Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has underscored the importance of irrigation for increasing the size of overall economy and development. “Irrigation plays a vital role not only in the development of agriculture sector but the overall economy,” said Minister Pun, addressing the Eighth Asian regional conference of International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) on Wednesday.

Minister Pun informed about Nepal’s target of graduating its status to developing nation by 2022 and middle-income country by 2030. He added that water drainage and management are essential to meet the target.

At the programme, President Bidya Devi Bhandari stressed on the need to modernising, and commercialising Nepal’s subsistence agriculture. She added that sustainable irrigation facility and coordinated efforts are essential to promote the country’s agriculture.

Calling for an end to haphazard land plotting, the President urged one and all for further conservation of the Chure region. Agriculture, forest, horticulture and irrigation are bases of country’s development and prosperity, according to her.

The event organised for the first time in Nepal is expected to contribute to Nepal’s efforts meant for alleviating poverty through the increase in agricultural production with the help of sufficient irrigation facilities.

The conference themed “Irrigation for Green Revolution” that kicked off in Kathmandu will run for three days.

ICID is a leading scientific, technical, international not-for-profit, organisation dedicated to enhancing the worldwide supply of food and fibre for all the people by improving water and land management and the productivity of irrigated and drained lands through appropriate management of water, environment and application of irrigation.

Foreign scientists, technicians and experts working in the field of irrigation, drainage and flood management were present in the conference. Five technicians and scientists are participating in the conference.