Economic Status

A) Description of Households Based on Home Ownership

In this sub-metropolitan city, 4 types of housing structures are found to be used based on home ownership. 26,860 households, or 77.71 percent, reside in privately owned homes. Similarly, the number of those living in rented accommodations is 7,130, or 20.63 percent. 394 families, or 1.14 percent, live in institutional houses, while 181 households, or 0.52 percent, live in houses with an unspecified ownership status. Since Nepal is sensitive from a seismic point of view, it is necessary to make houses earthquake-resistant when constructing them. If the government ensures the right to housing security for extremely poor families by building integrated settlements, the welfare role of the state is affirmed.

B) Number of Households Based on Women's Ownership of House and Land

C) Living Conditions of Children Under 18 Years of Age

Out of the total population of children under 18 years of age in the sub-metropolitan city, 50,504, or 87.55 percent, live with their mother and father, while 4,783, or 8.29 percent, live only with their mother, and 507, or 0.88 percent, live only with their father. Additionally, 1,533, or 2.66 percent, of the children live with other relatives, 136, or 0.24 percent, live with their father and stepmother, and 24, or 0.04 percent, live with their mother and stepfather. The detailed description of this is presented in the table above.

D) Details of Households Based on Foundation

E) Details of Households Based on Outer Wall

F) Details of Households Based on Floor

In this sub-metropolitan city, 6 types of housing structures can be found based on floor ownership. 22,416 households, or 64.85 percent, are using cement concrete floors. Similarly, the number of households using mud floors is 8,706, or 25.19 percent, 666 households or 1.93 percent use bricks/stones, 1,787 households or 5.17 percent use ceramic tiles, 841 households or 2.43 percent use wooden planks/bamboo, and 149 households or 0.43 percent have an unspecified status. Due to Nepal's high seismic sensitivity, it is essential to construct earthquake-resistant houses. If the government can ensure housing security for ultra-poor families by building integrated settlements, it will affirm the state's welfare role. The detailed description is presented in the table below.

G) Details of Households Based on Roof

For any sub-metropolitan city to be economically strong, it is mandatory that exports exceed imports. When the volume of exports is greater than imports, it increases trade profit and helps elevate the economic standard. Only by promoting the products produced within the sub-metropolitan city, becoming self-reliant in local products, and increasing exports can the economic status of the sub-metropolitan city grow. From the sub-metropolitan city, agricultural products such as paddy, rice, lentils, vegetables, fish and meat, as well as animal products like goats, pigs, boars, and chickens are exported to other neighboring local levels and places. On the other hand, additional food items, clothes, household electrical appliances, construction materials, educational materials, chemical fertilizers, fruits, health medicines, and equipment are imported. Since imports exceed exports, the trade deficit of the sub-metropolitan city can be clearly estimated. However, for exact statistics, the sub-metropolitan city needs to take a special initiative.

Although Nepal is rich in terms of the abundance of raw materials based on local resources, the reality before us is that it lags far behind in their sustainable utilization. The resources available to us include herbs, fruits, food grains, vegetables, etc. The commercial production and sustainable utilization of such raw materials will directly and positively contribute to the economy of the sub-metropolitan city. In addition, substantial benefits can also be derived from commercial animal husbandry.

From this municipality, the number of people going for foreign employment to various countries is 3,804. Analyzing by age group, the highest number, 1,642 people, from the 15-24 age group have gone for foreign employment, whereas the lowest number, 10 people, from the above 65 years age group have gone. Among those who have gone for foreign employment, the highest number is of those going to Middle Eastern countries.

In Nepal, the issue of family land ownership is linked to economic status. Since Nepal's economy is based on agriculture, it is natural to link land ownership with economic status, but recently, with the increase in people's access to foreign employment and other service sectors, the trend of building one's economic status from non-agricultural sectors has started. On the other hand, land ownership is also viewed as one's birthplace or place of residence. In this sense, every citizen's land ownership has been viewed as a major economic, social, and political issue since centuries. Similarly, the distribution of land in Nepal is unscientific.

Land is an important natural resource. It should be properly used for economic development. Land is used for management of agriculture, housing, roads, drinking water, irrigation, electricity and energy, information and communication, etc. In this section, a factual depiction of the land use and land cover of the sub-metropolitan city has been provided.

Looking at the current land use of this sub-metropolitan city, 80.14 percent, i.e., the largest area, is occupied by the agricultural sector, followed by settlements in the second position. Among the available land, the portion of cultivable land is good. There seems to be a good possibility of production if scientific agricultural systems can be adopted in all the cultivable land. Another notable aspect of land use in this city is the area covered by its agriculture. It is positive for the city dwellers that 80.14 percent of the total land area remains cultivable. Detailed descriptions of other land uses are mentioned in the table below:-

Without scientific and professional land use, the agricultural sector is facing heavy losses. It is observed that not all cultivable land available in the city is being utilized scientifically and professionally. Although cultivable land is available, its lack of full utilization leads to land becoming barren on one hand, and a decrease in agricultural production leading to required imports on the other. According to data from the Land Information System, 68.87 sq. km., i.e., 80.14 percent of the land in the sub-metropolitan city, is cultivable.

Just having cultivable land is not enough; it must have irrigation facilities. To fully utilize cultivable land for farming, providing irrigation facilities is mandatory. Therefore, local levels should prepare accurate descriptions of cultivable land in their area and maintain correct data on both irrigated and non-irrigated land. Following this, it's necessary to focus priority on providing irrigation to non-irrigated land through single or alternative methods.

In the city, some areas contain barren land in an unused state. All types of land can be utilized in one way or another. Land itself is an invaluable natural resource. In non-farming areas, fodder or medicinal herbs can be planted, or if suitable areas are available, they can be developed into open spaces, recreation centers, parks, or gardens. In cases where farming is not possible, such land can also be utilized for housing development. In this sub-metropolitan city, non-irrigated lands are in a barren state.

History shows that agriculture has been the backbone of development for industrial nations that have achieved the highest levels of development today. The foundation of prosperity for powerful nations in Europe, America, and Asia is also based on agricultural revolutions. Therefore, given the limited alternatives to agriculture and its vast potential in our country, the first mandatory requirement before implementing other ambitious development plans is to revolutionize the agricultural sector to become self-reliant in food grains, fruits, vegetables, and overall agricultural produce, thereby increasing exports. Even in today's era of advanced technologies, remaining limited to our subsistence-oriented traditional farming system is a kind of irony. Therefore, local governments should conduct feasibility studies and revolutionize agricultural production and development through the development of all necessary agricultural infrastructures for professional and scientific farming.

In the National Census 2078, a Sample Frame was prepared for conducting the National Agriculture Census based on agricultural family details, including land and livestock information for each family. Wards or enumeration areas were selected based on that frame, and detailed information on agricultural families was collected. According to the results of the National Agriculture Census 2078, the total number of agricultural families in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City is 7,222.

The 7,222 agricultural families in this sub-metropolitan city are observed to be practicing agriculture on 4,435.5 hectares of land across 16,557 parcels. On average, an agricultural family farms on 2.3 parcels. The total irrigated area here is 3,423.5 hectares.

According to the results of the National Agriculture Census 2078, regarding land consumption in this sub-metropolitan city, the number of agricultural families farming only on family-owned land is 5,864 (81.20%), covering an area of 3,288.1 hectares (74.13%). Similarly, the number of agricultural families farming only on land owned by others under certain agreements is 146 (2.02%), covering 127.3 hectares (2.87%). There are no farmers practicing agriculture under other types of consumption in this sub-metropolitan city. Furthermore, the number of agricultural families farming on land with more than one type of ownership is 1,212 (16.78%), covering an area of 1,020 hectares (23%).

When analyzing what crops are planted in what area by agricultural practice, according to the National Agriculture Census results, out of 7,222 total agricultural families in this sub-metropolitan city, 7,054 families are engaged in agricultural practices on cultivable land, with a total area of 4,044.0 hectares, which is 91.17%.

Out of the total area, 4,023.8 hectares (90.72%) are under temporary crops by all 7,054 families. Likewise, 100 agricultural families have 20.2 hectares (0.46%) under other cultivable land. Furthermore, 640 agricultural families use 57.9 hectares (2.19%) for permanent crops. Similarly, the area of permanent pastures, private open spaces, ponds, and other land is 294.4 hectares (6.64%).

Most areas of Nepal still practice subsistence-oriented, traditional, and unorganized farming. To make agriculture a respected, profitable, and scientific profession, it needs to be developed in an organized and institutional manner. Currently, commercial agriculture farms have been registered in various parts of the country and the practice of organized and institutional farming has begun. By registering farms scientifically and operating agricultural businesses, it becomes easier to receive government subsidies and technical support. This also helps to make the agricultural business organized and professional. The details of agriculture and animal husbandry farms within this Sub-Metropolitan City are included in Annex 6.

Various agriculture groups are currently operating to commercialize and modernize traditional farming. These groups facilitate agricultural business while providing energy to entrepreneurs by offering certain services and facilities. Details of farmer groups help understand the involvement of farmers in the agricultural sector and the status of agricultural activities in the sub-metropolitan city, while also helping to identify what programs need to be brought in the coming days. The details of farmer groups are included in the table below.

In an environment where large-scale agricultural production and collection center arrangements are lacking, developing collection centers at various convenient locations for small-quantity produce can help in marketing. Developing collection centers at various places helps traders purchase produce from specific locations in specific quantities, thereby supporting the development of the market system.

Just as increasing agricultural production is necessary, safe storage of produced goods is equally important. Proper storage helps maintain the nutritional value of agricultural produce. Without scientific storage, the quality of produce deteriorates on one hand and it may also be destroyed. Therefore, storing agricultural produce scientifically and making it available in the market even off-season helps maintain market price stability. For this, it is necessary to establish chilling centers, storage centers, and dairies at various locations based on need. Currently, traders in this Sub-Metropolitan City conduct food trade by privately managing ordinary and traditional storage.

Nepal is known worldwide as an attractive tourist destination due to its climate, way of life, forests, flora and fauna, and cultural diversity created by its unique geographical structure. Tourism is a gift of nature to us. It is certain that the full utilization of all these tourism assets will make a significant contribution to the country's economic prosperity and strengthen the national economy. Therefore, Tourism Policy 2065 aims to create self-employment through tourism, alleviate poverty, research tangible and intangible heritage, further develop and expand air and land routes, and advance tourism infrastructure in line with the concept of sustainable development. This Sub-Metropolitan City also has abundant potential for tourism development.

Within the Sub-Metropolitan City, there are more than 30 sites of religious, historical and archaeological importance including the famous Bageshwari Temple, the statue of Mahadev with a beard, Rani Talau, Mahendra Park, Jamjam Mosque, Jama Mosque, Phulbari Mosque, Bhawani Bagh Talau, and Ramlila Maidan. There is equally great potential for homestay and cultural tourism. Cultural tourism can be promoted by incorporating various cultural programs reflecting the culture of the Magar and Tharu communities. Additionally, since the Sub-Metropolitan City is a leading producer of agricultural products, fruits, grain crops, and turmeric, developing those areas as model agricultural zones could attract agro-tourists. Therefore, it is currently necessary to expand hotels, homestays, and other necessary services and facilities for tourists.

Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City is characterized by multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and social diversity, and contains traditional temples, mosques and historical sites. The details of various tourist and religious sites in this sub-metropolitan city are mentioned in the table below.

It is mandatory to properly develop all infrastructures related to a sector for the development of any sector. Although there is abundant potential for tourism in Nepal, the lack of tourism infrastructure has hindered the widespread development of the tourism sector. Tourism infrastructures include convenient transportation facilities, hotels, lodges and restaurants, tourist guides, information centers, rescue mechanisms, communication, security, and tourist activities. Looking at the prospect of tourism, it is indispensable to develop these infrastructures gradually based on the requirements for tourism development. The details of hotels, resorts and restaurants in this sub-metropolitan city are mentioned in Schedule 4.

After the development of agriculture, industry is the necessary sector for the economic revolution of any country. Although various efforts have been made since the Rana regime for industrial development, large-scale industries capable of bringing about an industrial revolution have not been able to open in Nepal. It is unfortunate that even existing industries are becoming sick and closing down. Only if we can establish industries based on agriculture and local raw materials along with the development of agriculture and advance the consumption of Nepalese products in the global market, will a base be prepared for Nepal to rise above an under-developed nation. In this sub-metropolitan city, small and large micro-enterprises and trade businesses are operating, while for banking services, more than 40 banks and financial institutions are active in transactions. To promote industry, it is equally necessary to prioritize and encourage small and medium industries based on local resources.

Although various efforts have been made since the Rana regime for industrial development, large-scale industries capable of bringing about an industrial revolution have not been able to open in Nepal. It is unfortunate that even existing industries are becoming sick and closing down. Only if we can establish industries based on agriculture and local raw materials along with the development of agriculture and advance the consumption of Nepalese products in the global market, will a base be prepared for Nepal to rise above an under-developed nation. To promote industry, it is equally necessary to prioritize and encourage small and medium industries based on local resources.

Including small industries, all types of agro-based industries, cottage industries, medium industries, large industries, service-oriented industries, government industries, community-based industries, collection and processing industries, 9,024 trade businesses and industries have been formally registered and are operating in the sub-metropolitan city, while 786 hotels and businesses are registered and operating.

Trade is a sector that is inextricably linked with the development of the agriculture and industry sectors. Since trade is the medium to bring goods produced through agriculture and industry to national and international markets, the development of trade and commerce is extremely important. In order to be economically strong, local levels must become strong in local production and reach a state where they can export. The economy cannot rise by trading goods produced outside of one's own area. For this, in one way or another, it is necessary to focus on local production and be able to export such products. The details of trade/businesses in this sub-metropolitan city are mentioned in the table.

Apart from the big cities of the country, in areas with dense settlements in rural areas, human activities such as education, health, other services, trade and commerce are found to be concentrated. Such centers are called market centers. Although they have not been fully developed from the perspective of urban development and facilities, such centers are found to be concentrating and developing human activities as areas that can be developed in the future. It is not that markets cannot be developed in new areas looking at suitability; however, it is easy to further develop such areas that have already been developed to some extent. The main commercial centers of this sub-metropolitan city are as follows.

4.8.4 Bank and Financial Institution Details

In a modern economy, when financial transactions take place through banks, it becomes systematic and easy. With the extensive development in banking systems, the services provided by them are also expanding. Currently, various banks have made arrangements for ATM services, Visa card services, bill payment services, and even insurance. In this sense, it has become essential to provide access to banking services to rural people in a modern economic system. In this sub-metropolitan city, banking transactions are conducted through 30 banks and financial institutions, while 111 cooperative societies are actively operating here. In addition to this, financial transactions are also conducted through various savings groups. The details of banks and financial institutions here are included in the table below.

The role of cooperative societies in the economic and social development of the sub-metropolitan city is significant. Cooperative societies prevent local level savings from going out of the sub-metropolitan city and invest in various income-generating activities in the local area.

With the increase in people's ownership of cooperative societies and reduction in administrative hassles, people's access to the financial sector has also increased. Loan investment is made through savings and credit, agriculture, consumer, and multipurpose cooperative societies with the intention of investing in the city's industry and trade sector. At the same time, it is seen that these institutions have been regularly collecting savings from members. Loans from these cooperative societies are being invested in agriculture, industry, and trade sectors. The details of the cooperative societies in this sub-metropolitan city are mentioned in the table below.