Opinion | Nepal’s food system is under strain. Are we prepared to safeguard our future?
Summary
Nepal's agriculture faces serious challenges from unpredictable weather, fertiliser shortages due to the West Asia conflict, and soil degradation, threatening the nation's food security. Immediate and long-term strategies are urgently needed to safeguard Nepal's food future.
Key Points
- Nepal's agriculture is under strain due to unpredictable weather and disruptions in fertiliser supply caused by the West Asia conflict.
- Declining livestock numbers, soil degradation, and labour shortages have compounded agricultural challenges in Nepal.
- Extreme weather events and the brewing El Niño are expected to worsen crop production and increase food import bills.
- Nepal's reliance on imported chemical fertilisers and weakened institutional capacity heighten the risk of a food crisis amid global shocks.
