The Ministry of Agriculture reported spending $50.2 million of its allocated $54.8 million budget for 2023, leaving an unspent balance of $4.6 million, as noted in the Auditor-General’s report. A significant part of the unspent funds, amounting to $1.5 million, was related to payroll expenses, which stemmed from delays in filling several vacancies due to staff turnover. Additionally, $1.5 million in unspent capital construction funds was largely attributed to supply chain issues that hampered the procurement of necessary raw materials.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry collected $431,120 in revenue during the year. However, the Ministry’s Trading and Manufacturing Account, which supports livestock and crop extension services, faced a loss of $47,168, a steep decline from the $56,089 profit reported in 2022.
The audit findings confirmed that there were no significant misstatements in the financial statements, receiving an unmodified opinion. Yet, the report highlighted ongoing difficulties concerning budget allocation and program implementation, pointing to a need for improved management strategies.
This report aligns with a broader context, echoing prior concerns raised about various government ministries’ performance in budget utilization. Minister of Finance, Biman Prasad, had indicated that some ministries experienced delays in project execution and inefficiencies that resulted in underspent budgets. This ongoing situation underscores the importance of timely and effective budget execution for the benefit of public service delivery.
While these challenges are significant, they also present an opportunity for the Ministry of Agriculture and other government entities to recalibrate their approaches to budgeting and project implementation. With proper adjustments and oversight, there is hope for improved performance and service delivery in the future, fostering greater public trust and ensuring that allocated resources are used effectively to enhance citizens’ livelihoods.
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