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Agriculture remains the dominant marker of the country’s development trajectory. Every great country has passed through an agricultural revolution to its present greatness. Take our neighbors India and China, for example, which took about 30 and 50 years each to achieve agricultural reforms. The underlying principle is that if a country can grow its staple crops enough, it reduces their need for imports on the snow. Consequently, any agricultural surplus can be exported, creating a trade surplus.

In the 1980s, agriculture had a major impact on Nepal’s economy, representing about 60 percent of GDP and 75 percent of exports. Although 20 percent of the total land area could only be cultivated, it was the main livelihood of more than 90 percent of the Nepali population. In the same year, when agriculture accounted for three-fifths of Nepal’s GDP, India faced the imminent threat of a food crisis similar to the one it faced in 1970. The lack of growth in food grain production made India an importer of 10m tons of rice, potentially driving up prices. However, the Green Revolution in Indian agriculture brought about a transformation, embracing modern technological practices such as high yielding varieties, intensive agricultural research and technology, mechanization of agricultural implements and irrigation crop-based improvement India Export Competitive by 2021. By standing as ninth largest exporter in the world, specializing in agriculture related products.

Among varieties of foodgrains. Rice, however, has always been the main export of India, which contributes to more than 19 percent of the total agricultural export as of 2021/22. The prominence of agricultural surplus, especially rice surplus from terai also has been crucial in maintaining the viability of the Nepali economy. In 1965, an estimated 348,000 metric tons of rice was exported to India from Tarai, making Nepal the fifth-largest rice exporter in the word that year. Similarly, in the same year the GDP per capita of Nepal was $65.87, while $11.90 was that of India. Apart from rice, Tarai also produced exportable surpluses of jute, tobacco, mustard oilseed, sugarcane, spices, and many other agricultural commodities in similar quantities. Nonetheless, not only was Tarai an exporter to India, but the food-deficit Hilly region of Nepal also depended upon the food surplus of Tarai. However, a dramatic change has now taken place. The arable land increased by an appreciable 28.7 percent, but the proportion of people engaged in agriculture decreased to 66 percent as a result, agriculture now contributes only one-third of the country’s GDP. This decline can be attributed to the dominant use of subsistence agriculture, which leads to lower yields and limited agricultural production, as FAO emphasizes.

The agricultural sector of Nepal faces many challenges due to the lack of a comprehensive land use policy, resulting in sudden urbanization and encroachment on arable land, which reduces farmland and leads to food insecurity endanger Fertility loss and yield reduction due to irregular land use with flat and fractured soils is severe. Their introduction for sustainable soil management is important. Environmental and resource overexploitation leads to further degradation of land, water and ecosystems. Despite environmental protection laws and environmental assessments, the role under the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MOAD) is limited. Organic agriculture offers a sustainable alternative but faces certification and logistical challenges. A review of policies to support organic agriculture, including research and support to address limitations in initial production, is needed. MOAD offices in 378 extensions serve more than 11,000 farmers per office, and one technician per 1,500 farmers, far from developed country standards of one technician to 400 farmers, which cannot meet the needs of farming communities in condition species and in the agricultural environment.

The 21st century has been a whirlwind of change and it has affected each part of our lives spanning from culture to technology and reshaping our world giving a platform for our future. Gone are the days of being tied down by wires; now, space travel and interstellar exploration are within reach, while the value of money has expanded beyond paper and metal. In this rapidly evolving landscape, where data and information hold unprecedented power, the traditional measure of national income based solely on physical exports seems outdated. This begs the question: should countries like Nepal, instead of following the well-trodden paths of developed nations, return to their roots and embrace traditional methods of income generation that have sustained communities for thousands of years? Yet, amidst these debates on progress and tradition, there's a fundamental question: is agriculture still the biggest hurdle for developing countries to overcome in the age of innovation and technology?

The crux of the debate always remained the access to resources for the functioning of various industries. It should be noted that the IT sector requires highly skilled workers, whereas the agricultural sector requires a large amount of physical labor, in addition to good farming practices and irrigation techniques. Revitalizing the agricultural sector could address concerns regarding job insecurity and unemployment in the labor market. Considering Nepal’s fertile land, significant agricultural workforce, and potential for raw material production, investing in agricultural research, literacy, and technology becomes crucial to achieve surplus production. This surplus could then be utilized domestically at lower costs or traded internationally for profit, aligning with the principles of comparative advantage theory.

One of Nepal’s significant agricultural exports that demands attention is jute. Nepal is the third-largest exporter of jute woven fabric in the world. According to the latest statistical data from the fiscal year 2022, the procurement price of jute in India is InRs 4,425 per quintal, whereas the average cost of jute production in Nepal is Rs 1,563 per quintal, which translates to approximately InRs 2,500 per quintal.

Nepal’s production cost per kilogram of jute is InRs 25, implying that the selling price for 1.12 quintals of jute should be InRs 2,800. If India buys 1.12 quintals of jute at InRs 3,500 per quintal, Nepal would make a profit of InRs 700 per 1.12 quintals of jute, ceteris paribus. Statistical reports indicate that India imported around 300 thousand bales of raw jute, each weighing 180 kilograms, in 2022.

If the demand for Nepalese jute in the Indian market rises, which is plausible given India’s large population, Nepal’s profit margins could significantly outstrip production costs in a short time. This scenario underscores the lucrative potential of Nepal’s jute exports, fostering economic growth and reinforcing its status as a leading player in the global jute market.

The higher secondary school curriculum is essential for developing responsible citizens. By the end of their education, students should understand their country, environment, customs, festivals, and societal perspectives. They need basic knowledge about Nepal's physical environment, natural resources, and sustainable use. Currently, the curriculum in secondary and higher education levels lacks sufficient coverage on these topics, especially geology. Without studying geology, students cannot fully understand Nepal’s environment, resources, geological hazards, geological structures, tectonics, seismic activity, fault lines, river origins, or essential infrastructure construction.   

After the new education policy, science teaching became systematic. Science was introduced in the 1930 as an optional subject and became compulsory in 1992 for secondary students. From 1992 to 2016, the curriculum included Physics (40 percent), Chemistry (20 percent), Biology (30 percent), and Astronomy and Geology (10 percent). In 2017, it was revised to Physics (30 percent), Chemistry (30 percent), Biology (30 percent), and Astronomy/Geology (10 percent). In teaching science, physics, chemistry, and biology were prioritized, while geology was limited to a brief unit on the earth's origin. Looking at the average of the curriculum currently in use, in grades 8, 9 and 10, Geology is given only a two percent. Similarly, this subject (Geology) is not included in Grade XI & XII science stream. What these figures show is that geology is still not accepted as an important part of science, while without the knowledge of geology, it is not possible to make development structures and minimize the impact of natural disasters in Nepal.

Understanding geological hazards

Historical data and ongoing seismological studies have clearly indicated that Nepal is highly susceptible to geological hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods due to its location in a tectonically active zone (On the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian Tectonic Plates). Tragically, this vulnerability has led to the loss of countless lives and widespread destruction over the years. Nepal is ranked 11th in earthquake risk according to the Global Report on Disaster Risk, reflecting the frequent occurrence of earthquakes in the country. Also, according to the Nepal Disaster Report 2009, Nepal ranks seventh worldwide in terms of deaths resulting from the combined consequences of floods, landslides, and avalanches. Despite these realities, Nepal’s education system has largely overlooked the importance of geology and disaster management in the science curriculum. So, introducing geology as a subject in the science stream of higher secondary level provides students with a deeper understanding of the Earth’s structure, tectonic processes, and seismic activity, enabling them to comprehend the underlying causes of earthquakes and other geological hazards.

Disaster awareness and preparedness  

Damage assessments conducted by the Government of Nepal Department of Education (DoE) revealed that more than 27,000 public school classrooms were completely destroyed during the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, while an additional 26,000 classrooms sustained substantial damage. These statistics highlight the unimaginable scenario where students would have been severely affected if the earthquake had struck during the school hours. Both global school-related disaster data and Nepal’s past experiences indicate that Nepalese school students face significant risk from natural disasters, particularly during school hours. Geoscientists are repeatedly warning the possibility of such a catastrophe occurring in any part of the country. Therefore, students must be educated about disaster awareness and preparedness through the curriculum to ensure their safety.

Resources management 

Nepal possesses abundant natural resources including minerals, water, forests, and agricultural products. Various regions hold potential for different resources: the Terai Plain for gravel, sand, and groundwater, the Sub Himalaya for construction materials and minor coal seams, the Lesser Himalaya for metallic minerals (iron, copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, nickel, tin, tungsten, gold, uranium) and industrial minerals (magnesite, limestone, dolomite, bauxite, kaolin, graphite, mica, quartz, silica sand and gemstones), and the Higher Himalaya for precious stones and metallic minerals. Introducing geology at higher levels promotes specialized courses, producing skilled manpower crucial for economic development.

Career opportunities

Introducing geology at the secondary education level in Nepal can prepare students for a range of career paths, including geoscience research, environmental management, natural resource exploration, and disaster risk reduction. Geologists can find employment opportunities in groundwater management, geological surveying, natural gas and mineral exploration, physical infrastructures (road, tunnel, irrigation canal, etc.) as well as industries related to zinc, copper, and other minerals. By exposing high school students to the principles of geology, educators can inspire future geologists and earth scientists in the career fields such as engineering geology, hydrology, mining geology and paleontology.

Long term impact

Nepal is composed of about 83 percent of mountainous with weak and fragile geological structure, tectonically active zone. Nepal is highly susceptible to landslides and slope failures in addition to earthquakes. Many villages and settlements are located on old landslide sites or near unstable slopes, which are prone to reactivation. Earthquakes often trigger landslides, resulting in significant loss of life, livestock, property, and infrastructure in Nepal. Introducing geology in higher secondary education can prepare citizens for these hazards, saving lives and promoting sustainable development and resilience.

Conclusion

Nepal is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, yet its education system largely neglects geology education at the secondary and higher levels. Various countries, including Papua New Guinea, several states in India including Maharashtra, Manipur, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Kerala and many other countries, have already integrated geology into their Grade XI & XII education curricula. Given Nepal’s susceptibility to natural disasters, urgent action is needed to incorporate geology education into grades XI and XII. Engaging with experts in the field of geology, responsible governmental authorities should initiate the planning and implementation of geology education at these levels. This addition will boost students’ scientific understanding and prepare them to tackle real-world issues like natural disasters, environmental concerns, and resource management. Introducing geology will nurture a culture of resilience and readiness among the next generation, contributing to a safer and more secure future for Nepal.

Have you thought about what makes you happy? While chasing your goals and dreams and thus being inundated by work and deadlines, have you stopped to enjoy the process? Do you constantly feel overwhelmed? Here are some simple things you can indulge in to get your mind off what’s bothering you and recharge yourself. 

Put out some flowers 

You give flowers to others but do you buy them for yourself? The simple act of buying a bunch of flowers for yourself can bring joy into your life. Put up some flowers in your living room or dining room table to bring in some cheer into your life. Learn to arrange flowers. There are many pages on Instagram and YouTube tutorials too that can teach you neat tricks to create fun and pretty centerpieces. Flowers make for a great sight and can instantly brighten your mood. 

Try breakfast at a new restaurant

There is something extremely blissful about a leisurely breakfast at an aesthetic restaurant. Why not try one of the many new places that have opened in town? We recommend Feels and The Gardens in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. There are also many quaint cafes in Basantapur, Kathmandu, where you can have a good cup of coffee and some local food. Spend time with yourself or catch up with a friend this weekend. 

Visit a local fair or farmer’s market

Local fairs and farmer’s markets are great places to get some good deals, indulge in some scrumptious food and desserts, and have some refreshing beverages. It’s a wholesome experience so head to a fair or a local market and spend some time strolling around. What better way could there be than to spend a leisurely day eating, drinking, and shopping? The Farmer’s Market at Le Sherpa in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, has an amazing ensemble of stalls every Saturday. 

Explore a new part of town

We have our favorite hangouts and places to visit and, as creatures of habit, we tend to gravitate towards those places whenever we go out. But there are many unexplored alleys and places that are filled with stories and culture that you will probably know nothing about if you don’t venture out there. We suggest you drive or hike to a place you haven’t been before and spend some time discovering the area. It recharges your brain like no other activity can. 

Memorize a poem

Our minds are often filled with a lot of thoughts, or in other words, clutter. Memorizing a poem is a great way to get rid of all that unnecessary chatter. Poetry is a form of music, and it acts on and affects the imagination and emotions the same way that music can and does. It draws us in superficially at first, and later we can move onto an appreciation of its deeper meanings. All in all, it can make us more introspective and calm us during chaotic times.  

Donate what you don’t need 

One of the best ways to clear your mind and life is to get rid of all the things you don’t need and make space for new things. Our homes are filled with things we don’t use or need. Take some time out to weed through them and donate or sell what you don’t want. Donating what you don’t have any use for will make you feel good. Sukhawati store is a great place to drop clothing you don’t want so that those less fortunate than you can have them at cheap prices.

Disconnect for a little while 

We live in a world where we are constantly connected to one another, through calls, social media, etc. Make it a point to switch off at least once a week or for a few hours every day. Schedule screen time and only use social media for an allocated time period every day. Turn off the internet connection on your phone when you don’t need it. When you aren’t being bombarded by message pings and calls, your mind will automatically be at ease. 

Modernization in Nepal has influenced youth participation in traditional cultural traditions. The interest among youngsters in old cultural practices seems to be waning. We are thus perhaps on the cusp of letting our stories and traditions fade away. Aaradhana Shrestha of ApEx spoke to three people to find out how modernization has affected Nepali youth interest in traditional culture, and how we can preserve our cultural heritage.

Lalima Shrestha, 29

Modernization has led Nepal’s youth to feel disconnected from their traditional cultural practices due to increased exposure to modern influences through new media and technologies.

To preserve and promote Nepal’s rich cultural heritage among younger generations, we must first recognize this issue ourselves. Then, we need to make young people aware of their cultural roots in a way that sparks their curiosity. Instead of forcing traditions on them, we should encourage them to explore and discover their heritage on their own.

There should be more opportunities for youth to engage with traditional cultural practices. These opportunities should be presented in an interesting and relevant way, so young people will want to participate and continue these traditions in the future. By making cultural practices appealing and accessible, we can help ensure they are preserved for generations to come.

Prajal Shrestha, 27

Modernization has significantly impacted traditional cultural practices among the youth in Nepal. Many young Nepalis prioritize higher education and better job opportunities, often leading to a detachment from their cultural identity. The trend of moving abroad for better prospects further exacerbates this issue.

To preserve Nepal’s cultural heritage among the youth, we need awareness programs, media campaigns, cultural education in schools, and celebrations of cultural events. Government bodies and cultural organizations, like Guthis, should actively involve youth in cultural activities. Engaging platforms such as workshops, traditional music and dance classes, and heritage tours can deepen their connection to cultural practices.

Local communities can organize cultural events and festivals that encourage youth participation, and mentorship programs where elders teach traditional practices to younger generations can also be effective. Leveraging digital platforms to promote cultural heritage can attract tech-savvy youth. Creating engaging content like documentaries, blogs, and social media posts about cultural traditions can be helpful in reaching a wider audience.

Birsana Shrestha, 25

Modernization is seen as a symbol of status. It’s perceived as being forward and progressive. Modernization in itself is not an issue but the expense it comes at often makes it an issue.

In the process of catching up with global trends, our cultural practices have been cornered. From my observations, and I’m not generalizing, youths are alienated from their own culture, as if they are disconnected from its stories. We are expected to act in a way that pleases our market system. The purpose of our culture has changed.

Cultural organizations can initiate gatherings where they can discuss things about our culture. For instance, the writing center of Thames International College organizes a ‘Heritage Walk’ where participants visit heritage sites with experts and learn about their stories and significance. This could be one strategy.