Nepal’s Farming Crisis: Good Plans on Paper, But Farmers Still Struggle in the Fields

Agriculture is very important for Nepal’s economy, making up almost a quarter of its agricultural GDP. The government has been increasing its budget for agriculture and has allocated nearly Rs 57.48 billion for this year (2082/83 BS).

But despite this big budget and many plans, farmers still face many problems. They deal with unpredictable weather, pests, poor roads and facilities, and trouble selling their products.

This shows there is a big gap between what is planned on paper and what actually happens on the ground. Nepal needs a simpler and more practical approach to farming.

Official government reports say that production of grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses, cash crops, eggs, milk, and meat is increasing steadily.

However, visiting farms in many areas tells a different story. Climate change causes unexpected hailstorms, floods, and untimely rains that destroy crops and animals. Pests and diseases also cause big losses.

Many farmers have to throw away vegetables, milk, and eggs by the roadside because they can’t find buyers or get fair prices. At the same time, fruits and vegetables imported from India flood the market, which raises concerns about pesticides and food safety since proper checks are lacking.

The data used to make decisions is often unreliable. Local data collection is inconsistent or sometimes manipulated, making it hard to know the real situation. This affects good planning and the right use of resources.

Another big problem is education and training. Although there are more agricultural colleges now, the quality is poor, especially when it comes to hands-on farm training.

Many students graduate without ever working on a farm or understanding real farming problems. Political interference and disruptions in campuses make learning worse, so graduates are not well prepared.

As a result, many young people struggle to find jobs or start successful agricultural businesses. There aren’t enough clear policies to support young farmers or entrepreneurs.

The government has introduced some good programs like subsidies on fertilizers and seeds, insurance for crops and animals, credit programs for young farmers, and more cold storage facilities.

They also promote local crops and send agricultural graduates to work in rural areas. A new Farmer Registration System has been set up to better manage farmer information and services.

But even with these efforts, many programs only exist on paper or are slow and inefficient at the local level. Bureaucracy and poor coordination make it hard for farmers to get timely help and inputs.

Nepal urgently needs to simplify the process, improve coordination, and focus on practical solutions that really help farmers. Modern machinery, better training and support, digital information, and crops that can handle climate changes can boost production if used well. Improving hands-on training for students and supporting youth in farming businesses are also very important.

In short, Nepal’s agriculture is at an important point. If policies, money, and education don’t reach the farmers and their fields, the sector will not grow as it should. Making agriculture simpler, more practical, and suited to local needs can turn farming from a struggle into a steady and successful way to earn a living.