Industrialists seek government support to maintain access to Indian market

 Jute industry under crisis

Kathmandu, Oct. 11

The jute industries in the country have urged the government for diplomatic measures to ensure seamless entry of Nepali products to the Indian markets.

They also demanded full implementation of the directives for the use of domestic goods in public offices, and use of jute bags instead of polythene.

Stating that Nepali jute has lost almost 95 per cent of its market share in India after the latter imposed anti-dumping duties. According to the entrepreneurs, India is also considering imposing counter-veiling duties as well.

On 29 September 2025, India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) initiated an investigation into countervailing duties on jute products imported from Nepal and Bangladesh. Last month, the DGTR published its final findings, recommending the imposition of countervailing duties on some Nepali jute producers.

“This puts the jute industries in a critical situation. They have already invested in product diversification and modern machinery. The government should rescue us from this current crisis with priority,” said Somnath Adhikari, General Secretary of the Nepal Jute Mills Association (NJMA).

He said that the government should hold a high-level talks with India to bail the industries out of the current crisis. As the government is preparing for the visit of Prime Minister Balendra Shah to India, a delegation of industrialists from Biratnagar submitted a memorandum to the government last week which also includes the challenges faced by the jute industries.

According to the memorandum, this issue must not be confined to correspondence between government ministries. A high-level political and diplomatic solution must be sought. “High-level dialogue should be held with India, the issue should be raised through Nepal–India trade mechanisms, and discussions should also take place between the private sectors of both countries,” it said.

“The jute industry had given Biratnagar its identity as an industrial city. Today, however, seven jute mills are at risk of closure. The industry directly supports around 15,000 jobs,” said the delegation.

India itself is a major producer and consumer of jute. According to Indian government statistics, India produced 1.28 million tonnes of jute products in the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and consumed 1.205 million tonnes in its domestic market. The country’s organised jute industry directly employs around 370,000 people, while approximately 4 million farming families are involved in jute cultivation.

“As the jute industry is directly linked to local farmers, there is a need to further promote jute cultivation. Being an environmentally friendly and organic product, jute has considerable potential for the future. We must honestly ask whether India’s move is simply a trade protection measure intended to safeguard its own industry and farmers,” read the memorandum submitted by the Biratnagar-based entrepreneurs to the federal government.

They argued that while it is natural for India to protect the interests of its industries and jobs, Nepal also has the right to protect its 15,000 jobs, its exports and its domestic industry. About 75,000 farmer families in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari are involved in jute farming, said Adhikari.

Nepali jute industries are wholly dependent on Indian market as 96 per cent of the total product is exported there. Most of the raw materials also come from India. Nepali raw materials cover less than one-third of the total demand.

Meanwhile, speaking at a programme on the state of jute industry in Biratnagar a couple of days ago, Jute industry operator Champalal Rathi said India and Bangladesh provided government protection and incentives to their jute industries, so Nepal should also introduce the necessary policy support to maintain the competitiveness of its domestic industry.

Likewise, NJMA President Raj Kumar Golchha said that if the problem prolonged, there wouldn’t be any alternative other than shutting down the industries.

The industrialists suggested the government to implement policy to promote the use of jute products in packaging food and other items. Although such policy is announced, it's not strictly implemented. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 October 2026.      

Nepal amplifies climate justice agenda in int’l platform

 Kathmandu, Oct. 10

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said his visit to Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu was important for highlighting Nepal’s climate vulnerability on international platforms, mobilising climate finance on a just and equitable basis.

"It also helped to further strengthening bilateral relations with Australia," he said upon his arrival in Kathmandu after participating in the high-level 'Pre-COP Leaders' Event' on climate change in Fiji and Tuvalu, and completing an official visit to Australia.

FM Khanal undertook the visit at the invitation of the governments of Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu to help build political consensus ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in November, and to advance the global climate agenda.

During his visit, Australia announced an additional grant of AUD15 million for relief, recovery and reconstruction in areas affected by the recent devastating floods in Nepal. With the additional assistance, Australia’s total support announced for Nepal’s flood disaster response has reached A$26 million.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Khanal addressed the ‘Pre-COP Leaders’ Plenary’ in Nadi, Fiji, on October 6, where he noted that mountainous countries and Pacific-island states face similar risks from climate change.

He said glacier melt and rising sea levels were interconnected aspects of the same global climate crisis, stressing the need for cooperation among countries from the mountains to the oceans. During his address, Khanal said that countries such as Nepal, which have made only a limited contribution to climate change, are being forced to bear its serious consequences like the recent Bhotekoshi flood.

Presenting Nepal’s four priorities for COP31, Khanal stressed the commitment to limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C, grant-based adaptation finance that does not add to countries’ debt burdens, effective mobilisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, and the development of a ‘Sagarmatha to the Sea’ partnership, the MoFA said.

During his visit to Tuvalu, Khanal inspected the causeway area in Funafuti, which is exposed to the risks of coastal erosion and increasingly intense tides, as well as structures constructed under the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project.

"The visit helped in identifying similarities between climate risks in mountainous regions and the challenges faced by Pacific-island states, and contributed to building a common voice for climate justice," said FM Khanal.

He also said that issues concerning the loss of glaciers and ice sheets had been incorporated into the ‘Taku Pakasoa Declaration’ issued on the occasion of the Pre-COP programme.

During bilateral talks with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on October 8, he discussed expanding technical cooperation in climate action, glacier monitoring, modernisation of early warning systems and the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure.

FM Khanal urged Australia to make the student visa process for Nepali students fair, accessible and predictable. He also proposed greater cooperation in technical and vocational education, joint research between universities, joint degree programmes and an increase in the quota for Australia Awards scholarships.

Similarly, FM Khanal met New South Wales Premier Chris Minns in Sydney on October 8.

They discussed the possibility of study visits and technical exchanges between disaster management agencies. They also talked about the potential for expanding direct air links with Nepal once Western Sydney International Airport becomes operational.

FM Khanal held interactions with Nepali communities in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. He inspected the Nepali Embassy in Canberra, and directed embassy officials to make consular services, including passport and document authentication services provided to Nepali students, professionals and the general public, more efficient, hassle-free and technology-friendly.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 11 October 2026.      

56 Dairy Farmers Graduate in Sindhuli

Kathmandu, Oct. 10

Fifty-six dairy farmers of Kamalamai Municipality in Sindhuli have graduated from the Heifer–KOICA Farmers Field School in the Korea–Nepal Model Dairy Village.

According to Heifer International Nepal, this is Nepal’s first-ever graduation ceremony of dairy farmers from a structured field school programme. An event was organised in Kamalamai on Friday to award the farmers.

Over the past four years, 105 farmers from Ward No. 5 of Kamalamai, organised into four Self Help Groups, have been attending monthly classes designed to strengthen dairy farming practices. To graduate, farmers were required to complete 48 sessions with at least 80 per cent attendance.

"The curriculum combined training in good husbandry practices, animal health and reproduction, and enterprise development, delivered by veterinary technicians, municipal veterinary doctors, and Korean dairy and veterinary experts," informed Heifer.

The Integrated Dairy Productivity Improvement Project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aims to establish certified farms that meet government standards for good husbandry practices.

According to Heifer, by equipping farmers with technical knowledge and enterprise skills, the programme is laying the foundation for a more productive, sustainable, and resilient dairy sector in Nepal.

Dr. Tirtha Raj Regmi, Country Director- Heifer International Nepal said that the graduation is a mark of respect for farmers' contribution, and it should inspire similar farmer graduation ceremonies across the country.

Speaking at the programme, graduate farmer Guna Kumari Ghimire, Chairperson of the Kamalamai Social Entrepreneur Women's Dairy Cooperative, said that before joining the Farmers Field School, she had limited knowledge about animal health and modern dairy practices. "These classes have changed the way I care for my cattle and manage my farm. Wearing this graduation hat today fills us with pride,” she said.

While 56 farmers graduated on Friday, the remaining participants will complete their programme in December. At the same time, a new batch of 100 farmers has already enrolled, ensuring continuity and scale for this pioneering initiative.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 11 October 2026.      

Nepal-Europe ST conference held in Germany

Kathmandu, Oct. 10

The Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, the University of Tübingen, Nepal Roots, a Germany-based Nepali organisation, and the Kathmandu University Biotechnology Alumni Network have jointly organised Nepal–Europe Science and Technology Conference 2026 in Germany.

Nepal Roots informed in a statement on Saturday that the conference was organised with the aim of expanding collaboration, promoting knowledge exchange and building professional networks among Nepali scientists, researchers and technical professionals working in Nepal and Europe.

The conference brought together around 60 scientists, researchers, professors, doctors, health researchers, engineers, technology experts, entrepreneurs, students and professionals working in various technical fields from five countries—Nepal, Germany, Finland, Denmark and Switzerland.

The conference discussed scientific research and technological initiatives being undertaken in Nepal, the role of Nepali experts living abroad, and ways of connecting their knowledge and experience with research activities in Nepal.

Participants emphasised that linking the experience and expertise of Nepali professionals abroad with Nepal’s needs and priorities could create new opportunities in research, education, health and technology.

Possible ways for Nepali scientists, researchers, engineers and technical professionals working abroad contributing to the development of Nepal’s education, research and innovation sectors were also discussed.

"Discussions also focused on the potential for Nepali experts based abroad to collaborate with Nepali universities, research institutions and the private sector through joint research, knowledge transfer, capacity building for students and researchers, and the expansion of international networks," said, Dr. Kritan Gautam, President of Nepal Roots.

On the occasion of the conference, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research in Nepal and Nepal Roots in Germany.

The memorandum provides a framework for systematically advancing research, knowledge and experience sharing, and institutional collaboration among Nepali scientists and technical professionals based in Nepal and Europe.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 11 October 2026.      

AEPC distributes electric stoves to indigenous, Dalit students

Kathmandu, Oct. 9

The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) has begun distributing electric stoves to students from endangered indigenous nationalities and Dalit communities who have come to Kathmandu from outside the valley and are living in rented accommodation while pursuing undergraduate or higher-level studies, under its Clean Energy Programme.

Under the electric stove distribution programme being conducted on 8, 9 and 12 October, around 250 students from those communities will receive electric stoves.

The initiative aims to provide, albeit symbolically, some relief from the difficulties caused by shortages of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the Kathmandu Valley and rising LPG prices by using electric stoves, the AEPC said in a statement on Friday.

It also aims to increase the consumption of domestically produced clean energy and further expand the promotion of electric stoves.

The AEPC has previously distributed more than 7,000 electric stoves targeting students. In partnership with local governments, it has also promoted electric stoves among 170,000 households.

In addition, under the Clean Cooking Solutions Programme being implemented in 22 Tarai districts with support from the Green Climate Fund, the Centre aims to distribute 500,000 electric stoves.

Launching the electric stove distribution programme, AEPC Executive Director Nawa Raj Dhakal said the use of electric stoves would directly contribute to increasing clean energy consumption and reducing the use of fossil fuels. He also said that using electric stoves would significantly reduce students’ monthly expenses.

The promotion of electric stoves has contributed to the government’s long-term goals related to renewable energy and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Under its Third Nationally Determined Contribution, the government has set a target of promoting electric stoves in 2.1 million households and 15,000 institutional settings by 2035 to reduce carbon emissions from the energy sector.

However, Nepal remains significantly dependent on traditional energy sources.

According to the Economic Survey for fiscal year 2025/26, traditional energy accounts for 58 per cent of total energy consumption, commercial energy for 39 per cent and renewable energy for around 3 per cent.

Of total commercial energy consumption, petroleum products account for 22 per cent, coal for 9 per cent and electricity supplied through the national grid for 8 per cent. With electricity accounting for 8 per cent and renewable energy for around 3 per cent, only 11 per cent of total energy consumption currently comes from clean energy. "This highlights the challenge of converting the remaining 89 per cent of energy consumption to clean, renewable sources," said the AEPC.

According to the National Population and Housing Census 2021, firewood accounts for nearly 51 per cent of the main cooking fuels used by households, followed by LPG at 44 per cent, animal dung cakes at around 3 per cent, electricity at 0.5 per cent and biogas at 1.2 per cent.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 October 2026.      

FM Wagle directs to reward sellers

Kathmandu, Oct. 9

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has directed the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to introduce a provision to provide cash rewards to sellers of goods and services under the taxpayer incentive programme.

Speaking at a revenue review meeting held at the Ministry of Finance on Friday, said that the programme has encouraged consumers to ask for bills and directly contributed to revenue collection, so the IRD should extend incentives to sellers as well.

The government has been rewarding consumers with cash for taking bills since the beginning of the current fiscal year 2026/27, with the aim of developing a culture of issuing and receiving bills and building a formal economy.

Saying that complaints had been received that traders were reluctant to issue bills despite the growing culture of asking for them, Dr. Wagle said sellers also needed to be encouraged.

“It appears that the practice of taking bills has become widespread. But it is also necessary to introduce an incentive policy for those who are expected to issue bills,” he told senior officials under the ministry. “Amend the procedure and bring forward a proposal on how much can be provided and how it can be distributed, so that issuing bills does not become a burden for them.”

He said that, alongside developing a culture of taking bills, it was also necessary to develop a culture of issuing them.

Under the taxpayer incentive reward programme, which began on mid-July, one consumer has been receiving a daily cash prize of Rs 134,000 every 15 days based on bill numbers, while one consumer receives a bumper cash prize of Rs. 1 million during each 15-day period.

If the department makes the necessary provision in the procedure in time, sellers will also be eligible for rewards when prizes are announced for October end. According to the MoF, the reward for sellers will be lower than that offered to consumers, although the exact amount has not yet been determined.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 October 2026.      

Preparations underway for PM Shah's visit to India: MoFA

Kathmandu, Oct. 9

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Friday that the date for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s visit to India is yet to be finalised.

"The MoFA is making internal preparations for the Prime Minister’s high-level visit," Spokesperson of the Ministry Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri said at a press briefing, adding that the visit will take place at a time convenient to both sides, and the official announcement will be made once the date is finalised.

PM Shah's India visit has been an issue of discussion since he took the post of the head of government. Earlier, the MoFA had said that it was preparing discussion agenda for the bilateral cooperation between Nepal and India.

Likewise, Chhetri said that the government is coordinating with the Chinese government to reopen the Tatopani–Zhangmu and Lizi–Korala border points. Following the Bhotekoshi flood, the Rasuwagadhi border point has become inaccessible while Tatopani is intermittently disturbed by landslides, and Korala lacks necessary infrastructure at the Nepal side.

"Discussions were underway on bringing alternative border points into operation to prevent disruption to trade between Nepal and China. The government is taking steps to open Tatopani and other border points to maintain the smooth movement of people and trade between Nepal and China," he said.

Similarly, preparations were also underway for Nepal’s high-level participation in COP-31, scheduled to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November. Preparations for the second edition of the Sagarmatha Dialogue are also being advanced.

Meanwhile, 18,749 people have so far used Nepal’s e-Attestation System, while 45,920 documents have been authenticated through the system. The ministry said more than 100,000 users are using the ‘MOFA Mitra’ app, which was launched to register complaints from Nepalis stranded abroad or requiring rescue, as well as grievances related to insurance and compensation.

"As part of efforts to preserve Nepal’s historical heritage, more than 800 written documents dating from the 13th to the 20th centuries held in Germany have been handed over to Nepal," Chhetri informed.

The documents were handed to Nepal last week.

According to the MoFA, discussions were continuing with India on trade, transit, water resources and air routes. Nepal presented a proposal concerning the Bhotekoshi flood and climate change at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and supported Bhutan’s proposed candidate for the post of the 16th Secretary-General of SAARC.

In addition, the ministry has launched an Instagram account to disseminate diplomatic information and activities to the public.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 October 2026.