NPR 1,064,000.

The Indian market almost monopolizes Nepal’s almond supply. Out of a total imported 17,051.86 tons, 17,051.14 tons originate from India. Imports from China are minimal at 713 kg worth NPR 89,000, including 35 kg of seeds, 403 kg of raw almonds with shells, and 275 kg of shelled kernels. Small quantities are also imported from Qatar, Israel, Malaysia, and Thailand. From Qatar, only 1 kg of raw almonds with shells was imported, and from other countries, just 1 kg of shelled kernels each.

Agricultural experts note a significant potential for domestic almond self-sufficiency given Nepal’s suitable climatic and soil conditions, yet lack of policy focus and commercial attention has led to heavy dependence on imports. Dr. Subas Suvedi, coordinator of the National Oilseed Research Program in Sarlahi, stated, “Nepal has the capacity to be completely self-reliant in almond production. Increasing local production would keep valuable financial resources within the country.”

Currently, about 3,000 to 3,500 hectares across Nepal are under almond cultivation, producing approximately 4,500 to 5,000 tons annually. Almond farming is prominent in Bara, Rautahat, and Sarlahi in the Madhesh Province as well as in Surkhet, Dang, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Doti in the west, and Morang and Jhapa in the east. The Nepal Agricultural Research Council has developed eight improved almond varieties. The newly released Nawalpur Almond-1 variety yields the best production, with 2 to 2.5 tons per hectare compared to the national average of 1.5 tons. Almond cultivation requires well-drained, slightly sloped, and high-altitude loamy soil but can also be grown in less suitable land by knowledgeable farmers. Seed costs are estimated at NPR 2,500 for a 30 Kattha (roughly 1 Bigha) plot. Nepka maintains a stock of 3 tons of essential seeds, sufficient for three years of production, although current demand for commercial seed use by farmers is low. Dr. Suvedi noted that the number of farmers engaging in almond cultivation is gradually increasing.

To promote almond farming, declaration of pocket zones is necessary. Typically, almonds are cultivated from mid-June to mid-July in Nepal, but in some districts like Rupandehi, planting is also possible in February and March. Dr. Suvedi emphasized the need for policy improvements to support almond cultivation. “We have the technology, quality varieties, and sufficient seed, but delivering these resources to farmers remains the main challenge,” he said. “By declaring pocket zones in certain districts and supporting programs through federal government grants, the cultivation can be expanded.”

Restrictions have also been tightened on bananas, mangoes, coriander, and avocados. Following detection of pests during market monitoring on coriander from China and avocados from Uganda, similar measures have been applied to bananas and mangoes from India. Due to risks of Panama disease (TR4) in bananas and harmful pesticide residues and pests in mangoes from India, entry conditions have been reinforced. Officials stated the government’s policy is to first impose strict conditions rather than an outright ban; however, if those conditions are not met and pests are found, a complete import ban will be enforced.

While these border restrictions may be inconvenient for traders, agricultural experts emphasize that biosecurity is a matter of life and death for Nepal, an agrarian country rich in biodiversity. The damage caused by foreign pests or diseases when introduced to Nepal is enormous. “When foreign pests arrive in Nepal, without natural predators, they proliferate uncontrollably causing devastating impacts on all crops,” said senior crop protection officer Paudel. These harmful pests tend to be polyphagous, shifting from one crop to another if their preferred host is unavailable. If new pests enter through coriander, avocado, or almonds, it could devastate not only those crops but also fields, vegetables, fruits, and stored grains. Once a pest or disease spreads in the country, controlling it becomes nearly impossible. Recognizing the risk of agricultural investments worth billions being lost and the threat of severe food shortages, the government has instituted these strict regulations.

Following the Nepali Congress’s decision to terminate its alliance with the CPN-UML, political uncertainty has escalated in the governments of all seven provinces. Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki stated that government operations will continue regularly unless Congress withdraws its ministers. He urged political leaders to end instability and seriously work towards good governance and stability in line with public expectations. 1 Shrawan, Biratnagar.

After the Nepali Congress announced the termination of its alliance with the CPN-UML at the provincial level, this development has affected the governments of all seven provinces. On Thursday, the Congress’s provincial task force in Koshi Province concluded that the alliance with UML had ended and authorized party leader Uddhav Thapa to recall participating ministers. With Congress preparing to withdraw its ministers and retract support from the government, speculation about the future of the Koshi Province government has increased.

Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki of Koshi Province said, “At present, Nepali Congress has not officially recalled any ministers or withdrawn its support. Until formal steps are taken, commenting on this matter is unnecessary.” He added, “An abnormal situation is emerging in the provincial structure.”

Chief Minister Karki also mentioned that disagreements initially arising over budget issues in Sudurpashchim Province have now extended through Karnali and reached Koshi. He emphasized, “At this point, it is necessary for us to be somewhat restrained and responsible.” He urged leaders of both Congress and UML to avoid sending negative messages to the public and to be serious about establishing good governance and maintaining stability without affecting the system.

The Far-Western Province government has been unable to pass the budget for the fiscal year 2081/82 in the Provincial Assembly. Led by Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, the government failed to secure the necessary majority due to minority status. However, despite the budget not being approved, the province continues to collect revenue under the Temporary Revenue Collection Act, 2081. Dhangadhi, 1st Shrawn.

Although the new fiscal year has begun, political disputes have prevented the passage of the 2083/84 budget in the Provincial Assembly. After Chief Minister Shah dismissed ministers, the UML party withdrew its support from the government, resulting in the failure to pass the current fiscal year’s budget. Following UML’s removal from government, Shah sought support from the main opposition, the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), to pass the budget. However, with the NCP also refusing to approve the budget as it stands, Shah found himself isolated.

According to Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dhan Bahadur Rokaya, even though the budget failed, the province’s budget is not entirely at a standstill. The provincial government has already enacted the Temporary Revenue Collection Act, 2081, which allows provincial offices to collect revenue starting from today. Section 3 of the Act provides for revenue collection under special circumstances, permitting the continuation of revenue collection. However, the provincial government has not been authorized to incur any expenditures.