Kathmandu, February 12, 2025 – The second National Consultation Workshop on Nepal’s Agroecology Roadmap, organized by LI-BIRD, successfully concluded on February 7, 2025 at Indreni Complex, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. The event was chaired by Dr. Ramkrishna Shrestha, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, with participation from ministry officials, university professors, researchers, agroecology advocates, and students.

Strengthening Nepal’s Agroecology Framework

In his opening remarks, LI-BIRD’s Program Operation Director, Laxman Khatri, highlighted the critical need for Agroecology in a biodiversity-rich country like Nepal. He emphasized that the roadmap would help in developing collective strategies and ensuring consistency in programs to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Devendra Gauchan, in his presentation on “The Status of Agroecology in Nepal and the Need for a Roadmap,” pointed out that two-thirds of Nepal’s population is engaged in agriculture, primarily small-scale farming. He stressed the necessity of transitioning from industrialized and modern agricultural models to environmentally sustainable practices. Dr. Gauchan also warned that Nepal’s comparative advantage in agriculture and biodiversity is at risk due to excessive use of chemical pesticides, particularly in the Terai region, and emphasized that Agroecology is the key to addressing contemporary challenges such as food security, human health, and biodiversity conservation.

Strategic Vision for Agroecology

Santosh Shrestha from LI-BIRD presented the draft framework of the National Agroecology Roadmap, emphasizing that the approach considers not only geographical aspects but also economic factors. He outlined the roadmap’s vision for “Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Food Systems through Agroecology,” focusing on key pillars such as i) Healthy Agro-ecosystems ii) Efficient and Sustainable value chains and trade iii) Sustainable and Healthy Diets and iv) Inclusive Food System Governance.

During discussions, Dr. Ramkrishna Shrestha facilitated a session where various stakeholders provided inputs on improving the roadmap. Campaigner Teeka Bhattarai stressed the importance of preserving and enhancing indigenous agricultural practices instead of relying solely on imported knowledge. Jagat Deuja highlighted the need to incorporate land security and agricultural land conservation strategies into the roadmap. Similarly, Ashok Singh advocated for the effective implementation of a strong legislative framework rather than continuously introducing new regulations.

Ensuring Practical Implementation

Youth advocate Prayas Adhikari underscored the need to localize the roadmap and integrate traditional agricultural knowledge rather than merely adopting international frameworks. Kedar Koirala, Director of the National Farmers’ Group Federation, emphasized that the roadmap should clearly define how it benefits farmers, as they are the primary implementers of agricultural policies.

Market integration was another crucial aspect discussed. Sita Pandey, Managing Director of Muna Bazaar, stressed the need for linking Agroecology with market access and financial investments. She highlighted the role of banks and financial institutions in promoting sustainable agriculture through corporate social responsibility investments.

Institutional and Policy Considerations

During the discussion, Keshab Devkota emphasized the need for a well-structured agroecological workforce and institutional mechanisms to ensure its effective implementation. Neena Amatya Gorkhali pointed out that Nepal’s traditional farming systems already align with agroecology principles, making their promotion and modernization crucial for sustainable agricultural development.

Prof. Roshan Subedi from Kathmandu University described agroecology as the only viable pathway toward a sustainable food system. He also highlighted the importance of integrating Vedic agricultural principles into research and technology development.

Prof. Subodh Khanal from Gauradaha Agriculture Campus announced that the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) is preparing to establish a dedicated Agroecology Department for postgraduate studies.

Way Forward and Conclusion

The consultation also featured remarks from senior experts, including Dr. Ramkrishna Shrestha, and Dr. Devendra Gauchan, who addressed key concerns raised during the discussions.

Furthermore, Prof. Huma Neupane from IAAS highlighted discrepancies in government agricultural production data and called for increased financial support for farmers adopting agroecological practices.

Bishnu Hari Upadhyay from the National Planning Commission acknowledged that the roadmap aligns well with Nepal’s agricultural development strategies and legislative reforms, reinforcing its timely relevance.

Providing concluding remarks, Dr. Krishna Prasad Poudel emphasized that the roadmap should undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness. He stated that its successful implementation depends on policy integration and commitment from the government and stakeholders.

The workshop served as a crucial step in refining Nepal’s Agroecology Roadmap, bringing together diverse perspectives to shape a comprehensive and inclusive strategy for sustainable agriculture in the country.

The Himalayan Agroecology Initiative

The Himalayan Agroecology Initiative is a strategic endeavour that works closely with governments and with the support of a broad group of stakeholders, to support the emergence of multi-stakeholder processes that develop, build capacities and facilitate the implementation of agroecological food systems roadmaps. Other participating countries in the Himalayan Agroecology Initiative besides Nepal, are India and Bhutan.  Its main aim is to improve livelihoods and sustainability and to empower farmers, farmer producer organizations and other key stakeholders so they better benefit of public policies, including those that support organic and natural agriculture, food processing, marketing, distribution and consumption.