Kathmandu, March 27

With the overall investment in the agricultural sector at a mere three per cent of the allocated budget, experts have emphasised the need to increase investment in the country's livestock sector to recognise its untapped potential.

To tackle the issue, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) is conducting a three-day orientation programme at Lalitpur, from Sunday to formulate a master plan for the next 15 years and a five-year investment plan for the livestock sector.

Livestock entrepreneurs from the private sector, the MoALD, Department of Livestock Services, State Ministry of Agriculture, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, and Agriculture and Forestry University among other stakeholders are participating in programme being organised in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Expert trainers from ILRI Kenya and Nepal are providing trainings on the related matters.

On the occasion, Deepak Kumar Kharal, secretary at the MoALD, emphasised the need to prepare a practical master plan suitable for the specific situation of Nepal as well as to transform the livestock sector into a competitive and profitable business and develop it as an attractive sector of employment.

He also said that this master plan should also come up with a strategy to connect small and subsistence farmers with the market.

As there are many types of animal husbandry in different geographical areas in Nepal, the programme is expected to analyse all types of farming methods, identify the areas in need of improvement, and discuss the methods and sources to carry out the master plan.

With the preparation of the master plan, it is believed that immediate, mid-term, and long-term goals can be achieved in the livestock sector by using the investments and resources allocated by the government, participation of the private sector and development partners, as per a statement released by the ministry.