Fourteen farmers across Nepal have been honoured with the National Excellence in Farming Award, recognising their outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector.

President Ramchandra Paudel presented the awards at a special ceremony held at Sheetal Niwas, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Two farmers from each of the seven provinces were selected. The recipients from Koshi Province were Suresh Kumar Mehta (Arya Agriculture Firm) and Ramesh Sah (Ramesh Agriculture Firm); from Madhesh Province, Bharat Kumar Yadav (Shambhunath Fish Farm) and Hira Bahadur Thapa Magar (Nijgadh Banana Agriculture); and from Bagmati Province, Chet Prasad Dhakal (Kalika Livestock Development Centre) and Dayaram Machamsi (Greenline Agro Pvt Ltd).

Tshering Dhoka Gurung (Ngawang Hisi Agriculture and Livestock Organic Firm) and Batuli Tiwari (Mitra Batika Agriculture Firm) were awarded from Gandaki Province. In Lumbini, the recipients were Jaipal Maurya (Food Crop) and Subash Kurmi (Shanti Advanced Livestock and Fish Farm).

Govinda Oli (Vegetable Farming) and Bharathnath Yogi (Orange Farming) were honoured in Karnali Province. In Sudurpaschim, the awards went to Prem Prasad Joshi (Khaptad Livestock and Agriculture Firm) and Lok Bahadur Thapa (Kailashedhari Agriculture and Poultry Farm Pvt Ltd).

Each recipient received a cash prize of Rs 200,000.

Speaking at the event, President Paudel stressed the importance of making agriculture a national priority, especially by launching youth-focused startup programmes and encouraging returnee migrants to apply their skills in the sector.

“The government must ensure timely access to seeds and fertilisers, introduce modern tools and technologies, address farmers' concerns with concrete solutions, and provide affordable credit and insurance,” he said. “Recognising the dignity of labour in agriculture is equally vital.”

He called for a broader shift in policy and mindset toward justice for the underprivileged, income generation for the poor, and building a culture that respects labour.

He said that developing agriculture, tourism, water resources, and industry would lead to economic prosperity and help realise the vision of a federal democratic republic.

President Paudel noted that while farming in Nepal was once viewed as the domain of low-income, uneducated households, the sector is transforming.

“Today, even educated youth and affluent families are engaging in farming and earning well. With the introduction of advanced technologies, Nepal is now exporting some agricultural products and is self-reliant in milk, fish, meat, and eggs,” he said, crediting the country’s progress to the dedication and hard work of farmers.

He emphasised that Nepal’s next chapter—after political transformation—must be about economic growth, job creation, and increased domestic production. Reducing imports and expanding exports should now be the government's strategic focus, he added.

Agriculture Minister Beduram Bhusal called the day a proud and inspiring moment. The awards, he said, were conferred under the newly approved “National Excellence in Farming Award Programme Implementation Procedure 2081,” marking a historic recognition of farmers from all provinces.

"Our farmers' sweat fills our kitchens, supports the economy, and ensures food security," said Bhusal.

“Despite natural challenges, their contributions remain unmatched. Today, we honour their tireless efforts, patience, and perseverance.”

He said the award elevates agriculture as a dignified and opportunity-rich profession and inspires society—especially youth, women, and smallholder farmers—contributing to a shift in public perception.

Bhusal said the contributions of thousands of active farmers nationwide are shaping Nepal’s agriculture into a self-reliant, productive, and modern sector.

“Your success goes beyond individual achievement—it will help reshape society’s view of farming,” he said. “It proves agriculture is not just a livelihood, but a respected and forward-looking profession.”

The minister reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to making services more farmer-centric, inclusive, and effective through improved policies and programmes. Encouraging innovation, technology adoption, and youth participation, he added, is essential to building a prosperous Nepal grounded in agricultural development.