Pokhara's Agricultural Land Shrinks Significantly Due to Land Classification
Summary
Pokhara’s agricultural land has shrunk from around 40 percent to just 12–13 percent as land classification rules pushed much of the city’s fertile farmland into residential categories. The metropolitan city has now proposed a land bank policy to help conserve arable land.
Key Points
- Pokhara’s agricultural land has fallen sharply, with the share now at about 12–13 percent of surveyed records.
- Many fertile plots were classified as residential because land-use rules require agricultural land to be far from roads and settlements.
- Officials say the classification also reflects farmer fears about restrictions on selling or subdividing agricultural land in hilly areas.
- Pokhara Metropolitan City has introduced a land bank policy and passed a related procedure to help preserve arable land.
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