Birgunj : The Birgunj Agricultural Tools Factory, which had been closed for three decades, has resumed production under the management of the National Innovation Center. Within 20 months of taking charge, the center has successfully produced 10 types of agricultural tools and equipment.
Assistant Mechanical Engineer Arun Sah of the National Innovation Center reported that they have currently produced 10 types of small agricultural tools and equipment. These include small rice planting machines, grass-cutting machines, ridge-making machines, hand tools for digging holes, potato planting and weeding machines, grass and straw cutting machines, small rice harvesting machines, plastic laying machines, and machines for extracting banana fiber. Although the prices for these tools and equipment have not yet been determined, Sah expressed confidence in their utility in agriculture.
Engineer Sah highlighted that the success in producing these tools came after three phases of relentless effort. The mechanical engineers working at the center managed to repair and restore 51 out of 55 old pieces of equipment found in the factory. Currently, 15 personnel are employed at the center, continuously contributing to the revival of the factory and the production of equipment.
The government handed over the management and operation of the Birgunj Agricultural Tools Factory to the National Innovation Center on October 11, 2022. The center officially began its operations in January 2023. This initiative aims to restart the dormant factory and provide modern agricultural equipment to enhance the country’s agricultural sector.
Reviving the factory posed several challenges. The tasks involved repairing old equipment, designing and manufacturing new tools, and managing the workforce. Engineers and staff at the center have worked tirelessly to overcome these challenges. According to Engineer Sah, the production of the tools was divided into three stages: initial repairs, design and testing of the equipment, and final production.
The National Innovation Center plans to produce more varieties of agricultural tools and equipment in the near future. By embracing new technologies and innovations, the center aims to develop tools that meet the needs of Nepali farmers. This project not only revitalizes the old factory in Birgunj but also focuses on providing accessible and useful equipment to farmers across Nepal.
The Birgunj Agricultural Tools Factory has successfully resumed operations after three decades, producing 10 types of agricultural tools and equipment. Under the leadership of the National Innovation Center, this factory aims to provide modern and effective tools to the country’s agricultural sector. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to improving the living standards of Nepali farmers by ensuring they have access to essential agricultural tools and equipment.
