Rome: 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.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Rana emphasized that the mountainous region of Nepal and countries like Nepal are the most vulnerable due to the climate crisis. However, these areas have been neglected in climate finance and adaptation efforts. She urged all concerned parties to pay attention to this issue. 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.
Minister Rana highlighted the crucial role of agriculture in food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and rural development. She also expressed concern over the unfulfilled goal of creating a hunger-free world by 2030, which is challenged by pandemics, climate crises, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions.
She further stated that promoting sustainable and resilient mountain agriculture is essential not only for livelihoods but also important for the planet’s biodiversity, food security, and ecological balance. Minister Rana emphasized the need for collaboration to expand farmers’ access to early warning systems in the context of increasing climate risks. She expressed Nepal’s expectation for stronger collaboration with FAO for sustainable mountain agriculture promotion and the sharing of experiences and knowledge about successful practices to increase the participation and leadership of women and youth farmers.