KATHMANDU: Approximately two-thirds of the nation's populace is engaged in agriculture as their primary occupation, contributing significantly to economic development, with roughly one-third of the national income derived from this sector. However, while agriculture has been ingrained in the country's culture and traditions since ancient times, there's a growing necessity to modernize and commercialize farming practices beyond traditional methods.

Presently, all three tiers of government are striving to introduce novel techniques and tools to modernize and commercialize the agricultural sector. Despite historical exports of agricultural products to third countries, recent trends indicate increasing dependency on food grain imports, necessitating proactive measures to address this shift. To this end, provincial governments have initiated programs aimed at supporting agriculture and farmers, including the formulation and implementation of agricultural policies and initiatives to enhance food security.

In the Koshi Province, the Ministry of Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives has taken significant strides towards revitalizing agriculture as a diversified, commercialized, and income-generating sector. Emphasizing the need for agricultural commercialization and increased productivity, the ministry is committed to poverty alleviation and enhancing food production through various strategic programs aligned with national agricultural strategies.

Notably, the agricultural sector in Koshi Province contributes nearly 37.75 percent to the gross domestic product, with a substantial share of the nation's cultivated land and food availability originating from this region. Major crops include cereals, vegetables, and specialty products like tea, with ongoing efforts to optimize production and enhance agricultural productivity through subsidies, infrastructure development, and technological interventions.

However, despite government initiatives, challenges persist, with many individuals hesitant to pursue agriculture as a livelihood option. Access to timely fertilizers, modern agricultural machinery, and secure storage facilities remain crucial for attracting more individuals to farming. The provision of subsidies and support for organic farming, livestock rearing, and infrastructure development aims to address these challenges and foster a conducive environment for sustainable agricultural practices.