Oli seeks farm expertise for Nepal

Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Sunday sought the research expertise of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttarakhand to revolutionise agriculture in his country.

“Looking at what the Pantnagar University has done in the field of modernising agriculture in India, I think if the university and Nepal collaborate in the sector, agriculture in our country will get revolutionised through a technological boost,” Mr. Oli said at a special convocation of the university.

Contribution to economy

Describing India and Nepal as predominantly agricultural economies, he said though two-thirds of Nepal’s population depended on agriculture, the sector’s contribution to the country’s economy was not as significant.

Two agricultural universities have been set up in Nepal, but expertise of the research faculties of Pantnagar University and the Government of India would be needed to strengthen these institutions, which were at a preliminary stage, Mr. Oli said.

The Prime Minister was given the honorary title of Doctor of Science at the convocation in the presence of Uttarakhand Governor K.K. Paul and Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.

‘Historic day’

Describing it as a historic day, the Governor said it was a proud moment for him to welcome Mr. Oli to the campus.

Expressing similar sentiments, Mr. Rawat said India and Nepal, especially the border areas of Tanakpur and Dharchula, had much in common.

Making a strong pitch for better connectivity between Nepal and Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister said he wanted direct flights operations between Kathmandu and Dehradun.

Before attending the convocation, Mr. Oli took a round of the university campus, spoke to the teaching and research faculty members and participated in a tree plantation drive on the premises.