PM Shah Directs Establishment of Organic Product Certification System in Nepal

Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ has directed the concerned government agencies to establish an organic agriculture products certification system in Nepal.

During a meeting with the office bearers of the Organic Association Nepal, held on Thursday at the Prime Minister Office and the council of the ministries , PM Shah instructed officials to implement certification system within the country.

Officials from the Association said obtaining international certification for organic products is costly, making it difficult for domestic producers to sustain. They urged the government to establish an internationally recognized organic products certification agent within Nepal. Responding to the proposal, Prime Minister Shah directed the concerned authorities to initiate the necessary process to establish the certification body in Nepal.

The association also asked the government to reinstate a 75% subsidy for obtaining international organic certification, arguing that the certification process remains expensive. Prime Minister Shah expressed a positive response to the proposal. The government subsidy has been discontinued since two years.

Additionally, PM Shah pledged to take necessary steps to curb the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides across the country. Representatives of the Association also called for government grants to support the production of compost fertilizers.

Prime Minister instructed the concerned officials to make arrangements for funding compost fertilizer production companies.

The meeting was attended by chairman of the association Deepak Baskota, general secretary Shanta Baskota Koirala, members and some factories owners.