Pauwadungma Rural Municipality has launched a hand tractor (mini tiller) distribution program targeting more than 300 farmers with the aim of promoting agricultural mechanization.
In the first phase, 170 mini tillers have already been distributed based on farmers’ demands and needs assessments. The remaining beneficiaries will receive the equipment gradually. According to Chief Administrative Officer Nabin Bhattarai, the rural municipality plans to provide mini tillers to a total of 340 farmers under a 50 percent cost-sharing scheme.
Bhattarai stated that the initiative is expected to play an important role in transforming traditional farming practices into modern agriculture. “We have launched this program to encourage farmers toward technology-friendly farming and increase agricultural production and productivity,” he said. “We expect this to motivate farmers to engage in commercial farming systems.”
Rural Municipality Chairperson Kiran Rai said that such programs have been prioritized to strengthen agriculture as the backbone of the local economy. He noted that the municipality has been implementing various subsidy and incentive-based agricultural programs since previous years.
“We have introduced these programs based on the genuine needs of farmers,” Rai said. “Our goal is to make farming easier, faster, and more production-oriented through mechanization.”
Vice Chairperson Jyotsana Rai said the municipality is expanding investment in agriculture to make farmers self-reliant and create employment opportunities at the local level. She added that regular monitoring and technical support would be ensured for the effective use of the distributed equipment.
“Distribution alone is not enough; ensuring proper use and sustainable impact is also our responsibility,” she said.
Local farmers have expressed positive responses to the program. Farmer Prem Bahadur Karki said the use of mini tillers has significantly reduced the time and labor required for ploughing, weeding, and other farming activities.
“Tasks that used to take several days can now be completed within a few hours,” he said. “This has increased our enthusiasm for farming and raised hopes of higher production.”
The rural municipality has been continuing such farmer-focused initiatives with long-term goals of introducing modern agricultural technology, reducing production costs, and increasing productivity. It has also been implementing programs aimed at promoting agricultural entrepreneurship and attracting youth toward farming. Earlier, the municipality had also purchased an agricultural ambulance to connect local products with markets.
