Farm sector braces for twin shocks: Weak monsoon and input shortages
Summary
Nepal’s agriculture sector faces significant challenges due to expected below-normal monsoon rains, fertiliser shortages, and high fuel prices, threatening crop yields, food security, and economic growth.
Key Points
- Nepal is likely to experience below-normal monsoon rains in 2026, affecting water availability for agriculture.
- Shortages of chemical fertilisers and rising fuel prices are exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers.
- Agriculture contributes 24 percent to Nepal’s GDP and employs over 60 percent of the population, thus the sector’s issues have broad economic implications.
- Experts urge government action to implement coping mechanisms such as drought-resistant crops and improved irrigation to mitigate impacts.
