Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Participating in the deliberations on the policy and programme of the government for the upcoming fiscal year, lawmakers drew the attention of the government towards agriculture, tourism, prevention of youth migration and creating investment-friendly environment.

Lawmaker Mahantha Thakur spoke of the need of creating environment that encourages the Non-Resident Nepalis to invest in the country itself. He said that economic development of the country could be accelerated through investment-friendly policies and stable environment.

Lawmaker Dharmendra Paswan blamed the government’s policies and programmes for not broadly incorporating the development of agriculture in Madhes Province. He argued that although the policies and programmes were positive for the middle class, the agriculture and tourism potentials of Madhes were not given enough priority.

Urmila Aryal opined that economic prosperity of the country would be possible if agriculture growth rate was made to five per cent. She also stressed on promotion of original seeds, re-operation of Birgunj Sugar Factory and upgradation of Dairy Development Corporation. He also urged the government to manage adequate budget to address the drinking water crisis in Madhes Province.

Sonam Geljen Sherpa underscored the need for diplomatic initiative with both India and China for development of necessary infrastructures, tourism promotion through diplomatic initiative and operation of Pokhara and Bhairahawa international airports.

Likewise, lawmaker Sunil Bahadur Thapa underscored the need of creating self-employment and creating an environment conducive for youths to stay in the country at a time when the youths have been continuously migrating to foreign countries. He stressed the need to become self-reliant in agriculture.