Nepal Budget 2026/27: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle unveiled a Rs 2.124 trillion budget aiming for 7% growth, with tax relief for the middle class, a “Green Tax” overhaul, and higher excise duties on cigarettes and alcohol. The plan targets adding 1,040 MW to the national grid (670 MW hydropower, 370 MW solar), pushes road and tunnel acceleration, and boosts health and education spending, while critics warn about debt and gaps for low-income groups. Energy & Power Sector: The budget also flags restructuring the Nepal Electricity Authority into three agencies and opens the door for private transmission and electricity trade. Irrigation & Agriculture: Irrigated land coverage rose to 1.59 million hectares, with year-round and groundwater systems driving gains; yet agriculture budget critics say allocations were cut despite higher fertilizer support. Jobs & Private Sector: Opposition and youth leaders question the job-creation promise (1.2 million), while industrialists in Koshi welcome customs and tax changes. Excise & Consumer Goods: Excise rates were adjusted across 360 items, with higher duties on tobacco, liquor, junk foods, and some imports; VAT and EV duty rules were also revised. Green Industry & Forests: Forest and climate funding is set to back green industrialisation, digital single-window permits, and forest-based processing. Transport Projects: The Postal Highway is planned for completion in three years, railway works from Bardibas to Nijgadh will be expedited, and a shorter Hetauda–Kathmandu route was temporarily closed for bridge works. Regional Trade: China’s China–South Asia Expo (June 11–16) will push South Asian exports, including textiles and handicrafts, into the Chinese market. Local Farming Innovation: Farmers in Bajura are increasingly interested in soft-shell walnut farming after trial saplings showed promising yields.