Nepal is taking significant strides towards modernizing its agricultural sector, with a strong emphasis on digital agriculture, precision technology, and climate-smart farming systems. This commitment was underscored by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, during her participation in a round table discussion at the 44th Session of the General Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome.
Dr. Deuba highlighted the government’s priority to bolster investment in agricultural research and advisory services. The goal is to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food system that guarantees food security, nutrition, and livelihoods for all Nepali citizens. This approach integrates climate resilience, gender equity, and digital agriculture, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
The minister pointed to several policy and institutional measures already adopted by Nepal, including the Agriculture Development Strategy, the Food and Nutrition Security Plan of Action, and the Nepal Food Systems Transformation Strategic Plan (2022-2030). These initiatives demonstrate Nepal’s proactive stance in aligning its agricultural practices with global standards and addressing pressing issues such as climate change and food security.
Earlier on the same day, Dr. Deuba met with the Director-General of FAO, Dr. Qu Dongyu, to discuss the partnership between Nepal and FAO. The discussions focused on agriculture development, food security, and forest development, reinforcing Nepal’s commitment to collaborating with international organizations to achieve its agricultural goals.
Nepal’s active membership in FAO since 1951 underscores its long-standing commitment to global agricultural development and food security. The country’s recent policy measures and international collaborations signal a promising direction towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
The implications of these developments are far-reaching. By embracing digital agriculture and precision technology, Nepal can enhance its agricultural productivity and efficiency, ensuring better yields and reduced environmental impact. Climate-smart farming systems will help the country adapt to the changing climate, mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events and ensuring food security. Moreover, the focus on gender equity in these initiatives can empower women farmers, who play a crucial role in Nepal’s agricultural sector, thereby promoting inclusive growth.
These efforts also highlight the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. Nepal’s collaboration with FAO serves as a model for other nations, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can drive significant progress in agricultural development and food security. As Nepal continues to implement its strategic plans, the country is poised to make substantial advancements in building a resilient and sustainable food system.