Author: space4knews

June 29, Kathmandu – Today marks the 23rd National Rice Day in Nepal. The government is celebrating this year under the rallying call “Climate-Friendly Technology, Self-Reliance, and Prosperity in Rice.” However, while promoting the slogan of self-reliance in rice, Nepal continues to import over NPR 100 million worth of rice seeds annually.

Although the government claims that domestic rice seed production is sufficient to meet internal demand, farmers’ preference for advanced and especially hybrid (Varna Shankar) varieties has resulted in continued dependence on imported seeds.

According to data from the Department of Customs, rice seed imports have increased by 11.42% compared to last year. During the first 11 months of fiscal year 2082/83 (mid-July to mid-June), Nepal imported rice seeds amounting to NPR 129.94 million. In the same period last year, imports were NPR 116.62 million.

This represents an increase of NPR 13.31 million in import value compared to the previous year.

In terms of volume, rice seed imports also rose. From 2,570 tons imported last year in the same period, imports reached 2,993 tons this fiscal year.

More than 99% of Nepal’s imported rice seeds come from neighboring India and China. India alone supplied NPR 114.25 million worth of 2,669 tons of rice seeds over 11 months.

China accounted for NPR 15.67 million worth of 324 tons of seeds. Nepal’s imports from third countries remain negligible and mostly pertain to testing or special purposes.

Rice seeds have also been imported in small quantities from Vietnam (148 kg), the UK (12 kg), Qatar and the UAE (5 kg each), and Saudi Arabia (3 kg).

The stark contrast between government claims of burgeoning self-reliance in seed production and the reality of over NPR 100 million worth of annual seed imports highlights a significant gap between Nepal’s agricultural research output and farmers’ needs.

Demand at 71,000 Tons, Production at 78,000 Tons: Why Imports Persist?

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment, rice cultivation covers approximately 1.3 to 1.45 million hectares in Nepal. Dr. Mathur Yadav, coordinator of the National Rice Research Program, explains that at an average requirement of 50 kg seed per hectare, Nepal needs around 71,000 tons of rice seed annually.

While domestic seed production routinely exceeds demand, a lack of sufficient hybrid seed varieties compels farmers to rely on imports.

“Statistically, we are self-reliant in seed production. Last year, internal production ranged between 70,000 and 78,000 tons,” said Dr. Yadav. “However, 77% of our total seed system is informal – farmers reuse or exchange old seeds, while only 23% of seeds come from formal certified sources.”

He notes that about 3,000 tons of seed imports occurred last year, 90% of which were hybrid varieties.

Hunger for Hybrids and Lack of Indigenous Varieties

The Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) has developed over 150 improved rice varieties, but only two hybrid varieties have been developed in Kathmandu—an extremely limited choice for farmers attracted to hybrids.

Dr. Prakash Acharya, senior crop development officer at the Seed Quality Control Center, says farmers are compelled to depend on foreign hybrid seeds due to lack of suitable domestic alternatives.

“Indigenous hybrid varieties such as Khumal series, Hardinath, and Savitri are produced locally, but only two indigenous hybrid rice types—Hardinath Hybrid-1 and Hardinath Hybrid-3—are available,” he explained. “With growing farmer interest in hybrid rice, insufficient domestic hybrid seed supply forces reliance on imported seeds.”

Dr. Acharya emphasizes that breaking the dominance of foreign hybrids requires increased government investment in hybrid research.

He further explained that different rice varieties have been recommended for Nepal’s diverse geography and climate: Chaite-5 and Hardinath-1 for spring season rice; Hardinath-6, Hardinath-5, Ram Dhan, Radha-4, and Savitri for monsoon season; and various Khumal series and others suited for hill and high-hill areas.

Although other domestic varieties are produced within Nepal, Dr. Acharya insists that a special policy is needed to challenge the dominance of foreign hybrid seeds.

“The key is that the government must ramp up investment in hybrid rice research and production,” he said. “Until adequate development of our own hybrid rice varieties happens, foreign varieties will dominate and farmers will remain dependent on imported seeds.”

NARC Acknowledges Dependence on India Through Informal Channels

With primary responsibility for producing breeder seed, the Nepal Agricultural Research Council’s production capacity is extremely limited.

NARC spokesperson Dr. Bhanubhakta Pokharel admits that a weak formal seed production system forces dependence on foreign markets. He noted that urbanization and migration have reduced cultivable land.

“For 1.4 million hectares of rice land, NARC’s breeder seed production is far below requirements,” Dr. Pokharel said. “We produce about 200 tons of breeder seed from farms in Nepalgunj’s Khajura, Bhairahawa, Parwanipur, and Tarhara.”

Even after multiplication by farmer groups and private companies, this volume is insufficient.

“Our formal seed production system is inadequate,” he added. “Informally, we are almost entirely reliant on India. Because of open borders, farmers sometimes bring in seeds themselves, but there’s no official data on this.”

Nevertheless, there is some cause for optimism. According to Dr. Yadav, aside from government farms in Janakpur, Tarhara, and Chandragadhi, private sector companies have recently shown increased interest in seed production.

“In Lumbini Province alone, about 31 private seed companies are registered and actively operating,” he said. “Various private companies in Sudurpashchim and Madhesh provinces are also producing improved seed varieties.”

Rice Seed Imports Over Recent Years

Nepal has spent significant sums annually importing rice seeds. According to Department of Customs data, in fiscal year 2081/82, 2,570.7 tons of rice seed valued at NPR 116.67 million were imported.

The previous fiscal year, 2080/81, saw 2,107.46 tons imported at a cost of NPR 88.69 million.

In 2079/80, imports amounted to 1,883.09 tons valued at NPR 75.64 million, while fiscal year 2078/79 recorded 5,115.07 tons worth NPR 87.06 million.

Analysis shows that the highest quantity of seed imports occurred in fiscal year 2077/78, when Nepal imported 45,284.61 tons of rice seed at a cost of NPR 217.39 million.

June 29, Kathmandu – During the ministry-wise discussion of the Appropriation Bill about one and a half weeks ago, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Mahavir Pun made a significant revelation in parliament.

According to him, before becoming a minister, he was unaware of the term ‘unclassified’ budget, which refers to a consolidated amount allocated without detailed budget headings. Despite this, he was given over 1 percent of the total budget as an unclassified lump sum for his ministry, without specific programs.

Minister Pun said that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation was allocated NPR 350 million in unclassified budget. This ministry is not entirely new; according to the minister, it has been reestablished seven times. Before the addition of innovation in its name, it operated as a full ministry with an allocated budget and specific programs. This time, the government trusted Pun significantly, allotting the amount as an unclassified budget, giving him freedom over spending.

Governments usually keep some amount as unclassified budget for emergency expenditures. Most allocated budgets are separated into specific, spendable headings.

However, an unclassified budget does not have designated expenditure headings. The Ministry of Finance breaks it down as per requirements, and this practice creates a poor precedent for public finances by allowing large sums for discretionary spending.

Historically, around 5 percent of the total budget is kept unclassified. In the current fiscal year, NPR 7.8 billion was set aside as unclassified budget, which has increased to NPR 9 billion in the upcoming fiscal year. Former secretaries from the Finance Ministry attribute this to politicians requiring their own pocket projects in the budget and insufficient studies leading to the inability to allocate separate headings.

Keeping a large unclassified budget is considered poor budgetary discipline. Another former deputy secretary noted that unclassified budgets’ spending is trackless, with no prepared programs or activities and no unit costs calculated.

Budgets for projects without detailed project reports (DPRs) are kept unclassified. Funds are later released to other ministries from different expenditure headings as needed.

This time, the Ministry of Finance has kept the largest share under an unclassified budget. According to the Expenditure Estimate of the upcoming fiscal year (also known as the ‘Red Book’), the ministry has allocated NPR 9,030,950,000 as unclassified funds across various headings.

This unclassified budget exceeds the revised estimates of the current fiscal year, which projected expenditures of NPR 877,100,000.

The opposition voices in parliament are currently weak. Some members of the ruling party, including MP Badankumar Bhandari, have questioned the transparency of the large unclassified budget allocation.

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle did not provide satisfactory responses to questions in parliament. He defended the practice by citing emergencies and the inability to prepare detailed programs for new ministries, leading to the need for large unclassified allocations.

Ministers have assured MPs who raise questions that if any program or expense is missing, they can visit the ministry and it will be addressed. Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal reiterated this multiple times, and Finance Minister Wagle also said responses would be provided to MPs.

This suggests that the government is positioned to implement plans with discretionary authority by keeping sufficient funds as unclassified budgets, explained former Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission and MP Dr. Pushparaj Kandel. “The Finance Ministry alone is implementing NPR 800 billion worth of budget, with an additional NPR 9 billion in unclassified funds. This trend represents an attempt to spend the budget based on self-interests,” he stated.

Where Does the Unclassified Budget Get Spent?

According to the Red Book, of the unclassified budget allocated by the Finance Ministry, NPR 100 million is estimated for travel expenses of specific individuals. In the current fiscal year, the similar expense was NPR 70 million.

NPR 170 million is allocated for delegation visits and hospitality expenses. A substantial budget of NPR 800 million is reserved for large compensations. NPR 200 million has been set aside for customs refunds.

Under emergency administration, NPR 3.8 billion is allocated, which the ministry can spend at its discretion. NPR 1.879 billion is set aside for disaster relief and rehabilitation.

Development programs have been allocated NPR 1.923 billion, which can also be used at the Finance Ministry’s discretion and added to capital expenditures.

Only NPR 400 million is allocated for implementation of ongoing capital projects. Notably, last year the Finance Ministry kept the Gandaki Economic Triangle project as unclassified, but its budget has not been continued this and next year.

The federal government has institutionalized the practice of holding budget as unclassified and spending at discretion, a trend now also adopted by provincial and local governments. According to the 63rd report by the Office of the Auditor General, local governments have been allocating and spending more than NPR 600 million annually as unclassified budget. The Auditor General has advised discouraging this practice.

Former Vice-Chairman Kandel says that keeping a large unclassified budget raises transparency concerns, as it encourages spending according to vested interests.

Meanwhile, former secretaries of the Finance Ministry argue that unclassified budget allocation does not inherently lead to arbitrary or opaque spending.

“It is preferable to present budget allocation details with headings in parliament. The unclassified budget should be reduced. The tendency to put projects without study into unclassified budget should be minimized. However, expenditure from unclassified budget must follow procedures, and such allocation is not corruption,” one former official said.

One of the leading causes of significant human and property losses in Nepal is road accidents. Nepal has consistently ranked among the countries with the highest accident rates globally. Over the past decade, more than 24,000 deaths have been recorded due to road accidents. In the last five years alone, 2,661 pedestrians have lost their lives.

According to the World Health Organization, injuries from road accidents are the leading cause of death among children and youth aged 5 to 29 years. Around 92% of global road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

On average, seven people die daily in Nepal due to road accidents, impacting not only human lives but also having direct social, economic, and health consequences. While most assign full responsibility to drivers, in reality, safe travel depends on three pillars: roads, vehicles, and road users (drivers, passengers, pedestrians).

It is the government’s obligation to ensure awareness and implement necessary actions involving all three sectors. Essential elements for safe travel include proper laws, their effective enforcement, safe vehicles and infrastructure, responsible road users, and efficient post-accident care and rehabilitation.

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office at Ramshahpath has initiated a month-long traffic awareness campaign starting 1st Asar (mid-June) aimed at controlling traffic violations and vehicle accidents in the valley.

Even pedestrians crossing at zebra crossings have faced fatal accidents in Kathmandu Valley. High traffic congestion, lack of traffic signals, and inadequate infrastructure have created chaotic conditions for drivers on the roads. Below is an edited excerpt from the conversation with Valley Traffic Police Chief SSP Suresh Kafle on the current scenario.

You have been in charge for only two weeks. How does the traffic situation feel before and after assuming responsibility?

Since I live in Kathmandu, I was already aware of the traffic management issues here. However, after taking charge, the problems have become even clearer. Currently, discussions are ongoing with various agencies to find solutions.

What programs are included in the campaign?

This campaign aims to spread daily awareness about accidents and their causes among road users. We are informing every citizen on proper road crossing, use of overhead bridges and zebra crossings, and the importance of lane discipline.

Similar campaigns have been conducted before, but violations have not decreased. Is there a weakness in the campaign’s approach?

The efforts of previous chiefs are commendable. Statistics show that the numbers of deaths and injuries have somewhat decreased. Our goal remains zero accidents. Going forward, technology-driven monitoring and participation from everyone in rule compliance will be essential.

What is the main traffic issue in Kathmandu Valley?

The biggest problem is the mismatch and disorderly movement of various types of vehicles. Two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and others not operating according to time and place, lack of lane discipline, and indiscipline among road users are major concerns.

Do you review the condition of vehicles?

This primarily falls under the Department of Transport’s mandate. While we have limited technology for mechanical inspections, coordination is ongoing.

Despite having 1,590 traffic police, why do problems still persist?

Physical presence alone cannot solve problems without utilizing technology. We are focusing on ‘faceless trafficking,’ meaning technology-based monitoring. Increasing technology on roads will also reduce risks for traffic police officers.

What challenges do traffic police face?

They work under heavy stress and risk. Dust, smoke, noise pollution, and other environmental factors affect them. We have provided protective gear like masks and glasses to ensure their safety.

What technologies are available for faceless trafficking?

The government is emphasizing technological integration. We have deployed AI-powered cameras and Number Plate Recognition (NPR) cameras to easily monitor and take action against violators.

There is talk of traffic management at Thapathali without traffic police. What is the context?

Some intersections employ fully technology-based monitoring. Control rooms monitor the area and take action when violations occur.

Incidents like the Speaker’s vehicle breaking traffic laws and being fined have been publicized. How effective are such penalties?

We do not adopt a stunt-performance style for enforcement. Road safety is critical for everyone, and legal action is taken against offenders per the law. CCTV cameras continuously monitor traffic and appropriate actions are taken.

Driving under the influence, especially among school bus drivers, is reportedly increasing. How is this being addressed?

This has become a social illness spreading widely. We are targeting inspections towards long-distance vehicles, ambulances, garbage trucks, and school bus drivers. Many have already been penalized.

How do you prevent misconduct or disputes between traffic police and road users?

We have implemented a code of conduct that prohibits unnecessary questioning, handshaking traditions, and mandates civil and restrained behavior. This is expected to reduce conflicts.

There is a proposal to increase fines up to NPR 50,000. Do you believe such fines will reduce violations?

Fines alone are not the sole issue. Violating traffic rules endangers human lives. Therefore, fines should be sufficiently high to encourage caution. The higher the fine, the more it fosters compliance.

What if fines increase but violations still continue?

Awareness that everyone must follow rules without needing fines is crucial. Human life on the road is invaluable and beyond monetary value. Hence, everyone is urged to avoid breaking traffic laws.

What is the status of road infrastructure and traffic signals?

Infrastructure is being gradually improved. We consider fines an important tool for rule enforcement. Enhancing infrastructure promptly is necessary to ensure effective rule compliance.

What plans exist for pedestrian safety?

Pedestrian deaths mostly result from carelessness. In this one-month campaign, we have raised awareness among the public about traffic rules. Pedestrians must also adhere to these rules.

The issue of motorcycles operating at excessive noise levels seems to be increasing. How are you addressing this?

This is a major complaint. Traffic police have taken action against almost 150 motorcycles. We are working to reduce noise and enforce regulations.

Finally, what message would you like to convey to citizens?

The road is a shared space for everyone. All must follow traffic rules. Pedestrians should also cross roads according to rules and always walk on the right side to ensure their safety.

Road Safety Series-1

Road Safety Series-2

June 29, Sunsari – Suvas Adhikari, who has been active on the stage for over fifteen years with the Srishti Theatre Group, officially launched his new play titled ‘No Signal.’ The launch was organized by the Dharan Readers Group and took place on Sunday.

Adhikari, now residing in Stockholm, Sweden, and involved in playwriting, directing, and acting, has shed light on the human sensitivity fading in the modern world dominated by digital technology through this work.

Although digital technology has made life easier, his play delivers the message that there is no alternative to human relationships to eliminate loneliness and bring life vibrancy.

At the launch ceremony, director and playwright Ghimire Yuvraj of Shilpi Theatre, Kathmandu, noted that ‘No Signal’ symbolically depicts human relations, coincidences, and the futility of life.

Another commentator and associate professor, Rajesh Vidrohi, stated that no matter how much progress is made in science and technology, human relationships remain indispensable. He explained that the play vividly illustrates the impossibility of ending loneliness and frustration caused by modernization.

Adhikari, who moved to Sweden with his wife Soma Thapa in 2008 (2065 BS), runs an organization named Nepal Mandap in Stockholm alongside the Nepali community. Currently visiting Nepal for a few weeks, they have also been preparing for a theatre performance at Shilpi Theatre in conjunction with the book launch.