A technical committee formed by the Ministry of Agricultural Development of Nepal has recommended banning foreign investment and land ownership in the country’s primary farming production, however foreign direct investment will be allowed in agricultural processing and marketing. The committee also suggested banning the cultivation of all genetically modified crops. The suggestions are points to be considered as the country creates its Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS) which is expected to lay out a path for the country’s agricultural sector for the next 20 years. The committee will be sending the draft of the ADS to the main advisory committee led by the minister’s secretary. After the committee approves the draft it will be sent to the Cabinet for its approval. The ADS, which has been in development for 26 months, will also target boosting the average annual agricultural growth from the current 3% to 5%, increase land production to US$5,000 per hectares from the current US$1,600 per hectare, and increase year-round irrigation acreage area from 18% to 80%.
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