1. Role in the Economy
  • Agriculture is the backbone of Nepal’s economy.
  • It contributes around 25–27% of Nepal’s GDP (as of 2023).
  • More than 60% of the population depends directly on agriculture for livelihood.
  • It supports food security, employment, and rural development.
  1. Major Agricultural Zones

Nepal’s geography creates diverse agro-climatic zones:

  1. Terai (Plain area) – Fertile land, main grain basket of Nepal.
    • Crops: rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, oilseeds, pulses.
  2. Hills – Mixed farming, horticulture, and livestock.
    • Crops: maize, millet, barley, potato, citrus fruits, vegetables.
  3. Mountains – Harsh climate, subsistence farming, pastoralism.
    • Crops: buckwheat, barley, potato, apple, medicinal herbs.
  1. Major Crops
  • Cereal crops: Rice (main staple), maize, wheat, millet, barley.
  • Cash crops: Sugarcane, jute, tobacco, tea, coffee, cardamom, ginger.
  • Fruits & vegetables: Citrus, apple, mango, banana, potato, tomato, cauliflower.
  • Industrial crops: Cotton (small-scale), oilseeds.
  • Spices/Herbs: Large cardamom, ginger, turmeric, medicinal and aromatic plants.
  1. Livestock & Fisheries
  • Livestock contributes about 25% of agricultural GDP.
  • Major livestock: cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, yak, pigs, poultry.
  • Dairy (milk, ghee, and yogurt) is a major product.
  • Fisheries: Mainly in Terai and some hilly rivers; growing sector with carp, trout, and catfish farming.
  1. Irrigation & Technology
  • About 1.4 million hectares of arable land.
  • Only ~65% has irrigation access, rest depends on monsoon rainfall.
  • Use of traditional tools is still common, though mechanization (tractors, threshers, pump sets) is increasing.
  • Adoption of improved seeds, fertilizers, biopesticides, and drip irrigation is growing but limited by cost and awareness.
  1. Challenges
  • Dependence on monsoon rainfall → vulnerability to drought and floods.
  • Land fragmentation due to inheritance practices.
  • Low productivity compared to global averages.
  • Limited access to modern technology, markets, and credit.
  • Post-harvest losses due to poor storage and processing facilities.
  • Outmigration of youth leading to labor shortage.
  • Climate change impacts: erratic rainfall, pests, glacial retreat.
  1. Opportunities & Potential
  • Huge potential in organic farming (Nepal is rich in organic products).
  • Expansion of high-value crops like coffee, tea, cardamom, and medicinal herbs.
  • Agro-tourism in hilly and mountain regions.
  • Irrigation expansion through rivers and micro-hydro.
  • Increasing demand for Nepali tea, coffee, ginger, cardamom in international markets.
  • Digital technology and mobile-based agriculture advisory services.
  1. Government Policies & Initiatives
  • Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS) 2015–2035: Roadmap for agricultural modernization and commercialization.
  • Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP): Focuses on crop & livestock productivity zones (rice, maize, wheat, vegetables, fisheries, fruits).
  • Subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, irrigation pumps.
  • Expansion of cooperatives and farmers’ groups.
  • Promotion of climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy for irrigation.

In summary, agriculture in Nepal is transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial and modernized practices, though challenges like climate change, productivity gaps, and infrastructure still persist. With proper investment, it holds huge potential in high-value crops, organic farming, and agro-based industries.