Jhapa / Vice Chairman of CPN UML and former finance minister Surendra Pande has said it is essential to remove limitation of land for commercial agriculture. 

At a programme organized at Birtamod in the district on Wednesday, Vice Chairman Pande suggested the government that it created atmosphere for business and employment generation. "New thought and style is imperative to create business friendly environment. The limitation of land for agriculture-based industries must be removed," he underscored. 

As the land is plotted and split, cost in agriculture is rising with insufficient result. He urged the local levels to formulate law that prohibits leaving arable lands uncultivated.

Referring to India's ban of rice export, the former finance minister viewed Nepal could take it as an opportunity to be self-reliant on rice. However, the increase in tourists' arrival and India's plan to purchase 10,000 MW electricity from Nepal in 10 years are positive indicators of economy, he observed.

It is good that foreigners have made Nepal their travel destination after Covid-19 subsided. The tourism business had earned Rs 19 billion in the fiscal year, 2020/21, which is now reaching nearly Rs 76 billion, according to him.

He further said there is potential of rise in cement and rod industries in Nepal.