PM Shah Directs to Enable In-Country Certification of Organic Produce

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has directed the relevant authorities to make arrangements for certifying organic agricultural products within Nepal.

He called the officials of the 'Organic Association Nepal'—the umbrella organization of organic agriculture entrepreneurs—for a discussion at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar today.

During the meeting, the officials stated that the international certification process for organic products is extremely expensive and demanded that a government-controlled, internationally recognized certification agency be established within Nepal. In response, the Prime Minister stated that he would address the issue immediately.

Similarly, since international certification of organic produce is costly, the officials requested the resumption of the government subsidy of up to 75% for certification, which had been suspended. Prime Minister Shah was also positive about providing the subsidy until an international-standard certification agency is established in Nepal.

Prime Minister Shah further stated that the government would take the necessary steps to promote organic agriculture by controlling the unrestricted use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The discussion was attended by Association President Deepak Baskota, General Secretary Shanta Baskota Koirala, members, as well as Gorkha Tea Estate Chairman Uday Chapagain, Himalayan Shangri-La Tea Factory Chairman Kamal Mainali, and Annapurna Organic Agro Industry Chairman Parshuram Acharya.