FM Rana calls for climate finance to support sustainable agriculture
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 to secure climate finance for the Himalayan region.
Addressing the 44th General Assembly of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome on Monday, she urged grant-based international climate finance for Nepal’s mountainous areas, which are suffering the worst impacts of the climate crisis.
‘The mountainous region of Nepal and countries like it are the most vulnerable to the climate crisis. However, these areas have been neglected in climate finance and adaptation efforts. It is essential that all those concerned pay attention to this issue,’ Minister Rana said.
Noting that the agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy, she said agriculture contributes 23 per cent to Nepal’s gross domestic product and that nearly two-thirds of the population depends on farming.
She added that the role of agriculture is crucial in food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation and rural development.
Minister Rana warned that the goal of creating a hunger-free world by 2030 remains unfulfilled and is being challenged by pandemics, climate crises, economic instability and geopolitical tensions.
She said sustainable and resilient mountain agriculture is essential not only for livelihoods but also for global biodiversity, food security and ecological balance.
‘We are seeking collaboration to expand farmers’ access to early warning systems. In the context of increasing climate risks, we expect stronger collaboration with the FAO for the promotion of sustainable mountain agriculture. Additionally, Nepal expects to share experiences and knowledge about successful practices to increase the participation and leadership of women and youth farmers,’ she added, expressing Nepal’s desire to expand innovative agricultural practices under the ‘four better’ approach.
By RSS
