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Nepal and India have agreed on modalities for constructing cross-border transmission lines.

The secretarial level meeting between relevant ministries of Nepal and India held in New Delhi, India on Tuesday, February 11, agreed on the modalities for the same.

The transmission line is vital for exporting 15,000 megawatts of electricity from Nepal to India and Bangladesh by 2035.

Nepal's Energy Secretary Suresh Acharya and India's Electricity Secretary Pankaj Agrwal signed the MoU. With this, the construction process for the cross-border transmission line will now move forward.

Earlier in November, 2024, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka had discussed with Indian ministries regarding the same with the reference to power trade agreement between Nepal and India to export 10,000-megawatt electricity from Nepal to India within next 10 years.

The 12th meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (secretarial level) had subsequently convened on January 22 this year to take forward the construction process.

In the meeting, both parties had agreed to facilitate power trade between Nepal and India and expedite construction of cross-country transmission lines.

It’s a familiar tale. As the dry season arrives, fires dominate the headlines—whether they are forest fires consuming acres of greenery or house fires wreaking destruction in urban areas. Though seasonal, these incidents leave lasting impacts on ecosystems, livelihoods, and resources. They serve as sobering reminders of nature’s power and our vulnerabilities. In Nepal, as in regions like California, forest fires are an annual occurrence, forcing us to confront not only the immediate aftermath but also broader implications for climate, biodiversity, and public safety.

Nepal’s diverse landscape, ranging from the low-lying Tarai plains to the rugged Himalayan hills, makes it particularly prone to forest fires during the dry season. Regions most at risk include the Terai belt, Siwalik hills, and mid-hill areas, where dense vegetation, prolonged dry spells, and windy conditions create ideal conditions for fire outbreaks. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by the combination of flammable vegetation and human negligence.

Topography, climate, and vegetation significantly influence the frequency and intensity of forest fires. The dry season, stretching from January to April, brings low humidity and rising temperatures, which dry out undergrowth and make forests highly susceptible to ignition. Human activities such as slash-and-burn agriculture, careless disposal of cigarettes, and unregulated land clearing often act as triggers, further escalating the problem.

The consequences of forest fires in Nepal are wide-reaching, affecting both the environment and society. Environmentally, they lead to significant biodiversity loss as countless plant and animal species perish or lose their habitats. Soil degradation hampers forest regeneration, while the release of carbon emissions contributes to climate change. On the social front, fires exacerbate health issues, with air pollution increasing respiratory illnesses. Communities may face displacement as fires destroy homes and disrupt livelihoods, underscoring the urgent need for effective prevention and response measures.

Parashuram Poudel, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Forests, stated, “In Nepal, forest fires are an annual menace, exacerbated by human negligence and traditional practices. We’ve been organizing campaigns like ‘Ban Dadhelo Niyantran Saptaha’ to educate communities about fire prevention. Careless behaviors, such as discarding cigarettes along roadsides, often ignite dry vegetation. Poachers also play a role, deliberately setting fires to trap and kill wildlife.”

“In hilly regions, people burn dry grass and leaves, believing it fosters new growth. While this tradition is deeply rooted, it poses significant risks,” Poudel added. “We’ve been working to raise awareness about climate change in villages, but people’s livelihoods are intertwined with nature. Animals depend on these forests, and the lack of rainfall this season has worsened the situation.”

Mahabharat in Kavre is one of the hardest-hit areas, where containing fires at early stages remains a challenge. “Despite deploying firefighters and equipment, limited manpower is a critical issue,” Poudel said.

Meteorologist Ujjwal Upadhyay noted that there is no indication of rainfall in the coming week. “Compared to the last two years, the pattern hasn’t changed significantly. However, over the past 4–5 years, we’ve observed notable shifts, such as consecutive winters without rainfall during this period. Previously, occasional rainfall was more common.”

Upadhyay explained that the absence of rainfall has led to rising temperatures and increasingly dry conditions. “In Gandaki Province, the risk of forest fires is heightened by factors like extensive forested areas and less frequent human activity, which allows dry leaves to accumulate. In contrast, in Madhes, frequent forest visits for leaf collection and grazing prevent such buildup, reducing fire risks,” he said. He cautioned that from late February onwards, fire incidents are likely to increase due to the combination of prolonged dryness, rising temperatures, and accumulated dry leaves.

Addressing the growing threat of forest fires in Nepal requires urgent and coordinated efforts. The devastating environmental and social impacts underscore the need for proactive measures. Solutions include awareness campaigns, sustainable forest management, and enhanced firefighting resources. Effective action demands collaboration among the government, local communities, and international organizations. By adopting sustainable strategies, Nepal can protect its biodiversity, safeguard livelihoods, and mitigate the destructive impact of forest fires.

Donald J Trump was sworn in on Monday as the 47th President of the United States, marking a remarkable political comeback. On Sunday, Trump pledged to issue nearly 100 executive orders aimed at reversing or eliminating policies enacted by the Biden administration. These orders primarily target immigration, energy policy, and a range of other issues.

Foreign policy experts suggest that Trump’s return to office warrants close attention to his trade war with China, his approach toward Asian allies like Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, and his “America First” foreign policy. These stances could bring significant shifts to multilateralism and global diplomacy, with considerable effects on the Indo-Pacific region. Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy is expected to heighten tensions in critical areas such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan.

Regarding Nepal, shifting US global priorities could impact American assistance in climate change and health sectors. Political analyst Chandra Dev Bhatta notes that while American foreign policy has shown consistency over time, recent years have highlighted ideological differences between Republicans and Democrats. If Trump 2.0 adopts a more aggressive foreign policy, Bhatta predicts it will manifest through economic measures, particularly tariffs. “If Trump becomes a ‘tariff man,’ it will have a ripple effect globally due to the interconnected nature of the world economy,” Bhatta said.

For smaller countries like Nepal, where economic stakes are lower, the focus will remain on geopolitics over geo-economics. However, navigating this geopolitical landscape will become more challenging, Bhatta adds, as geopolitics and geo-economics are increasingly intertwined. He also highlights potential domestic implications for Nepal stemming from Trump’s policies, especially his declared funding cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency and Governance (DOGE) and the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda. If these cuts are implemented, they could significantly affect funding both domestically and internationally.

Trump’s immigration stance could also impact Nepalis in the US, particularly if he enforces stricter policies on undocumented immigrants. Bhatta speculates that such policies might be part of a bargaining strategy, commonly referred to as the ‘madman theory,’ or a genuine intent, the outcome of which remains uncertain. Additionally, Trump’s efforts to consolidate power in Asia under the MAGA banner will likely exert geopolitical pressure on countries like Nepal.

Strategic thinker Binoj Basnyat believes that Trump’s second term is likely to continue Biden’s legacy in Asia due to the region’s growing importance in global trade, security and geopolitics. He emphasizes that managing rising challenges, fostering alliances and ensuring stability will shape US strategies. India’s role as a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region will be central to these efforts. The US will likely continue leveraging frameworks such as the 2017 “South Asia Policy”, the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” strategy and the 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Basnyat highlights that these strategies align with containing China’s rise while strengthening ties with India, designated as a major defense partner in 2016. Initiatives like the India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue, established in 2018, will continue to influence smaller South Asian nations, including Nepal. He notes that global competition and great power influence are shaping national politics in South Asia, with Nepal’s political parties also reflecting these dynamics.

Basnyat asserts that Nepal’s strategic stability is shaped by global geostrategic factors, including the Post-Cold War syndrome in Europe, the New Cold War in the Indo-Pacific and proxy wars in the Middle East. He suggests that under any potential geopolitical scenario, Nepal’s strategic trajectory will largely depend on its relationships with New Delhi and Beijing. However, Nepal should also prioritize its ties with Washington as a third neighbor, balancing national interests without falling into strategic traps.

During the Joe Biden administration, US engagement with Nepal increased significantly, with over $700m in foreign aid provided since 2019 through the US Department of State and USAID. These initiatives focused on health, economic growth, democracy, governance and food security. One of the primary US priorities in Nepal is the smooth implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project. Recently, American private companies have also expressed interest in investing in Nepal’s tourism, medical and other sectors. Meanwhile, the US push for the State Partnership Program (SPP), pending since 2022, remains a contentious issue.

During Trump’s previous tenure, the 2019 Indo-Pacific Strategy report sparked controversy over its implications for MCC and other bilateral initiatives. The Biden administration carefully avoided conflating these issues in bilateral discussions. Observers suggest Nepal should closely monitor Trump’s policies toward India and China, as they could indirectly affect Nepal.

In an interview with ApEx, Katie Donohoe, USAID’s mission director in Nepal, highlighted the agency’s enduring mission despite changes in US administrations. She remarked, “Since USAID was established in 1961, there have been 12 presidential administrations, and this will be my fifth transition working with USAID. While new administrations bring different policy priorities, USAID’s core mission has remained consistent.” Donohoe expressed confidence that USAID will adapt to align with the new administration’s priorities while continuing to collaborate with the government of Nepal and its people.

Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) welcomed the outcome and urged for speedy implementation of the India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade that was held in Kathmandu on January 10-11.

A meeting of the Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee (IGSC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade at the level of Joint Secretary had earlier held on January 12-13, 2024 in Kathmandu.

The Nepali delegation was led by Secretary Gobinda Bahadur Karkee, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies of Nepal and the Indian side by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. Apart from secretaries senior officials from different Ministries and relevant departments of both the countries, including the Embassy of India in Kathmandu took part in meeting.

NICCI welcomed the outcomes of the IGC, a bilateral mechanism aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties, that did a comprehensive review of the whole gamut of bilateral trade and economic relationship, including mutual market access issues, IPR and duty related issues, reads a statement issued by NICCI.

NICCI is hopeful of renewed enthusiasm in trade and transit as the IGC also discussed on review of the Treaty of Transit and the Treaty of Trade, proposed amendments to existing agreements, the harmonization of standards and the synchronized development of trade infrastructure including the electrification of the Raxaul-Birgunj rail line.

NICCI also welcomed Indian decision to supply 200,000 MT wheat that was requested by Nepal. 

In the meeting, the Indian side agreed that as per prevailing regulations of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, maximum axle weight of 18.5 tonnes for two axle vehicles and 28 tonnes for three axle vehicles may also be applicable to Nepali vehicles with respect to the cargo-in-transit on Kakarbhitta (Nepal)-Banglabandha (Bangladesh) via Phulbari (India) route, which is a welcome step, according to NICCI. 

Likewise, in response to Nepali side’s requests, the Indian side informed that Sal Seeds and Chayote have been included in the Plant Quarantine Order of India. The request for Jatamasi - Root extract; Sugandhkokila berry extracts; Sugandhwal Rhizome extract and Timur berry extracts into the list of Processed Items (Plant Products) has also been accepted, which is also welcome move by the India.

During meeting, at the Indian side’s request, Nepali side expressed openness to reviewing the documentation regarding the reclassification of products like EPAQUE and POLYHIDE 28 in their technical systems. The Indian side highlighted the problems faced in milk exports to Nepal. The Nepali side agreed to consider the request of Indian side positively for milk products not adequately produced in Nepal such as whey and cheese.

NICCI finds it positive that the meeting welcomed bilateral initiatives aimed at reinforcing the seamless cross-border connectivity between India and Nepal including through construction of new Integrated Check Posts and railway links. Both sides expressed a commitment to taking forward bilateral connectivity, reflecting the shared vision of prosperous bilateral trade. Both sides agreed to form a Joint Working Group for discussion on the acceptance of Online CoO with Nepal and SAFTA.

NICCI is of the view that India as the largest trade and investment partner for Nepal, its contribution to Nepal will further fortify the economic and commercial linkages between the two countries.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors has approved $50 million of additional funding for the Nepal Compact. This Board action underscores the shared commitment between MCC and the Government of Nepal to advancing Nepal’s development priorities through transformative, high-quality infrastructure projects.

“The additional funding reaffirms our mutual dedication to ensuring the compact’s success in strengthening Nepal’s electricity grid and supporting long-term economic growth,” said MCC Vice President of Compact Operations Cameron Alford.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. government development agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth. Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants that pair investments in infrastructure with policy and institutional reforms to countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, fighting corruption and respecting democratic rights.

Writer and journalist Sudheer Sharma’s new book, Bhikshu, Byapar ra Bidroha, unveiled in August, offers a comprehensive account of the key figures, issues, and phenomena that have shaped Nepal-China relations. The book spans from the era of King Narendra Dev in the 7th century to 2008, when Nepal’s 240-year monarchy came to an end. Sharma’s other book, Himal Pari ko Huri, published simultaneously, explores new trends in bilateral relations post-2008, though this review focuses solely on Bhikshu, Byapar ra Bidroha.

In the introductory section, Sharma highlights a problem in Nepal’s public discourse about its northern neighbor. He identifies two contrasting perspectives: one group idolizes China and dismisses criticism, while the other harbors deep-seated prejudice. Sharma aims to provide an objective account of this trans-Himalayan relationship, presenting little-known historical facts and anecdotes. He maintains a neutral tone, avoiding personal biases in his analysis.

As a writer and journalist, Sharma excels in meticulous documentation, gathering new insights through his strong rapport with senior politicians and officials, and offering sharp political and geopolitical analysis. These strengths, evident in his acclaimed earlier work, Nepal Nexus, are similarly reflected in this book.

The book delves into the political, trade, cultural, and people-to-people relations between Nepal and China. Sharma credits King Narendra Dev and Princess Bhrikuti with laying the foundation of Nepal-China relations. He highlights the flourishing trade between Nepal and Tibet that began in the 7th century and thrived until the 1950s. Sharma also explores how this trade fostered robust people-to-people connections.

However, he documents the gradual decline of these ties after China took control of Tibet, imposed strict regulations on Nepali residents in Lhasa, and tightened visa rules. A study conducted by China in the late 1950s revealed that a Nepali shop in Lhasa, established a thousand years earlier, was still operational at the time. Three shops were found to be between 500 and 1,000 years old, and four others ranged from 200 to 500 years. Today, the number of Nepali shops in Lhasa has drastically declined, and Sharma notes that Nepal’s trade with Tibet—dating back 1,400 years to King Narendra Dev’s time—is nearing extinction.

In the chapter Bhikshu, Bidrohi, and Bampanthi, Sharma asserts that the foundation of Nepal-China relations is rooted more in cultural, religious, trade, and people-to-people ties than in political connections. He highlights the significant role played by Buddhist monks and nuns in fostering bilateral relations since ancient times. The chapter begins with a reference to an article by Chinese President Xi Jinping, published in Nepali newspapers, where Xi mentions the collaboration between the Chinese monk Fa Hien and Nepali monk Buddhabhadra over 1,600 years ago to translate Buddhist scriptures into Chinese.

Sharma also revisits the well-known narrative of Nepali Princess Bhrikuti’s marriage to Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and mentions the Chinese monk Xuanzang (Huen Tsang), who visited Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, leaving invaluable written accounts of his pilgrimage. This chapter offers a chronological account of Nepal-China engagements from the 7th century to the 1950s, demonstrating Sharma’s meticulous research and dedication to historical accuracy.

The chapter Mao and Mahendra provides a compelling overview of the relationship between Nepal’s monarchy and China, detailing personal connections between Nepal’s kings and Chinese leaders, which both sides leveraged for mutual benefit. For instance, Mahendra, as crown prince, secretly traveled to Beijing to meet Mao Zedong. The chapter includes several examples of the close proximity between the two sides.

Sharma discusses how the Communist Party of China (CPC) provided financial and other support to Nepal’s communist parties but refrained from supporting armed insurgencies, including the CPN-UML-led rebellion in Jhapa and the decade-long Maoist insurgency. Since the 1950s, China has consistently stated that it does not aim to export its revolution to Nepal. Although the CPC secretly offered financial aid to Nepal’s communist parties in the past, it never supplied arms or ammunition—a lesser-known aspect of Nepal-China relations.

Formal ties between the CPC and Nepal’s communist parties ended following King Mahendra’s royal coup. While China maintains that it does not export its revolution or ideology, Sharma highlights the irony that two major revolutions in Nepal—the Jhapa communist uprising and the Maoist insurgency—were launched in Mao Zedong’s name, despite receiving no Chinese support once they turned to armed struggle. Instead, the rebels were advised to join the political mainstream.

On the relationship between China and Nepali communist parties, Sharma writes: “China was always attracted to Nepal's communist parties due to two reasons: communism and nationalism. Communism is their shared ideology, and Nepal’s communist parties have viewed China as a protector of nationalism. This is why Nepal’s communist-led governments have historically maintained closer ties with China than other administrations.” He also discusses China’s changing approach to Nepal’s internal politics and its overt efforts to consolidate Nepal’s communist forces, suggesting that China may view Nepal’s communist parties as a potential substitute for the monarchy as a stable political institution.

The Khampa revolt is another major factor in Nepal-China relations. Sharma provides fresh insights into the Tibetan Khampas’ 18-year armed rebellion against China. According to the book, King Mahendra’s death marked a turning point for the Khampas, as his successor, King Birendra, adopted a less supportive stance. Following his state visit to China in 1973, King Birendra began military preparations to suppress the Khampas. Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai reportedly assured Birendra that the United States would not interfere, citing an agreement with President Nixon on the Tibetan issue. Upon returning to Nepal, Birendra initiated joint discussions with China on disarming the Khampas and began providing regular updates on their activities.

The book is a valuable resource for understanding Nepal’s diplomatic relationship with China. It examines key narratives, such as China’s policy shift after Nepal’s monarchy was abolished in 2008, its perception of Nepal as a gateway to India and South Asia, its primary concern with Tibet’s security, and its encouragement of Nepal’s communist parties as a reliable political force. However, critics may argue that while Sharma offers fresh insights and unearths historical documents, much of the book reiterates existing narratives about Nepal-China relations.

The 18th edition of Nepal-India military exercise with the aim of security and expansion of bilateral relations is beginning at Saljhandi in Rupandehi from Tuesday.

The battalion-level joint military exercise named 'Suryakiran' focuses on jungle warfare, counterterrorism in difficult geography, establishment of peace keeping mission as per UN Charter, humanitarian aid in disaster management and relief mobilization, internal capacity building, and environmental protection.

The two-week long training will be attended by Sri Jung Battalion of Nepali Army and the 11th Gorkha Rifle of Indian Army.

Spokesperson of Nepali Army, Gaurab Kumar KC, informed that the joint military training was expected to foster friendly relations and trust between Nepal and India and expand cultural relations as well. Professional collaboration will also be augmented with it.

The 17th edition of the joint exercise was held in Pithauragadh of India last year.

So far, the number of Nepali Army personnel attending the joint training reached 4,215 while the number from the Indian side stands at 4,442.

Such joint exercise had begun since 2067BS.

‘Singhara’, also known as water chestnut or Pani Singhara in Nepal, is an aquatic vegetable traditionally cultivated in the Terai region. Over the years, this unique crop, once an important part of Nepal’s agricultural heritage, has faded into obscurity. Despite its rich nutritional profile and cultural significance, singhara farming has declined. However, with global interest in nutritious and exotic vegetables growing, singhara presents an opportunity for Nepal to revive a forgotten treasure with both economic and cultural value.

Singhara holds a special place in the hearts of many Nepalis, especially those from the Terai. It was once a staple during festive seasons, freshly harvested from local ponds and marshes. Its crisp, white flesh was a nostalgic treat after the monsoon season. Today, however, fewer farmers are growing singhara, despite its long-standing tradition and economic potential.

In Nepal, singhara is more than just a crop. It’s a symbol of health and religious practice. During certain Hindu festivals, singhara is consumed in various forms, such as fresh, boiled, or ground into flour, especially during fasting periods. Singhara flour, gluten-free and highly nutritious, has long been a fasting food staple. This versatility and nutritional value have made singhara a cherished crop in Nepal.

Water chestnuts (scientific name Eleocharis dulcis) are not nuts, as often assumed, but aquatic tubers. They grow submerged in ponds, marshes, and paddy fields, thriving in the Terai’s waterlogged fields during the monsoon season. The crop is harvested when the outer bulb turns brown, signaling that it’s ready for consumption. Singhara farming, while rewarding, is labor-intensive and requires specific marshy conditions, which are abundant in the Terai. These fields also contribute to local wetland biodiversity, supporting diverse ecosystems.

Nutritionally, singhara is packed with dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, and vitamin B6. These nutrients support heart health, digestion, and mood regulation. Its high water content and low calorie count make it ideal for weight management, while its antioxidant profile, particularly due to ferulic acid, helps protect against cell damage. Singhara retains its crunch even after cooking, making it popular worldwide for its unique texture and versatility.

In traditional medicine, singhara is valued for its health benefits, including relief from asthma, skin conditions, and reproductive health support. It’s also believed to help regulate blood pressure and cool the body. These medicinal properties, combined with its refreshing taste, make singhara an ideal addition to health-conscious diets.

Globally, water chestnuts are a common ingredient in Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Thai, and Indian dishes. Their crunchy texture and refreshing taste make them a popular choice for stir-fries, soups, and salads. Singhara has also found a place in Western holiday cuisine, with demand peaking around Christmas, where it’s often used in stuffing for festive dishes. This growing global demand presents a significant opportunity for Nepal to export singhara.

Nepal’s singhara, marketed as a premium, exotic product with cultural significance, could appeal to buyers in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. Nepali farmers could consider exporting singhara in various forms, including fresh, canned, and as singhara flour. Singhara flour holds particular promise as a gluten-free, high-fiber alternative to wheat flour, which is increasingly in demand in international markets. Additionally, singhara is a common ingredient in fasting foods, which creates seasonal demand during religious periods.

Despite its potential, singhara farming faces significant challenges. The traditional methods of cultivation are labor-intensive, and many farmers lack awareness of singhara’s economic value. The absence of a structured supply chain and processing facilities limits the crop’s scalability. To revitalize singhara farming, farmers need support to modernize cultivation techniques and access markets.

Investment in infrastructure, such as processing facilities for cleaning, peeling, and packaging, is crucial to making singhara a viable export. With government support, singhara farming could provide economic benefits to the Terai region, giving farmers a new source of income while preserving an important part of Nepal’s agricultural heritage.

Efforts to revive singhara farming could include educating farmers on modern cultivation methods and providing training on efficient harvesting techniques. Building processing and packaging facilities would allow farmers to export fresh, canned, or powdered singhara products. By partnering with international buyers, singhara could be positioned as a unique, premium product that is both nutritious and deeply rooted in Nepali culture.

A strategic marketing campaign could also highlight singhara’s health benefits and cultural significance. By branding Nepali singhara as a high-quality, traditional product, Nepal could attract global consumers interested in health-conscious foods. Singhara could also appeal to a new generation of Nepali consumers, eager to reconnect with traditional foods. Its versatility in contemporary Nepali cuisine could inspire the creation of new singhara-based products, such as snacks and health supplements.

Internationally, singhara’s health benefits and culinary appeal could help it gain a foothold in health-conscious and gourmet markets. Its ability to maintain its crunchy texture even after cooking makes it particularly attractive to consumers in countries where water chestnuts are less common. As a gluten-free flour, singhara flour could be marketed to health food stores, catering to those with dietary restrictions.

Singhara could also capitalize on seasonal demand, especially around Christmas, by positioning it as a premium holiday ingredient. This would allow Nepali farmers to meet global demand during the festive season, offering fresh, high-quality water chestnuts.

Revitalizing singhara farming offers Nepal a chance to preserve its agricultural heritage, create economic opportunities for local farmers, and tap into global markets. By investing in singhara, Nepal can return to its agricultural roots while opening new doors for international recognition and sustainable income.

With strategic support, singhara can go from a forgotten crop to a valuable export, connecting Nepal’s past with its future. For Nepalis farmers, singhara offers renewed livelihoods and a chance to share a unique piece of Nepal with the world. Rediscovering singhara means reclaiming an important chapter in Nepal’s agricultural history and unlocking its potential for both local communities and global markets.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

Nearly two-thirds of Nepal’s population is involved in agriculture. Yet, the agricultural sector is experiencing economic, social and technological factors. Most farmers depend on food imports, outmoded techniques of cultivation, and poor access to innovative technology to enhance yields. In this regard, only an agricultural revolution in and through the country can make Nepal a ‘developed’, ‘reliant’, ‘competitive’, and ‘progressive’ nation in the world.

That is why it is said that humanity needs an agricultural revolution.

Ultimately, the primary area of the economy of Nepal is in agriculture. All the same, the sector has not shown expected productivity and capacity even in its potential. They have poor structures, rely on culturally based practices, and lack technology advancement to support their agricultural sector and instead became reliant on agricultural inputs and outputs, affecting economic growth and social development in Nepal.

Nepal imported agricultural products worth Rs 250bn in 10 months in 2024. Nepal has to import even food items to the tune of billions of rupees every year. These imports can be replaced by a self-sufficient agricultural base that would keep the money within the boundary. Increasing domestic production would of course save foreign exchange hence helping to reinforce the domestic economy.


Many youths travel abroad for employment. With new techniques and technologies, agriculture can be developed to offer new employment situations, which makes farming a stable form of employment, and greatly reduces the number of young Nepali people going abroad for employment.


An agricultural revolution is, therefore, capable of uplifting the standards of living of a rural society, and even pull such a society out of the jaws of poverty. Effective agriculture can bring about economic independence thereby changing the proportion of education, health and other facilities in the villages.


The ability to expand agricultural production into a commercial business can extend the exportation. There is demand for medicinal herbs, Vetiver oil and cardamom among other products locally meaning that they could greatly attract foreign exchange if embraced.


An agricultural revolution would make Nepal self-sufficient, competitive and socially liberal. To this end, there is a need to combine best practice with current technologies and innovations.

This young generation technology now offers a solution to make Nepali agriculture efficient, transparent, and sustainable. Sophisticated technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), data science, and the use of the blockchain in reshaping production processes can help eliminate those shortcomings and improve effectiveness.

IoT

IoT has the potential to revolutionize agricultural management:

Smart Irrigation: IoT sensors measure the level of moisture within the soils and regulate watering based on its findings hence the efficient use of water and the associated cost.

Data-driven decisions: It provides real time weather and pest information to assist farmers and make right decisions.

Livestock and storage management: Iot makes it simpler to monitor animal health while at the same time boosting storage logistics.

Data science


Data science revolutionizes agriculture into an agricultural production system that will improve the chain flow process.

Predicting yields: By understanding the market demographics and the extent of supply and demand then efficient crop production can be anticipated.

Supply chain optimization: In turn, data science fosters timely, efficient and visibly effective farm to market value addition channels.

Blockchain technology


The application of blockchain system in the agricultural supply chain provides the solution of enhancing transparency and security.

Traceability: B2C consumers can obtain a degree of information about the origin and quality and prices of the agricultural products.

Digital contracts: This way blockchain helps farmers to reach an agreement with intermediaries or buyers without the risk of being fraud and with less chance of arising delays.

Applying these modern technologies in the agricultural sector can be helpful to raise yield, decrease cost, bring better living standards for farmers and enhance the national economy.

Domestic manufacture and international market

The local products of Nepal have a huge market prospect in the international market. With appropriate branding, certification as well as making these goods more e-commerce friendly they could easily become export worthy.

Vetiver system


One of the most effective plants that can be utilised for environmental management is Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) because it is used in management of erosion and water conservation.

Vetiver oil production: Today, with a global price of about $275 per litre, Vetiver oil is an economically attractive crop for farmers. Its cultivation also creates employment and export.

Herbal and medicinal products: Many herbs found locally include Ashwagandha, Tulsi, and cardamom have a ready market in the international markets for Ayurvedic products and are a huge export prospect.

Leveraging digital platforms

E-commerce: Currently, there are opportunities and many platforms like Daraz, hatiya and many more, for a better market opportunity.

Branding and certification: This cuts the credibility and reliability of products in the market by reducing the number of certified products or services.

As this paper has established, Nepal can reach international markets and accrue huge economic efficiency gains provided that it adopts the right strategies.

Sustainable Energy and Innovation recruitment enables the selection of the best talents for such positions through competitive events that test their creativity, innovation and problem solving skills in tackling sustainable energy issues.

Energy and technology are essential assets for improving agriculture and developing it as an environmentally friendly sector.

Renewable energy sources

Solar pumps: Water supply for un-electrified regions through the provision of affordable gadgets of irrigation.

Biogas: Use of livestock waste in the production of energy as well as organic fertilizers..

Wind energy: Powering the rural farming societies.

Innovative farming techniques

Drones: Applied in crop spraying, pest control, and even crop reviewing, thus leads to extended cycles of time and money legalized.

Hydroponics and aeroponics: Techniques that enable farming without soil while focusing on high productivity in limited space, this is particularly good for the expanding metropolitan centers.

Whenever integrating renewable energy systems to various means, the cost is cut, productivity enhanced, and the effects on environment ameliorated.

Policy support and opportunity

Policy support and opportunity are important for the development of a school health program.

Thus, there is a clear need for going through the process of forecasting for policy makers as well as developing effective policy frameworks and arrangements for public and private partnerships that will take agriculture to greater heights.

Government subsidies:
Availability of cheap credit facilities, subsidies for fertilizers and affordable farm implements can help to shift the cost structure of farmers in the right direction as productivity is affected by expenditure incurred.


Education and training:
Organizations from universities, government, and private sectors must be in a position to teach farmers better ways of farming in current world.


Partnerships between public and private entities (PPE):
Successful application of large scale agriculture transformation involves government incentives and private capital investment. For instance, the use of PPP when promoting Vetiver products in the international market will positively impact both the farming fraternity and the economy.

For the Nepalis as well as the entire nation, an agricultural revolution in Nepal is no longer an option but is imminent and inevitable. Integrating the best of both the old and the new world technology, adopting locally available resources, spurring innovation can and indeed make agriculture sustainable, profitable, and competitive anywhere in the world. To provide the foundation for a global sustainable agriculture system, Nepal can help Vetiver and medicinal herbs with IoT and blockchain services.

This vision can only be attained through collective efforts of the policy makers, industrialization of agriculture and the farming community of the country so as to empower suicidal Agricultural sector leading the economic social and technological progress of Nepal.

The potential of Nepal is in fields—enabling them will enable the country.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is presently on a four-day official visit to China since Monday, has said Nepal is interested in welcoming investments from China.

In his address to a reception organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade today, the Prime Minister said the atmosphere is favorable for investment in Nepal which has made its way towards an era of political stability and prosperity.

"We will facilitate the investments for realizing the national aspiration 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'. We are committed to investment security," he said. The PM also invited Chinese investors to visit Nepal gifted by its natural beauty and seek investment opportunities.

The Prime Minister arrived in Beijing on December 2 at the Invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. 

He is scheduled to return home tomorrow, Thursday.

Consumers were taken by surprise when gold prices in the domestic market dropped significantly on Monday. Gold price had gone up by Rs 1,700 per tola (11.664 grams) to Rs 167,000 on Sunday. It, however, fell by Rs 15,900 per tola overnight to Rs 151,300 on Monday. 

This significant drop in gold price is linked to the government's decision to reduce customs duty on gold imports from 20 percent to 10 percent. A cabinet meeting held on Thursday had taken the decision, which took effect from Sunday, according to the Department of Customs.

The decision to reduce customs duty was primarily motivated by two factors. First, there was a dramatic decline in gold imports through the formal channel during the first four months of the current fiscal year (2024-25). Official data from the Department of Customs reveal that Nepal imported 132.56 kg of gold worth Rs 1.42bn during the review period. This is an 87 percent drop compared to the same period of 2023/24 when the country imported 1,000.5 kg (worth Rs 8.2bn).

Nepal allows only designated commercial banks to import gold. Associations of gold dealers then take the gold from banks and distribute it among its members.

Second, and perhaps more concerning, was the emergence of increased gold smuggling activities from India to Nepal. This illicit trade was fueled by India’s decision to lower its customs duty on gold to six percent from 15 percent, creating a significant price disparity between the two countries. With gold becoming significantly cheaper in India, smugglers exploited this price differential, which led to a significant surge in illegal import of gold from the southern neighbor.

Alarmed by the significant drop in revenue from gold imports, the government decided to lower customs duty to 10 percent. The policy reversal comes just months after the Pushpa Kamal Dahal administration increased the duty from 15 percent to 20 percent in mid-July 2024 through the budget for fiscal year 2024-25.

While consumers have already benefited from the decision to lower customs duty on gold, which immediately made the yellow metal cheaper, the success of this policy adjustment will depend on several factors: the recovery of legal gold import volumes, reduction in smuggling activities and stabilization of gold prices in the domestic market.

It’s still unclear if this policy intervention will be sufficient to combat gold smuggling as Nepal’s 10 percent customs duty is still higher than six percent in India.

Foreign employment has been heralded as a lifeline for Nepal’s struggling economy for a long time. The glossy statistics on remittance have painted a picture of collective prosperity. Yet the allure of economic gain masks a brutal reality that is far less glamorous, especially for women. Foreign employment poses challenges to women not only as those who travel to the destination country but those who remain in the country of origin as well. For those left behind in rural Nepal, the absence of male members of the family members often means isolation, economic vulnerability and an overwhelming burden of household responsibilities. For those women who dare to venture abroad, the promise of a better life is often replaced by exploitation, abuse and a deep sense of social alienation. This vicious cycle of suffering, silenced by the glitter of remittance dollars, exposes the dark underbelly of foreign employment.

Foreign employment, while conjuring the image of economic upliftment, neglects the profound social costs that come with it. As rural men migrate for work, women who stay behind are forced to take on dual roles. This not only thrusts them into challenging positions of managing households alone but also compels them to step into roles that are otherwise historically done by men which include overseeing finances and maintaining farms. 

In cases like these women are not empowered by their new responsibilities but instead overwhelmed. The workload increases with no increase in helping hands and support mechanisms. This dual burden leads to exhaustion and mental health challenges. In the context of rural women, who are marginalized by geography these challenges are compounded by lack of resources and social networks to cope with this shift. Their workload intensifies while their autonomy remains constrained by societal expectations and limited access in decision making roles within the family.

The narrative that women in rural areas are mere passive recipients of remittances is misleading. They are not passive beneficiaries as in reality they are managing the entire households and communities. But their labor, both emotional and physical, goes unacknowledged, perpetuating their marginalization.As men leave, rural communities face depopulation, and agriculture, the major source of livelihood for many families suffers. With fewer hands available to work on the fields, the fields lie barren, further eroding food security. Moreover, this situation places women in a precarious position of economic and social vulnerability. The absence of male members of the family increases their exposure to exploitation. Women in rural Nepal, now the sole managers of remittances, are vulnerable to manipulation and economic abuse from extended families or in-laws who may take advantage of their isolated position.

Financial success abroad does not necessarily translate into marital success at home. At times, the long separations caused by foreign employment stretch the familial bonds to their breaking point. Communication between spouses becomes infrequent, often leading to misunderstandings, conflicts over money and sometimes even divorce. There have been reported cases of husband/wife forging new relationships abroad or at home, disrupting their married lives. 

For many women, the emotional strain of running a household alone, coupled with societal pressures to maintain family honor could lead to several mental health issues. Any perceived failure such as financial struggles, household management or even relationship issues may be seen as personal failure further intensifying the mental burden. Depression, anxiety and loneliness are evident issues, but these women are often left to cope without any access to mental health care or even a listening ear. While the men abroad are hailed as breadwinners, women shoulder the emotional and psychological costs of sustaining the family integrity.

While the challenges faced by women left behind are severe, those who migrate for work face an entirely new set of struggles. It takes only a small mistake for the journey of economic dreams to turn into exploitation nightmares. Women migrating to countries in the Middle East or Southeast Asia for work, often in caregiving or domestic roles, are vulnerable to extreme exploitation. These sectors, characterized by poor working conditions, long hours, and meager pay, frequently expose women to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Migrant women, especially those undocumented or without proper legal protections, live in constant fear of deportation or retaliation, making it difficult to seek help or report abuse. The very systems that are meant to protect them, legal aid and worker’s rights organizations, are often inaccessible due to language barriers, cultural differences, or fear of losing their jobs. These barriers leave women trapped in exploitative situations with little recourse to justice. Adding to their plight is the severe isolation that migrant women often endure. Live-in domestic workers, in particular, are cut off from the outside world, living at the mercy of their employers. This isolation, compounded by the pressures of being away from their families, leads to significant mental health challenges, including depression and loneliness. The lack of social contact or support systems exacerbates their already precarious situation.

A particularly harsh reality for female migrant workers is the issue of unwanted pregnancies, often resulting from sexual exploitation. Many women, isolated and vulnerable, find themselves in situations where they are taken advantage of by employers or intermediaries. With limited access to reproductive healthcare, these women are at high risk of unsafe abortions and other health complications, jeopardizing their physical well-being and sometimes their lives. Destination countries frequently fail to provide adequate healthcare for migrant women, particularly those in the lower rungs of the workforce. In addition, cultural and legal restrictions around reproductive rights often prevent women from seeking the help they need, forcing them to resort to dangerous methods to terminate pregnancies or manage health issues.

The challenges faced by women, both at home and abroad, highlight the deeply gendered impact of labor migration. As women are increasingly called upon to take on new roles without adequate support, both within the household and in foreign countries, the social fabric begins to fray. Communities become depopulated, family ties strained, and the societal role of women burdened by unrealistic expectations. Critically, the focus on remittances while essential to the economy often overshadows these social costs. The long-term effects of migration on women are frequently absent from policy discussions, which tend to focus on the financial benefits rather than the deep social wounds migration creates. Migration is an inevitable economic reality for many Nepali families, but it need not come at the cost of women’s well-being. By recognizing the gender-specific challenges inherent in labor migration and addressing them through targeted policies, Nepal and its labor partners can ensure that foreign employment is a true path to prosperity, one that uplifts rather than exploits the women at its core.

Chief of the Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel and Indian Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, who is on a visit to Nepal, held bilateral talks at the Army Headquarters, Bhadrakali today.

The official meeting between the two Army Chiefs was focused on mutual partnership and interests between the militaries of the two countries.

During the talks, brief information about Nepali Army's duties and responsibilities, and the work performance was presented, NA Spokesperson Gaurav Kumar KC informed.

Before that, Indian Army Chief Dwivedi received the guard of honor presented by the Nepali Army, according to the Directorate of NA Public Relations and Information.

On the occasion, the Indian army chief planted a tree in the Jangi Adda (Headquarters complex).  The Indian army chief laid a wreath at the Memorial to the Brave Soldier located at the Army Pavilion in local Tundikhel.

President Ram Chandra Paudel is scheduled to confer on Army Chief Dwivedi the rank of Honorary General (Maharathi) of the Nepali Army today.

There is a tradition of Nepal and India conferring the rank of Honorary General on each other's Army Chief since 1950.

This is General Dwivedi's first official visit to Nepal after his appointment as the Chief of the Indian Army on June 30.

He is scheduled to call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Defence Minister Manbir Rai tomorrow.

Nepal defeated Scotland by five wickets in the one day international under the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League-2 Series today.

After losing the toss and being put to bat first at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, US, Scotland were bowled out for just 154 runs in 41.4 overs at the loss of all wickets.

Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets to limit Scotland's innings. Karan KC, Sompal Kami and Gulshan Jha took two wickets each and Arif Sheikh dismissed one.

For Scotland, Mark Watt scored highest with 34 runs while other batsmen could not score significant runs.

Nepal chased down the victory target in 29.5 overs. Arif Sheikh contributed 51 runs to cruise Nepal to victory. Likewise, Kushal Bhurtel and Gulshan Jha hit 25 runs each while Asif Sheikh gathered 21 runs for Nepal.

Brandon McMullen took two wickets for Scotland. Bradley Currie, Mark Watt and Jack Jarvis took one wicket each.

Earlier, Nepal had lost to the US by three wickets in the first match of the tri-series under League-2. Scotland defeated the US by 10 wickets in their first match.

Nepal has started witnessing the effects of cyclone 'Dana', according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.

There is a possibility of light rainfall in the eastern part of the country till Friday as a result. 

Meteorologist at the Division Min Kumar Aryal said light rainfall has been predicted at some places of Koshi and Madhes Provinces due to the impact of the cyclone.

"The effect of the cyclone will be seen in eastern parts of the country. It developed at Bay of Bengal few days ago", he shared.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) organized the 2024 K-Culture program in Kathmandu on Wednesday to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Nepal.

On the occasion, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal presented a dynamic cultural performance that combines Korea’s traditional dance and drum music with cutting-edge high-tech media technologies.

The performance, led by the renowned Korea’s Performance Team – SDG Crew, highlighted the vibrant energy and intricate artistry of Korea’s traditional dance forms, enhanced by the powerful beats of traditional Korean drums, reads a statement issued by the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu.

What sets this performance apart is its innovative integration of high-tech media elements, including state-of-the-art projections, lighting, and sound design, which create an immersive and unforgettable experience.

The performance not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of Korea but also reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of our bilateral relationship.

A large number of Korean and Nepali people attended the program.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire emphasized that the relations between Nepal and Korea encompass a wide range of sectors, including people-to people relations, tourism, trade, investment, energy, agriculture, health and climate issues, culture, and sustainability in his welcome remarks.

He also congratulates the people of both countries on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Nepal and Republic of Korea.