The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has approved land banks in four local levels to integrate barren and unused land into agricultural production.
The Ministry has granted approval for the establishment of these land banks in Byas Municipality of Tanahun, Panchashwor Rural Municipality of Baitadi, Fikkal Rural Municipality of Sindhuli, and Badimalika Municipality of Bajura. These initiatives are a part of a larger plan to optimize land use across the country.
How Land Banks Will Function
Through these land banks, barren and unutilized private land within the local levels will be identified, properly recorded, and managed. The main goal is to then arrange for this managed land to be effectively used for agricultural production.
An important aspect is that the ownership of the land will remain with original landowners even with the land bank system. The land will be provided for use based on specific agreements, and in return, the landowners will receive a predetermined profit or return.
The Ministry mentioned that land banks will facilitate providing access to land for landless and squatter families, small farmers, Dalits, marginalized groups, and economically disadvantaged families, giving them priority. This aims to ensure that those who need land for farming can get it.
Boosting Agricultural Activities and Local Economy
The land made available will be encouraged for various agricultural activities, following land use classification. This includes cultivating grains, vegetables, cash crops, and fruits. Furthermore, the land banks will also promote other farming activities such as fish farming and livestock raising.
To support these efforts, local levels will provide essential resources such as seeds, fertilizers, and technical assistance. The land banks will ensure that these subsidies and supports reach the target groups directly.
The Ministry stated that setting up these land banks has several key objectives. They aim to make the most of land by connecting barren land with production, increase overall agricultural output and productivity, create local employment opportunities, and strengthen local economy.
AI Disclaimer: This article was originally published on https://bajarkochirfar.com. It has been translated with the help of AI. For the best understanding and accurate facts, we recommend reading the original Nepali version.
