KARNALI: Karnali Province government unveiled the policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year, 2026/27 on Wednesday.

As the Province Chief Yagya Raj Joshi was unwell, Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel presented the policies and programmes in the Assembly meeting. Agriculture, infrastructure, health and education are focused in the document.

Even the share investment on issues of hydropower has been given special attention by the government.

Cotton farming would be promoted in Surkhet and Mugu districts, Kandel said, adding that an apple development board would be formed for commercial farming of apple along with research. Promotion of indigenous crops is also stressed.

The use of indigenous foods would be promoted at schools and local levels; tourism promoted based on local agro products; agro tourism villages set up. These schemes are expected to create jobs to youths and spur entrepreneurship.

Livestock cluster would be set up eg. sheep and mountain goat farming in Jumla, Humla, Kalikot, Mugu and Dolpa, while fishery in Surkhet and Dailekh districts. Surkhet, Dailekh, Salyan, Jajarkot and Rukumpashim will have dairies, connecting farmers and market. Timely treatment of livestock disease is also prioritized. Improved slaughter house is also in plan.

Management of land eg. of guthi and public spaces with policy and legal reform; assistance to those suffering from incurable diseases; identification of arable land and cultivation; emergency health service; fully institutionalized delivery programmes; free blood distribution to helpless and senior citizens through coordination of Nepal Red Cross Society are other programmes as shared by CM Kandel.

Government will make efforts to include Sinja and Dullu area in World Heritage Site. Various places of Karnali region would be promoted as a site for film shooting. Research and study would be carried out on language, art, culture, literature and archaeological heritages of the region, he shared.

The policies and programmes further included are investment of locals’ shares in hydropower projects, formulation of integrated hydropower development strategy, establishment of climate resilient infrastructures at Chhumchaur of Jumla, intensification of drinking water projects, introduction of Karnali Tourism Decade, international publicity of tourism in Karnali, regular air flights from Surkhet to mountainous districts, request to federal government for establishment of provincial airport and upgrading of Karnali corridor and Bheri corridor.

Construction of a multipurpose building for the Armed Police Force at Hilsa border for border security is given priority by the Karnali Province.

Green smart cities would be developed in Birendranagar, Narayan, Dunai and Chandannath Municipalities. Integrated urban development is another scheme brought for the upcoming year.