Kathmandu, Oct. 18 -- owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has said it will pay dairy farmers every fortnight from the new year, amid criticism over delayed payments that have made it difficult for farmers to manage household expenses and production costs. The move also follows a Supreme Court order for the authorities to ensure that farmers receive payments on time.

Sharan Kumar Pandey, general manager of the corporation, said the plan to switch from monthly to fortnightly payments would take effect in the first week of January.

"While farmers are demanding the same, the court has also ordered us to settle payments on time," Pandey said. The corporation plans to borrow funds to ensure regular payments.

The DDC currently collects ...