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A task force formed by the government to address the water scarcity crisis in the Madhes Province has suggested 10 urgent measures to ease the situation and lift the province out of the crisis.

One major suggestion given by the task force is the repair of 169 defunct deep tube well systems across eight districts of the province—Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara and Parsa. “Repairing these systems, which would cost around Rs 260m, could restore irrigation to 5,135 hectares of farmland within 15 days,” it added.

Among these, 30 tube wells need new transformers, 28 require new pumps or panel boards, 33 need distribution system upgrades and 28 need new well construction. Additionally, electrification is required in 14 systems, while nine systems are not receiving power supply due to pending electricity bills. Likewise, 12 systems are suffering several other problems, while in seven areas shallow wells are performing adequately, reducing the need for deep tube well irrigation.

Another recommendation of the task force is to bring into operation 220 tube wells that have been constructed in the past two years but lack water distribution infrastructure. “With an estimated cost of Rs 749m, these systems could irrigate 2,640 hectares within 18 days. Fully equipping these systems would facilitate irrigation in up to 6,600 hectares and would cost an estimated Rs 1.43bn over four months,” it added.

The task force has also proposed integrated use of surface and groundwater systems, especially in areas like Saptari and Sarlahi, where major canal systems have insufficient flow. “Fifty new pumping systems could be installed to bring irrigation to 7,500 hectares at a cost of Rs 100m. Additionally, 150 high-capacity deep tube wells are recommended for areas where water scarcity is severe. These could irrigate 22,500 hectares within two months,” it added.

Likewise, the taskforce has urged the government to take necessary security measures to prevent transformer theft, ensure stable electricity supply, preserve ponds and small reservoirs, recharge groundwater, and conserve the Chure and Bhabar regions. 

According to the task force, more than half of the region’s 169 deep tube wells are non-operational due to different reasons like missing pumps, stolen transformers, lack of maintenance and dried canals. It added that low voltage, defunct tube wells and dried-out canals have pushed the irrigation system in the province to the brink of collapse.

A long spell of drought forced the government to declare eight districts of Madhesh Province as crisis-hit areas on July 23. Only about half of the paddy fields have been planted in the province, which averages 1.3m metric tons annually, due to insufficient water.

After years of crop losses due to rampaging monkeys, farmers in Sindhupalchowk have found an unlikely savior: coffee. Once hesitant to embrace alternative farming, many have now turned to coffee cultivation as both a practical solution to human-wildlife conflict and a long-term economic opportunity.

The district’s hilly terrain, ideal altitude, and frost-free conditions make it well-suited for coffee farming. “We were tired of watching our crops being destroyed,” said Mandu Thapa, President of the Sindhu Coffee Cooperative Association. “Now, coffee is not only saving our livelihoods—it’s putting Sindhupalchowk on the global coffee map.”

According to the Association, over 2,150 farmers in the district are cultivating coffee on more than 124 hectares of land. In the last fiscal year alone, Sindhupalchowk produced 31 metric tons of coffee worth Rs 13.2m. Of that, 10.3 metric tons were exported to countries including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the US under the label ‘Himalayan Organic Coffee’.

To further boost production, Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality-10 was recently designated under the One Ward, One Production Area Program, which promotes targeted agricultural development. Funded jointly by Bagmati Province, the municipality, and local farmers, the program has led to the planting of 27,000 Arabica, Bourbon, and Katura coffee plants.

Support has also included the distribution of organic pesticides, drying tarpaulins, and the construction of irrigation ponds. “This year, we planted coffee on 400 ropanis, and we plan to reach 600 next year,” said Thapa. Coffee begins to yield after three years and can produce for up to 70 years with proper care. Shade trees such as orange, lemon, and avocado have also been planted to support the coffee plants and diversify farm income.

Bhupendra Thapa, a local farmer and entrepreneur, has planted 10,000 coffee trees across 46 ropanis of land. “We lost so much to monkeys. Now, I see this farm not just as a business, but as a movement to prove that agriculture can thrive here,” he said.

Thapa received 3,500 seedlings from the District Coffee Cooperative Association and sourced the rest privately. His goal is to generate over Rs 10m annually and inspire youth working abroad to return and invest in agriculture.

Deputy Mayor Sita Thapa praised the shift, calling coffee farming a sustainable and strategic transformation. “This isn’t just about avoiding monkey attacks. It’s about building a long-term economy for our farmers,” she said. “We will support them through production, processing, and marketing—there will be no market uncertainty.”

She also noted a growing interest in coffee among younger generations. “They see hope in the soil of their homeland,” she said. “That’s what we need—young people turning from foreign labor to farming that works.”

With rising international demand, strong government support, and committed local leadership, Sindhupalchowk’s coffee journey is just beginning—but already, it’s brewing real change.

Malaysia Airlines continues to redefine premium travel with its exclusive Time for Premium Escapades campaign—an invitation for discerning travellers to embark on unforgettable journeys in Business Class, featuring seamless connectivity, thoughtful comforts, and a curated inflight experience rooted in Malaysian Hospitality.

Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said, “As the national carrier with a proud legacy of connecting Malaysia to the world, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering a premium travel experience that is distinctly Malaysian. Through ‘Time for Premium Escapades’, we invite travellers to rediscover the comfort, care and excellence that have long made Malaysia Airlines the carrier of choice in Asia Pacific — serving as a bridge that connects communities across the region and beyond.” 

From August 5 to 20, 2025, enjoy special all-in return Business Class fares from Rs 122,999 to select destinations across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Asia, and Europe, for travel between August 7, 2025 and May 31,  2026, reads a statement issued by the Malaysia Airlines. Enrich members enjoy early access from 5–6 August and an additional 5% savings via the airline’s official website and app. Enrich members can now instantly redeem points online for flights across all 15 oneworldairlines to over 900 global destinations via the Malaysia Airlines website. Not an Enrich member? Sign up for free to unlock exclusive rewards, discounts and more.

From the moment the journey begins, Business Class guests enjoy a seamless and refined experience, starting with priority check-in counters and generous baggage allowance of 50kg, along with access to Malaysia Airlines’ Golden Lounge, according to the statement.

Whether relaxing or working before departure, guests are treated to gourmet dining, premium beverages and dedicated service in a tranquil lounge setting, the statement further reads.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 100 per tola in the domestic market on Monday. 

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 196, 600 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 196, 500 per tola on Sunday.

Similarly, the price of silver, however, has dropped by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 2, 250 per tola today.