Despite pandemic, agriculture sector witness surge in investment

KATHMANDU: While most of the trade and business is facing losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the interest of small and big industrialists towards agriculture has increased.

According to the Department of Industry, a total of 12 industries have been registered for commercial agriculture in the last five months of the current fiscal year.

The investors have committed to invest around Rs 3.25 billion for the operation of these industries. It is estimated that 1,395 people will get employment after these industries come into operation.

In terms of foreign investment, only one industry has been committed in the agricultural sector in the last five months. An investment commitment of Rs. 350 million has been made for the operation of the agro-business. It is said that 80 people will get employment after the operation of this industry. This investment commitment comes from China.

China is going to operate a meat production and processing center in Makwanpur.

Meanwhile, investment in poultry farms seems to have increased towards internal investment. Preparations have been made to start a poultry farm called Global Bird Company in Binai Triveni Rural Municipality of Nawalparasi. The farm is about to be brought into operation with an investment of Rs. 233 million. It is estimated that 59 people will get employment after the operation of the industry.

Similarly, Janakpur Agro Farm will come into operation in Dhanushadham of Dhanusha with an investment of Rs 1.42 billion. Similarly, Ashirwad Agro Feeds will come into operation in Kawasoti of Nawalparasi district. The grain industry, which is about to invest Rs. 247 million, has been registered at the department. ‘The Organic Valley’ is to be brought into operation in Lalitpur. The industry is being operated with an investment of Rs 20 million.

Arihant Agro Farm and Research Center will come into operation in Sunsari’s Burju village. The center is about to come into operation with an investment of Rs. 220 million. Similarly, Shobha Agro and Research Center will come into operation in Triveni Municipality of Bajura. The industry is about to come into operation with an investment of Rs 150 million.