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Nepal’s farm sector needs a shot or two in the arm in view of changing weather patterns amid a deepening climate crisis and forgotten yet effective traditional agricultural practices. 

For revitalization of this sector, every farmer needs to know what crops (traditional, modern, cash crops, etc) can grow well in their land. It is the duty of every local government to make sure that the farmers know this.   

Who among these farmers want to opt for subsistence farming? Who wants to go for commercial farming and who prefers surplus farming?

Relevant authorities should take a call on this because the needs of these separate groups of farmers are quite different.    

Subsistence farmers need nothing, surplus farmers need guaranteed markets at their doorsteps whereas commercial farmers need guaranteed connections of national markets and knowledge to preserve their productions in a variety of ways. 

It is the duty of Palikas (rural municipalities) to lease the parcels of land to the poor people interested in farming or sell it to them by accepting payment in installments.  

Farmers also need to bear in mind that our ancestors switched to new crops in keeping with changing climatic conditions, including the availability of water. They need to realize that food patterns have been changing over generations and time has perhaps come yet again to change our food habits in keeping with a changing climate.  

In this regard, we can take a leaf from Vedic ancestors, who taught us to blend science and intellect and sustain it culturally.  For example, they taught us how to tap into the cosmic energy to rejuvenate ourselves. Planting Tulasi, Pipal and Sami was their way of ensuring a steady supply of pure oxygen and antioxidants.

Let us learn about sustainable development goals (SDGs) from our religious texts and cultural practices, and unlearn from the past efforts of government as well as non-government organizations (GOs/NGOs), if we are to indeed give sustainable development a boost in our soil. 

Commission-oriented practices of politicians and businesspersons, in particular, have led to soaring imports of substandard foodstuffs of inferior quality, making the Nepali farmers reluctant to cultivate crops. So, we must make it loud and clear to our neighbors that these food imports have made our people lazy, and increased health hazards.

Our import-oriented economy throws ample light on the country’s crop production scenario. Politicians least bothered about crop yields, a labor-intensive farming system, unethical business and trade practices, and consumption-oriented mindsets are responsible for inviting this situation. 

To overcome this scenario, let us make a matrix of our food demands, our production, the gaps, crops that we must grow, and local governments that can grow these crops.  This matrix will help to move ahead with crop production plans.  

Commitment requires continuity—in saying and doing—something, which can be done by developing all political parties’ consensual intent, programs, funding mechanisms and an accountable implementing agency, which will remain there regardless of who comes to power. But none of the rulers and potential rulers are heading in that direction, pointing at the absence of their commitment to the cause. 

Summing up, the Nepalis possess a number of indigenous skills to fill up their stomachs.  

Ignoring this heritage, we followed westernization in the name of modernization in the farm sector as well. So, let’s first learn to differentiate between the two and go for modernization of what we have. Secondly, our developmentalists adapted the deficiency thesis. Let’s follow an efficiency thesis to enable poor people for a self-sustaining economy.  Thirdly, let us encourage industrialists and businesspersons to establish organic industries.  Fourth, we exhausted our land by using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, sidelined the local and indigenous wisdom, and replaced indigenous crops. Let’s move ahead by learning lessons from these mistakes. Fifth, we became consumers and inhuman businesspersons to feed long grain rice and poisonous vegetables, poultries and pigs laced with chemicals. Let’s reflect on this moniya culture (money is supreme) and work for human and nature- friendly productions.

From the land of Sagarmatha, the highest peak in the world, I congratulate Keir Starmer on being elected the prime minister of the United Kingdom.

The 2024 UK general election was held on Thursday, July 4, to elect 650 members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons, the lower house of the UK Parliament. The governing Conservative Party under Rishi Sunak was defeated in a landslide by the opposition Labor Party under Starmer.

The arrival of the new Prime Minister has ushered in a wave of changes. With a message to the world—‘We’re back’—Starmer envisions Britain taking a more prominent role on the global stage, following years of strained relations with Europe over Brexit and internal political turmoil.

In the hours following his inauguration, Starmer engaged in a series of calls with world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Starmer assumes office amid multiple crises, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

He recently traveled to Washington, DC for NATO’s 75th-anniversary summit, affirming that Britain’s steadfast support for Ukraine will continue. He has also pledged to increase UK military spending to 2.5 percent of GDP.

On July 18, Starmer will host European leaders at England’s Blenheim Palace for a meeting of the 47-nation European Political Community. This gathering presents an opportunity to begin repairing ties with the UK's European neighbors, which have deteriorated since the UK left the European Union in 2020.

Starmer aims to reduce some of the post-Brexit barriers affecting the movement of people and goods between Britain and the EU. However, he insists that he will not reverse Brexit or seek to rejoin the EU’s single market and customs union.

Starmer’s demeanor, gestures and body language all signal that the UK is ready to reassert itself. He will need to navigate the rising influence of France and Germany within NATO by backing up US decisions, as well as the dominance of the US in the West.

In developed countries, foreign policy and international relations typically remain stable despite changes in government. However, with the arrival of a new government following a significant election result in the UK, the Labor leader has the potential to positively impact the UK’s international relations, foreign policy, economy and peace efforts. His leadership appears intelligent and bold, promising to steer the country effectively on multiple fronts.

Let’s hope the new government addresses all the gaps left by the previous administration. In his first speech as British PM, Keir Starmer promised to ‘rebuild’ a country that voted en masse for a change in direction amid widespread public anger over deteriorating public services and a faltering economy. The new government faces significant challenges, including boosting economic growth, reforming the social care system and securing new funding for local authorities.

In just a few days on the job, six key issues have emerged as immediate priorities for Prime Minister Starmer: immigration, NHS strikes, the prisons crisis, planning reforms, relations with nations and regions, and EU relations. These priorities demonstrate that he is focused on addressing both national, regional and global issues.

A nation’s power is not solely determined by its wealth, military strength, population, or territory; the leadership and diplomatic skills of its leader are also crucial. Effective leadership can harness these resources to navigate challenges, inspire progress and foster a cohesive and resilient society. Given a landslide victory, Starmer is well-positioned to lead effectively. With a strong mandate from the electorate, he has the political capital to implement his vision and address the pressing issues facing the country. This overwhelming support can enable him to drive substantial changes and navigate the complexities of governance with greater confidence and authority.

The author is a member of the Supreme Court Bar and has been practicing corporate law for around three decades

Having grown tired of Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s power politics and the constant maneuvering for a ‘magic’ number in parliamentary politics, the chiefs of the two major parties in the country, KP Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba, have sketched a new roadmap aimed at ensuring political stability at least until the next general election. In a rare display of parliamentary partnership, the two largest parties in the Parliament have agreed to form a government, though the formal agreement is yet to be made public officially. 

According to the agreement, the two parties will alternate leadership of the government between Oli and Deuba over a three-year period. Oli will serve as Prime Minister for the initial half of the tenure, while Deuba will lead for the remaining period until the next general election. Ministries in the federal government will be equally divided, and the positions of chief ministers in the provinces will also be equally shared. Both the parties have also agreed to amend the constitution, especially on the electoral system though it is not an easy job.  

As per the agreement, the Nepali Congress has given a vote of confidence to the Chief Minister of Madhes Province from the CK Raut-led Janamat Party has joined the government there. In other provinces, UML ministers have resigned to facilitate the formation of new governments. Following the power-sharing agreement in the federal government, both the parties have endorsed the deal in their respective central meetings. Leaders of both parties are committed to implementing the agreement sincerely, despite facing various conspiracies and pressures from different quarters. This time, people have given both the parties the benefit of the doubt, overlooking the past.  

On July 12, Prime Minister Dahal is set to seek a vote of confidence in the parliament, though odds are stacked against him. Despite this, Dahal’s decision to face the parliament should be respected as a constitutional right of any Prime Minister. If Dahal had morality, he should have resigned immediately after the CPN-UML withdrew support to him. Shocked and traumatized by the Oli-Deuba alliance formed to sideline him, Dahal will again present himself as a ‘revolutionary’ and ‘progressive’ leader in revenge and might call movements from different fronts. This has been a hallmark of Dahal, who has made compromises with all parties and foreign powers to save his government. Whenever he quits government, he appears as a rebel, but such politics doesn’t work these days. While his next steps remain uncertain, he is likely to be relegated to a weaker position as the opposition leader, marking a turning point in the Maoist party’s decline.

Dahal’s failure to garner a trust vote means UML Chair Oli will become the Prime Minister of Nepal under Article 76 (2) of the Constitution. Some argue that Oli cannot be appointed Prime Minister under the same article again, but the Supreme Court has clearly ruled that the same article can be invoked multiple times if there is a possibility of government formation. Ultimately, it depends on the President under which article he calls upon the parties to form the next government. 

Let the law take its own course.

The major concerns now are political stability and the continuation of developmental works initiated during Oli’s second premiership from 15 Feb 2018 to 13 May 2021. As Oli prepares to become PM for the third time, a sense of hope has spread across the nation. Among Nepal’s contemporary politicians, Oli stands out as a leader with a vision and conviction, having earned the trust of the people. Therefore, the agreement between the two major parties to share power and have Oli lead the government has been seen as a beacon of hope as Nepali people are fed up with deceptive politics.

In the last parliamentary election, no party secured a majority to form the government, leading the third party to control the power dynamics with the so-called magic number. The leader of the third party, Dahal, alternately and deceptively led the government with support from the first and the second largest parties. However, his political maneuvering has come to an end, and he has now returned to the sidelines as a frail leader. Reflecting on this, his former colleague and now leader of a fringe party, Baburam Bhattarai, expressed his satisfaction thus: “You can’t fool all the people all the time.”

Some have speculated that external powers, particularly Western ones, played a role in uniting the two major parties, but these claims are unfounded and baseless. Certain intellectuals often suspect external interference in significant domestic developments, but this is merely a form of self-satisfaction. Neither neighboring countries nor Western nations such as the US contributed to bringing the two parties together. It was Oli and Deuba, who decided to sideline Dahal’s messy and opportunistic politics from within the domestic political landscape.

Foreign interference in Nepal’s internal affairs has significantly diminished compared to the past. Ambassadors from neighboring countries in Kathmandu have maintained diplomatic decorum, engaging with all stakeholders equally. However, political inconsistencies have negatively impacted diplomatic relations. With Oli likely to become the next PM, this temporary strain on diplomatic relations is expected to end. The government formed by the two major parties will be stronger and more stable, fostering harmonious relations with both neighboring and powerful countries while prioritizing Nepal’s national interests.

The new government will address the genuine concerns of India and China, but will also firmly warn them against any interference in Nepal’s domestic affairs. Oli’s administration will maintain a balanced foreign policy, ensuring that Nepal’s sovereignty and national interests remain paramount. Strengthening ties with both India and China, the government will work towards mutual cooperation, economic development and regional stability. Additionally, Oli’s leadership is anticipated to bring renewed focus to developmental projects and economic initiatives initiated during his previous terms. This will not only help boost domestic growth but also enhance Nepal’s strategic partnerships with neighboring countries and international allies.

But, this power alliance of Nepali Congress and CPN UML should not be limited only in form but in substance too. Cornering the CPN (Maoist Center) or Dahal shouldn’t be the sole goal of the alliance, it should inject hope and that should be seen in action, for action speaks louder than words.

Views are personal

President Ramchandra Paudel recently paid an official visit to Germany and Switzerland, countries with which Nepal established diplomatic relations in 1958 and 1956, respectively. He also served as the keynote speaker at the ILO’s 112th International Conference. The timing of these diplomatic ties coincided with global instability and the Cold War. Nepal joined the ILO in 1966, during this period of geopolitical tension.

This visit, his first since taking office in March 2023, had been postponed due to a devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake in November 2023. The earthquake, centered in the Jajarkot and Rukum districts of western Nepal, caused significant loss of life, injuries, and property damage. Consequently, President Paudel chose to remain in Nepal to support the affected families.

Reviving bilateral ties

High-level exchanges between Nepal and Germany and Switzerland had been absent for decades. The last significant visit from Switzerland to Nepal occurred twenty-seven years ago when President Arnold Keller paid an official visit from 9-12 Nov 1997. From Nepal’s side, late King Birendra visited Germany in 1986, which was reciprocated by President Roman Herzog in 1996. Before Herzog’s visit, President Heinric Luebke visited Nepal in July 1967, following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1958. More recently, in June 2017, President Bidya Devi Bhandari visited Switzerland to address the 106th International Labour Conference on “World of Work Summit: A Better Future for Women at Work.” Given the close and friendly ties with these European nations, a high-level visit from Nepal’s head of state was long overdue and imminent.

Solidarity for social justice

Nepal joined the ILO in 1966, and President Paudel’s participation in the 112th International Conference was a key part of his visit. The conference theme was “Global Solidarity for Social Justice.”  At the inaugural session, ILO Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo welcomed President Paudel, highlighting his democratic credentials and his life-long struggle for democracy and social justice, which included over fourteen years of imprisonment under despotic rule. In his address, President Paudel affirmed Nepal’s commitment to the ILO’s international campaign and emphasized Nepal’s efforts in implementing international labor agreements. He noted that Nepal's constitution guarantees rights to employment, the formation of trade unions, and participation in collective bargaining.

President Paudel also addressed the challenges posed by the IT revolution, which has given rise to digital, gig, and care economies. He stressed the urgent need for safe and decent working conditions globally. Emphasizing the theme of social justice, he stated, “Without justice to the helpless and economic gains to the destitute, nations around the world can’t achieve the goal of Social Justice.” He also highlighted climate-induced socio-economic inequalities and the issue of climate refugees in Nepal, a topic also raised during COP26 in Glasgow. President Paudel’s voice on climate change and its socio-economic impacts was echoed by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in his address at the conference’s concluding session. President Paudel’s speech received a standing ovation from delegates, including government representatives, workers, employers, activists, and institutions dedicated to labor causes worldwide.

Broadening prospects of partnership

On June 12, President Paudel met with Swiss President Viola Amherd for bilateral talks in Geneva. After a brief exchange of pleasantries and introductions, President Amherd expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations. She emphasized that democracy, peace, and human rights are areas of interest for Switzerland and expressed a desire to see these areas flourish in Nepal. She also mentioned transitional justice as an area where Switzerland is interested in collaborating.

In response, President Paudel praised Swiss democracy and governance, highlighting the progressive provisions of Nepal’s constitution, particularly its inclusiveness and the 33 percent representation of women in the legislature. This aspect of Nepal's constitution impressed the Swiss side. President Paudel also discussed Nepal’s efforts toward socio-economic progress and prosperity following the establishment of a democratic system. The discussions covered mutual interests such as climate change and the need for enhanced assistance to Nepal after it graduates to a middle-income nation in 2026. President Paudel emphasized that while Nepal is least responsible for environmental degradation, it suffers significantly from climate change impacts. He suggested areas for Swiss investment, including agro-forestry, mountain tourism, and hydropower development, to aid Nepal’s socio-economic transformation. He also expressed gratitude for Switzerland’s continued support in Nepal’s socio-economic endeavors.

In Germany, President Paudel met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on June 17 at the presidential palace in Berlin. Nepal and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1958, and Germany began its development cooperation with Nepal in 1961, initially focusing on technical assistance. Over the past six decades, this relationship has expanded to include scientific collaboration, academic exchanges, technology transfer, and cooperation in governance and democracy. More recently, the ‘Ausbildung’ or Dual Vocational Training program has provided employment opportunities for Nepali youth in Germany, which was a significant topic during the bilateral talks.

During their meeting, President Steinmeier praised Nepal for its support for Ukraine at the UN and expressed concern over the recruitment of Nepalis by the Russian army. President Paudel addressed the climate crisis and its impact on resource-poor nations like Nepal. He also requested support for the release of six Nepalis held as prisoners of war by Ukraine and the lifting of the ban on Nepali airlines in European airspace.

Special gestures 

Throughout his visit, President Paudel was accorded state-level receptions, marked by significant gestures of goodwill from both his German and Swiss counterparts. In Berlin, President Steinmeier displayed a remarkable degree of humility and support, assisting President Paudel when he appeared momentarily frail during the guard of honor. This visit included a surprise one-on-one meeting between the two heads of state, during which they recalled their countries’ historic leaders, Willy Brandt and BP Koirala, who both had notable backgrounds in the struggle for social democracy.

In summary, President Paudel’s week-long official visit to Germany and Switzerland from 11-19 June 2024, significantly reinvigorated Nepal’s bilateral relations with these European nations. His participation in the ILO’s 112th International Conference reinforced Nepal’s solidarity with the ILO’s campaign for “Global Solidarity for Social Justice.” Throughout his visit, President Paudel highlighted the progressive aspects of Nepal’s constitution, including its inclusive character and the constitutional guarantee of 33 percent representation for women in the national legislature. He also solicited enhanced support from these friendly nations for Nepal’s post-2026 challenges.

President Paudel’s meaningful participation at the ILO conference and his bilateral engagements emphasized the global need for climate justice and highlighted Nepal's ongoing socio-economic challenges and aspirations. His interactions with entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the environment and SME sectors broadened the prospects for future partnerships, underscoring Nepal’s commitment to socio-economic transformation and its dedication to a socially just world. The official visits not only strengthened Nepal’s bilateral relations with Germany and Switzerland but also enhanced its international standing and reinforced its commitment to the ILO’s goals.

The author is foreign relations advisor to President Paudel