Align trade policy with nutrition, experts urge as food imports surge
Summary
Experts urge Nepal to integrate nutrition into trade policy as increasing food imports and fragmented policymaking worsen nutrition outcomes and food security.
Key Points
- Nepal's dependence on food imports has surged, with food products making up 18% of total merchandise imports.
- Nutrition indicators in Nepal remain alarming, with high rates of stunting, wasting, underweight children, and anemia.
- Government policies on trade, nutrition, agriculture, and commerce lack coordination, leading to ineffective outcomes.
- Experts recommend integrating nutrition into economic and trade decisions to improve health and food security.
