In many developing countries where agriculture is dominant and land

agrarian reform may be a pre-condition of agri­ distribution is skewed,
cultural and economic development. From the early 1940s until the mid­
1960s, the egalitarian and development aspects of agrarian reform
appealed to many countries, including those emerging as newly independent
and those desiring rapid economic development. The major objecbreak
down feudal holdings, redistribute
tives of such programs were to

land among the real farmers, and provide institutional facilities and
services to help increase agricultural production and people's income.
Land reform in Nepal had the same spirit and objective. Land and

power in Nepal, and as a its ownership are great sources of income and
result there have always been conflicting interests with respect to land
ownership. This has led to many structural and institutional defects
hindering agricultural development. Th'2 uneven distribution of land
also gave rise tc a landed aristocracy and a poor peasantry.
Agriculture could have a vital and multiple role in the national
of income, employment, trade development, and meeting economy in terms
the basic needs of the people. The economic development of Nepal and
the economic well-being of the vast majority of Nepalese farmers depends
on agricultural development. However, the desired pace and level of

and thus
agricultural development required suitable agrarian reforms,

the land reform program was initiated.
and provided
The rational land reform program created high hopes

inspiration to the people, particularly to the peasant community. The
launched with noble objectives: to increase agricultural
program was

production, improve the condition of the peasantry, and to divert capital
and labor frota agricultural to non-agricultural pursuits in order to
accelerate economic development.
Noble aad ambitious as the objectives were, they were not realized

in the beginning,
in implementation. The program had many achievements

The need now is for consolidation
but these are gradually being eroded.

and further reform. This study attempts to analyze this program and

suggest policy measures for future action.