The government is set to distribute Rs 2 billion in grants to farmers in Madhes Province involved in animal husbandry, aiming to support commercial agriculture and boost production-oriented activities.
According to the Bardibas-based Economic Corridor Project Office under the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the grant distribution process for 179 farmer groups has reached its final stage, reported state-owned news agency RSS. The initiative is being implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank.
“The program is designed to empower farmers and enhance agricultural productivity,” said Surendra Yadav, the office chief. The grants will be distributed to over 5,000 farmers, with the subsidy amount determined based on the number of farmers in each group and the nature of their proposals, added Information Officer Santosh Prakash.
Farmers in Rautahat district will receive the highest allocation of Rs 550 million, while those in Parsa will receive the lowest at Rs 70 million. Similarly, grants for Siraha, Saptari, Mahottari, and Dhanusha stand at Rs 400 million, Rs 310 million, Rs 260 million, and Rs 230 million, respectively. Sarlahi and Bara farmers will receive Rs 160 million and Rs 140 million, respectively.
The program is being implemented across 84 local levels along the East-West Highway and Postal Highway corridors. Under the scheme, selected farmer groups are required to contribute 55% of the total project cost, with the remaining 45% covered by the office.
Classified as an “innovation grant,” the funds will be disbursed in four installments. Beneficiaries, including cooperatives and agricultural institutions, must submit progress reports to receive each installment, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The selected farmer groups have proposed various agricultural activities, such as poultry farming, seed production, buffalo and dairy farming, as well as goat, fish, and pig farming. The office has confirmed that several cooperatives and sectoral organizations have already received the first installment and begun implementing their projects.
This initiative is expected to promote rural entrepreneurship, strengthen market linkages, and contribute to the long-term growth of commercial farming in Madhes Province.
RSS
