The Ministry of Agriculture has reported that it spent $50.2 million of its allocated budget of $54.8 million for the year 2023, leaving an unspent balance of $4.6 million, according to the Auditor-General’s report. Notably, $1.5 million of the unspent funds were related to payroll expenses linked to delays in filling staff vacancies due to turnover issues. Furthermore, the Ministry saw $1.5 million in unutilized capital construction funds, mainly due to supply chain disruptions that impeded the procurement of essential raw materials.
During this period, the Ministry managed to collect $431,120 in revenue. Nevertheless, the financial performance of its Trading and Manufacturing Account, which supports livestock and crop extension services, revealed a loss of $47,168—marking a significant decline from the previous year’s profit of $56,089.
The audit findings indicated no significant misstatements in the financial statements, earning an unmodified opinion. However, it did emphasize persistent challenges related to budget allocation and program implementation, indicating a critical need for enhanced management strategies.
These findings resonate with previous concerns about budget utilization across various government ministries, as highlighted by Finance Minister Biman Prasad. He pointed out that inefficiencies and delays in project execution have affected several ministries, leading to unspent budgets. This situation emphasizes the importance of effective and timely budget execution for better public service delivery.
Despite these hurdles, there lies an opportunity for the Ministry of Agriculture and other government bodies to refine their budgeting and project implementation strategies. With proper adjustments and increased oversight, there is optimism for improved performance and delivery of services in the future, which could enhance public trust and ensure that resources are effectively utilized to improve citizens’ livelihoods.
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