The Lomanthang Damodarkund Rural Municipality has distributed subsidized hand tractors (power tillers) to local farmers as part of its agricultural mechanization initiative.
According to Deepak Khadka, Head of the Agriculture Division, the municipality has allocated NPR 2.5 million for the program in the current fiscal year. Under the scheme, 100 hand tractors will be distributed to farmers across all five wards. The cost-sharing model includes a 45% subsidy from the municipality, while beneficiary farmers will contribute the remaining 55%, amounting to NPR 56,500 per unit.
On Monday, the first phase of the distribution took place, with 35 hand tractors handed over to farmers in Charang and Marang of Ward No. 1, and 10 units to farmers in Dhee and Surkhang villages of Ward No. 4.
Ward No. 1 Chairperson Taidhinduk Thakuri stated that in the second phase, the remaining 55 hand tractors will be distributed to farmers in Wards 2, 3, and 5.
Traditionally, local farmers have relied on oxen and manual labor for plowing, but due to increasing labor shortages, youth migration, and the time-consuming nature of traditional farming methods, the municipality is encouraging agricultural mechanization to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
