Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has called on the international community to support sustainable agricultural systems for Nepal and countries with similar topographies, as well as climate finance for the Himalayan region.
Addressing the 44th General Assembly of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held in Rome on Monday, she urged for ensuring grant-based international climate finance for Nepal, particularly for the mountainous regions, which are suffering from the impacts of climate change.
“The mountainous region of Nepal and countries like Nepal are the most vulnerable due to climate crisis. However, these areas have been neglected in climate finance and adaptation efforts. It is essential that all those concerned over this issue pay attention to it,” Minister Rana said.
Stating that the agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy, she mentioned that agriculture contributes 23 percent to Nepal’s gross domestic product and that nearly two-thirds of the population depends on agriculture.
She also made it clear that the role of agriculture is crucial in food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and rural development.
Minister Dr Rana stated that the goal of creating a hunger-free world by 2030 is still unfulfilled and it is being challenged by pandemics, climate crises, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions.
She stated that sustainable and resilient mountain agriculture promotion is essential not only for our livelihoods but also important for the planet’s biodiversity, food security, and the ecological balance of the Earth.
“We are seeking collaboration to expand farmers’ access to early warning systems. In the context of increasing climate risks, we expect stronger collaboration with FAO for the promotion of sustainable mountain agriculture. Additionally, Nepal has expressed the expectation of sharing experiences and knowledge about successful practices to increase the participation and leadership of women and youth farmers,” reiterated Minister Rana, expressing Nepal’s desire to expanding successful and innovative agriculture practices as the ‘four better’ approach.
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