NFC recommends pension for farmers

The National Farmers’ Commission has urged all three tiers of government to introduce a pension scheme for farmers and formulate necessary policies, laws, and procedures to support this initiative. Emphasizing the critical role of farmers in Nepal’s economic development, the commission highlighted the need to prioritize their social security and improve their livelihoods. To this end, the commission proposed establishing a contribution-based farmers’ fund, which it believes will strengthen farmers’ social security and make agriculture a more attractive occupation. Discussions on this matter have already been held with provincial and local governments in Surkhet.  

Tek Bahadur Bogati, a commission member, underscored the importance of acknowledging farmers’ contributions to the economy. He stated that farmers, who sustain the nation through their labor, deserve respect and support from the state. Social security, including pensions, is essential to recognize the lifelong efforts of farmers and ensure their well-being.  

In addition to pensions, the commission recommended several measures to enhance the quality of life for farmers. These include establishing an agricultural labor bank at the local level to support farmers and their families, providing quotas for higher education to children of farmers who work at least 100 days a year, and offering concessions on healthcare and electricity. The commission also suggested maternity allowances for female farmers, paid leave for agricultural workers, and increased budget allocations for agriculture, recommending a minimum of 10 percent of the total budget. Furthermore, the commission proposed the establishment of a farmers’ bench in courts to provide legal aid, production-based subsidies to encourage productivity, awards for outstanding farmers, and free telephone and internet services to facilitate agricultural consultations.  

However, farmers in Karnali expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of farmer-friendly policies and ineffective delivery of state services. Many complained that the actual beneficiaries are often excluded due to bureaucratic hurdles and the dominance of middlemen in the agricultural sector. Farmer Nita Chand emphasized the need for targeted subsidy programs for commercial farmers, while Ram Bahadur Shahi pointed out that middlemen hinder improvements in farmers’ living standards.  

Local leaders echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for better coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments to address the challenges in agriculture. Bir Bahadur Giri, Chairperson of Barekot Rural Municipality, stated that effective solutions to agricultural issues require strong coordination between all levels of government. Similarly, Sunita Sapkota, Deputy Mayor of Sharda Municipality, highlighted the necessity of unified efforts to bring about meaningful reforms.  

With 32,600 households in Karnali engaged in agriculture, as reported by the National Census 2021, the commission’s recommendations aim to tackle persistent challenges and ensure that farmers’ contributions are recognized and supported, fostering a more secure and sustainable future for those in the agricultural sector.