Nepal's Ministry of Agriculture Introduces Farmer Identification Cards

Introduction of Farmer Identification Cards

Starting from FY 2081/2082, Nepal's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development will roll out farmer identification cards in 25 local levels. This initiative aims to streamline farmer identification and ensure efficient distribution of agricultural benefits.

Progress in Farmer Registration

The Ministry has made significant progress in registering farmers. As of Wednesday, 1.91 million farmers have been registered. Registration has been completed in 25 local levels across all seven provinces.

Distribution and Testing

• Distribution: Registered farmers in these 25 local levels will receive their identification cards starting FY 2081/2082.
• Testing: The cards will be tested for:
  • QR code functionality
  • System compatibility of the 13-digit number
  • Accessibility of benefits

Only after successful testing will the cards be implemented nationwide.

Amending Guidelines

The Ministry is amending the operational and management guidelines for farmer registration. The updated guidelines are expected to be passed by the end of Asar. Implementation of the identification cards will follow from Shrawan or Bhadra.

Comprehensive Farmer Details

The government will collect comprehensive details of each farmer to:

• Determine their classification
• Provide appropriate benefits
• Prepare targeted agricultural plans and programs

Benefits for Farmers

Once farmers receive their identification cards, they will be eligible for various benefits without duplication at federal, provincial, and local levels. These benefits include:

• Subsidies
• Discounts
• Facilities
• Grants for agricultural production, infrastructure, fertilizers, seeds, equipment, or insurance premiums

Special priority will be given to landless, marginalized, subsistence-level Dalit, endangered indigenous, and female farmers.

Record Maintenance and Misuse Prevention

Regulations will ensure:

• Record-keeping of individuals or institutions that misuse funds or provide false details
• Deprivation of future services, facilities, and grants for offenders
• Recovery of misused amounts

System Integration

• Personal Accounts: A personal account for each farmer will be created in the system, with a unique signal number assigned.
• Multiple Registrations: Farmers operating in multiple local levels can be registered in only one local level, but their details will be recorded in the relevant local level.
• Group Inclusion: Groups, cooperatives, private farms, and companies involved in agriculture can be included in the system.

Access to Records

Only authorized entities such as the concerned farmer or institution, relevant local level, provincial ministry, and ministry-designated authority can access the registered details.

System Operation

The system will maintain records of:

• Services
• Facilities
• Subsidies
• Grants received by farmers with identification cards

These details will be updated in the concerned farmer's account.

Nationwide Record Update

The Ministry will ensure that records of farmers and the services and facilities available to them are updated and organized across the country, relevant provinces, and local levels under their respective municipalities.

High-Level Coordination

A Farmer Registration Program Director Committee, consisting of a chairman and members, will be formed for high-level coordination and direction regarding the operation and management of farmer registration.

By implementing these identification cards, the Ministry aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of agricultural support programs, ensuring that benefits reach the right farmers in a timely manner.