The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has revealed that the government distributed over Rs 100 billion in agricultural subsidies during the past five years. However, it remains unclear whether the subsidies were effectively utilized. According to the ministry, a total of Rs 107.67 billion was spent on agricultural subsidies during this period.

On Sunday, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari released the names of agricultural cooperatives, groups, and firms that received subsidies from the fiscal year (FY) 2019/20 to 2023/24. The ministry reported that approximately 19.6 million farmers benefitted from these subsidies.

Despite this, Minister Adhikari acknowledged widespread complaints regarding the misuse of subsidies and admitted that no comprehensive study has been conducted to assess their utilization or misuse.

"The ministry is in the process of studying the status of the subsidies distributed. A committee has already been formed to investigate the grants disbursed and their use," he said.

The minister emphasized that action would be taken against any misuse of agricultural grants. "I urge everyone's support and cooperation in ensuring accountability in this matter," he stated.

The ministry also called on provincial and local governments to publish the names of associations, cooperatives, and individuals who have received agricultural grants. Notably, the list released by the ministry does not include grants distributed by provincial or local governments.

The ministry has categorized agricultural grants into two types: direct and indirect. Over the past five years, Rs 20.03 billion was distributed as direct grants to agricultural cooperatives, groups, and firms through various projects, including sugarcane farmer incentive grants, agricultural insurance, and livestock and fisheries insurance premiums.

Additionally, Rs 87.36 billion was allocated for indirectly subsidizing chemical fertilizers.