Banking News – The Gandaki Provincial Government has announced an interest subsidy on agricultural loans for young people who return from foreign employment to establish agricultural enterprises in their home communities.

The initiative will be implemented under the province’s “Return to Village” program, introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives for the current fiscal year.

Speaking at a press conference in Pokhara marking the first 100 days in office of Minister for Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives Bhim Bahadur Karki, Ministry Secretary Dr. Prerana Sedhain Bhattarai said that Rs. 20 million has been allocated for the program.

“The program was introduced in line with the minister’s vision to encourage youth entrepreneurship in agriculture,” she said. “Young people returning from foreign employment, as well as those relocating from urban areas back to villages to engage in agricultural enterprises, will be eligible to receive interest subsidies on agricultural loans.”

Minister Karki said the ‘Return to Village’ initiative aims to attract more young people to agriculture while creating employment opportunities in rural areas. He added that the ministry remains committed to supporting farmers in increasing agricultural production and improving market access.

The ministry has also allocated Rs. 10 million for an Agricultural Ambulance Support Program during the current fiscal year. In addition, Rs. 26 million has been earmarked to provide subsidies for organic fertilizers and promote their production.