KATHMANDU: Gita Chaudhary has assumed office as minister for agriculture and livestock development and forest and environment, taking charge at Singha Durbar on Thursday.

She was received by ministry secretaries Deepak Kumar Kharal and Rajendra Prasad Mishra, who briefed her on ongoing programs and sector performance.

Officials noted that agriculture contributes about 25% to Nepal’s GDP and employs around 50% of the workforce, while receiving roughly 3% of the national budget, with up to 80% utilization.

Chaudhary said her first official decision would follow once priority areas are finalized and communicated by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.