ADB should focus on agriculture, says DPM Poudel


Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Poudel, has said Agricultural Development Bank should become the leading bank for the agriculture sector.

At a programme organised here today on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the Bank, he said, “Investment in the agro sector has started decreasing and investment in other commercial sectors is increasing in recent years. We want to see the Agricultural Development Bank as the leading bank for the agro sector.”

The Finance Minister clarified that the bank administration should take appropriate decisions on the issue of service and facilities of employees as per the financial capability and situation of the bank. “Responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer of the bank will be given to the one having the professional capability and the bank will be taken ahead as a competitive bank. The government will support and coordinate in all ways possible for the same”, he shared.

According to Minister Paudel, the management leadership of the bank is the main reason why there are relatively more problems in the Bank among the banks with the government’s investment.

On the occasion, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor, Mahaprasad Adhikari said that the Bank should focus on investing in the agriculture sector. Not only targeted investment in the agro sector but also an institution that provides training in this sector is also needed, and for this, the bank should take the lead.

The bank received a license as a commercial bank from the Nepal Rastra Bank in 2062 B.S., where 51 per cent of the shares are held by the government and 49 per cent by the general public. (RSS)