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Nepal have faced a 23-run defeat at the hands of India in the quarter finals match of the T20 Cricket Tournament held under the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China today.

Nepal, who were chasing a massive 203 run target set by India, scored 179 runs losing all the wickets. However, Nepal's performance was worth appreciating.

Dipendra Singh Airee scored highest 32 runs for Nepal.

Similarly, Kushal Bhurtel made 28 runs, Aasif Shekh 10, Kushal Malla 29, captain Rohit Poudel three and Sandip Jora 29 runs.

Likewise, Sompal Kami contributed seven, Gulshan Jha six, Karan KC 18 (not out) and Sandip Lamichhane five runs.

Ravi Bishnoi and Abhesh Khan took three wickets each for India. Likewise, Arshadeep Singh took two wickets and Sai Kishor one wicket.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, India scored 202 runs.

Yashashwi Jaiswal scored a century. He made 100 runs off 49 balls, putting Nepal under pressure. Rituraj Gayakwad collected 25 runs, Shivan Dubey 25 and Rinku Singh an aggressive 37 runs.

Nepali bowlers Dipendra Singh Airee took two wickets and Sandip Lamichhane and Sompal Kami one each.

With this defeat, Nepal have been exited from this tournament while India have entered into semifinals.

Nepal defeated Maldives by 138 runs to reach quarter-finals of the Asian Games underway in Hangzhou, China.

In the match played on Sunday, Maldives scored 74 runs losing all with the wickets with two balls to spare.

Abinash Bohara of Nepal took a record six wickets.

Similarly, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane and Kushal Burtel claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Nepal had set a target of 213 runs against Maldives.

Captain Rohit Paudel scored a half-century off 27 balls hitting three sixes and three fours while Kushal Malla made unbeaten 47 runs off 20 balls with two sixes and three fours.

Likewise, Kushal Bhurtel and Gulsan Jha scored 35 runs each and Binod Bhandari added 13 runs to the scoreboard. Other batsmen failed to score in double figures.

Nawaj Islam took the highest three wickets for Maldives.

The government is preparing to enter into bilateral air services agreements with three nations, including Switzerland, with the aim of expanding Nepal's international flight connectivity.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Nepal has already signed bilateral air services agreements with 40 countries, with Australia being the latest addition. The government has already completed the paperwork to add Switzerland, Indonesia, and Rwanda to this list.

Civil Aviation Division Chief and Joint Secretary at the Ministry, Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, said they anticipate the draft of the agreement to be endorsed by the Council of Ministers soon. Afterward, they will determine the location and timing for the formal signing of the agreements.

It may be noted that Nepal and Switzerland principally agreed for a bilateral air connectivity during the 41st Session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly held in September 27 – October 7, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. Both countries observed the signing of the MoU to this regard, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CANN).

Nepal is also exploring the possibility of MoUs for air connectivity with various other nations, including Indonesia.

Bilateral aviation agreements are considered vital instruments of a nation's foreign diplomacy, and the government is promoting such agreements. Nepal's international flight service system already includes over 20 destinations.

These agreements not only enhance structural relations with respective countries but also strengthen bilateral ties. Furthermore, it's important to note that these agreements are based on the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Lamichhane added.

Likewise, the government is in the process of reviewing agreements with Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This review has been proposed by Kuwait and the UAE themselves.

As part of its policies and programs for the current fiscal year, the government has announced its commitment to establishing new aviation relationships and expanding international air services.

The 44th World Tourism Day is being observed in Nepal by organizing several programs today.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, Department of Tourism and leading organizations of the tourism sector are celebrating the day with several activities.

With the slogan 'Tourism and Green Investment', the World Tourism Day is being observed in Nepal, the ministry said.

In order to mark the day in a fanfare, the 44th World Tourism Day Main Function Committee has been formed under the premiership of Minister for Tourism Sudan Kiranti.

According to the Ministry Spokesperson Rajendra Kumar KC, the tourism minister will welcome foreign tourists arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport through the first flight at 6 am today.

Likewise, a morning rally will be held from Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur to Mangalbazaar at 7.30 am.

A formal program will be organized in the Patan Durbar area.

At the program jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Lalitpur Metropolis, organizations earning higher foreign currency and individuals and institutions making contributions to the tourism sector will be honored today.

The World Tourism Day is being marked on September 27 every year with a slogan 'Promoting Accessible Tourism for All'.  

After forty-two years, Nepal and China have agreed to amend the bilateral trade agreement that has been guiding the bilateral trade between the two countries. The two neighbors, on Monday, agreed to form a joint technical working committee to review and amend the Nepal-China Trade and Payment Agreement signed in 1981. 

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply of Nepal and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce signed an agreement to this effect in Beijing during the bilateral meeting held at the Great Hall of the People between Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. Prime Minister Dahal is on a week-long visit to the northern neighbor.

The Trade and Payments Agreement between Nepal and China has been in operation since 1981. The agreement allowed the use of a number of trading points for the transport of goods between the two countries. 

With a paradigm shift taking place in the international trade regime, trade experts have been insisting on an amendment to the bilateral trade agreement with China. According to them, there are several gaps in the current bilateral agreement and it has also turned obsolete in the current scenario as Nepal faces a huge trade deficit with China. 

After three years of border closures and transportation disturbances, bilateral trade with China is coming back to normalcy with the opening of the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points. 

Over the last several years, imports from China have grown steadily except for occasional hiccups such as in the fiscal year 2019/20 when the government in Nepal imposed a lockdown in March 2020 to curb coronavirus transmission that went on for nearly four months.

On the other hand, Nepal’s exports to its northern neighbor have dwindled leading to a massive trade deficit in the trade between the two countries. Nepal’s exports to China in the last FY 2022/23 stood at just Rs 2.34 billion whereas imports from China reached Rs 231.5 billion in FY 2022/23.

Despite being a next-door neighbor, Nepal has failed to boost its exports to China. China has also been providing duty-free and quota-free market access to thousands of Nepali products which are available to Nepal for being a least developed country. According to the Nepal Trade Information Portal of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, China has been providing zero tariff facilities for about 8,000 goods originating in Nepal. These goods make up 95 percent of the total exports of Nepal to China. 

To receive the Chinese zero-tariff facilities, exporters are required to fulfill certain rules of origin conditions for their goods. Despite such a facility, Nepal has been failing to utilize the duty-free facility and boost exports. One of the reasons, according to officials and experts, is the strict documentation requirements to get export clearances from the Chinese authorities. 

The World Bank in its Nepal Development Update Report in April 2021 pointed out that Nepal has the potential of exporting 12 times higher than its existing annual exports with the highest potential of boosting exports to China. The multilateral agency has termed the untapped export potential as ‘missing exports’. From the perspective of destinations, Nepal’s largest ‘missing exports’ are with China (by $2.2bn), followed by India ($1.2bn), the United States ($800m), and Japan ($700m), according to the report. According to GAN President Pandey, the thin population in the bordering Tibet region also limits Nepal’s export potential to China.

The environment in Chitwan National Park is considered suitable for rhinoceros. Similarly, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for wild water buffalo, locally known as Arna. Likewise, Shuklaphanta has a suitable environment for swamp deer. These wildlife species thrive in these natural habitats. Of late, there have been efforts to translocate them to new locations, but these efforts have failed to deliver desired results.

In the past 36 years, 120 rhinos have been translocated from Chitwan National Park to Bardiya National Park. Of these 120 rhinos, only 38 remain. Similarly, four rhinoceroses were translocated to Shuklaphanta National Park in 20021 and another 10 in 2016. Shuklaphanta's rhino population has reached 17. In Bardiya, the number has decreased significantly.

Likewise, of the 15 Arna brought to Chitwan National Park (three from Central Zoo, Kathmandu, and 12 from Koshi Tappu), none survived. Four swamp deer brought from Shuklaphanta to Chitwan also couldn’t survive. 

At a time when translocation efforts are not delivering desired results, efforts are underway to take two rhinoceroses from Chitwan to Koshi Tappu. While preparations are underway to relocate two rhinoceroses rescued and raised by the park officials after they got separated from their mothers, conservation activists have been saying that wildlife relocation efforts have not been successful in Nepal. 

Rampreet Yadav, the former Chief Conservation Officer of Chitwan National Park, said translocations were being carried out without proper study and discussion. He said that is not in favor of translocation. “Rhinoceros population didn’t increase in Bardiya and Shuklaphanta. Likewise, swamp deer and Arna brought to Chitwan didn’t survive. This shows translocation efforts were not delivering desired results,” he added. “Proper consideration should be given to habitat, environment, and grazing grounds before translocation.”

Nepal had sent rhinoceroses to Dudhwa National Park in India after being denied relocation by Kaziranga National Park in Assam. But in Nepal, rhino translocations have been ongoing without assessing their success.

Nepal first translocated rhinoceroses to Bardiya in 1986. More rhinoceroses were moved to Bardiya in 2003 and 2017. In 2005, Bardiya had 67 rhinoceroses. The number dropped to 22 in 2008. As per the 2021 count, Bardiya has 38 rhinoceroses. National park officials say rhinos move from Bardiya to Katarniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India.

Ten rhinoceroses were translocated to Shuklaphanta in March 2017. The number has grown to 17. Conservation activists say the population didn’t increase as expected because the habitat there, mainly composed of large grasslands, is not suitable for rhinoceroses. “Translocation would have made sense had there been a huge population of, say, 2,000-3,000 rhinos. Translocation is not a good move given the small size of the rhino population. It has not yielded any success,” Ram Kumar Aryal, former chief of National Trust for Nature Conservation, Sauraha, said. “The rhino population increased significantly in Chitwan, but it is decreasing in Bardiya.”

According to Aryal, more translocations will only invite more challenges for conservation. The two rhinos being prepared for translocation, Pushpa (four years) and Anjali (2.5 years), were rescued by conservation workers when they got separated from their mothers. These two calves were raised in NTNC Sauraha Office and released in the Lamital area of the national park. Pushpa and Anjali are being translocated to Koshi Tappu on Wednesday.

Tourism entrepreneurs in Sauraha have expressed dissatisfaction with rhino translocation. “Who will be responsible for the loss in rhino population due to translocations in the past?” Suman Ghimire, former president of the Regional Hotel Association of Nepal, Sauraha, said. “We are not against translocation. But a proper study and discussions should be held before relocation.”

Nepal and China have signed a 12-point agreement and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is on a week-long official visit to China, and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said.

According to the Secretariat, Nepali and Chinese officials signed the agreements on human resources, Hilasa Simikot road, road infrastructure with China, support for improving digital economy, agriculture, livestock and herbal medicines among other issues.

An agreement has also been reached to form a joint technical working group to study trade and payments between Nepal and China.

One of the recommendations made by the Nepal-India Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) report prepared in 2018 is regulation of existing open borders between the two countries. While the report has not been made public, some of its drafters say they have suggested regulating the porous border between Nepal and India with a string of approaches, such as use of identity cards, installation of cutting-edge technology and strategic control of border crossings.

The previous leadership of the Nepal Army had also suggested the government to regulate the borders with India, albeit without offering any specifics. Besides several communist parties and left-leaning experts have long been advocating for controlling the Nepal-India border  

Yet, amidst these discussions, the corridors of power have remained eerily silent. The government and major political parties of Nepal are yet to give the border regulation issue a serious consideration. Some communist parties have touched upon the topic in their election manifestos, but they have not ventured beyond this electoral commitment in the form of proper deliberation.  

The debate on Nepal-India border regulation does not stop there. Even the Supreme Court has waded in with its order to the government to regulate the open border. 

A few years ago, advocates Chandra Kanta Gyawali, Bimal Gyawali, Liladhar Upadhaya, and border expert Budhi Narayan Shrestha had filed a case demanding a court order to regulate the border between Nepal and India—their primary concern being the surge in cross-border crimes.

It took almost two years for the top court to come up with the full-text of its order which directs the government to take essential actions based on existing national and international laws for the management and regulation of the Nepal-India border.  

The 25-page  document has explained in detail about the border management system, shedding light on some international experiences as well. According to the court’s order, there are three types of border management systems in the world: open border, regulated border, and closed border.  

Advocate Gyawali, one of the petitioners, proclaims that this ruling has turned a political quagmire into a legally binding obligation. The Supreme Court has unequivocally called upon the government to take the reins in hand, directing them to manage and regulate the cross-border movement, citing national and international laws as their guide.

To control criminal activities, protect Nepali territory, facilitate smooth transit process, and uphold Nepal’s independence, sovereignty and national integrity, the court has directed the government to manage and regulate the open border on the basis of past treaties and agreement. It has also ordered the government to sign additional treaties and agreements with India, if needed, on the basis of mutual equality, respect, and cooperation.

To meet this challenge head-on, the court encourages the adoption of technology – drones and CCTV cameras – for a secure, seamless border. Language training for border personnel and the issuance of identification cards for travelers are also recommended.

Moreover, diplomatic overtures to India are prescribed to clarify disputed border areas, ensuring that future disputes do not disrupt the harmony between the two neighboring nations. 

The court has directed the government to give continuity to the tasks related to the installation of new border pillars and restoration of missing ones, as well as evacuation of settlers from the no-man’s land areas.

Arguing that criminal activities, unchecked human trafficking, drug trade, and counterfeiting were thriving in the border areas, the petitioners had demanded for a robust border security and monitoring mechanism. They had argued that the absence of record-keeping had further compounded these challenges. 

Their plea? Revision of treaties, mandatory ID cards for border crossers, and meticulous record-keeping by the government.

In response to the petition, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers had said that border management falls within the purview of the executive branch.

“In its previous rulings, the Supreme Court has explicitly stated that decisions regarding the nature and type of relationships to maintain with other countries rest with the sovereign country. Such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the state's executive branch,” it said. “The government is actively and earnestly addressing these concerns to ensure the security and interests of the nation and its citizens through diplomatic channels and other appropriate means.”

It added: “People of both countries have traversed this border without hindrance for centuries. EPG formed by the two countries are studying treaties and agreements. Likewise, officials of both countries are holding regular meetings on border management.”

At the time, the Ministry of Home Affairs also issued its own rebuttal.  “Six immigration offices have been opened along the Nepal-India border for management of movement of people and goods between the two countries. Likewise, the Eminent Persons’ Group having experts from both countries are holding discussion on different treaties between the two countries including the 1950 Treaty,” it said. 

“The two countries have been holding meetings under minister, secretary and high-ranking official level on a regular basis to address border management and control crimes, smuggling, human trafficking, use of counterfeit currency, movement of drugs and narcotics.”

Aadvocate Liladhar Upadhyay says: "Now, government has responsibility to implement the mandamus of the Supreme Court. Regulating border is equally important for India to control various kinds of crimes by taking benefit of open cross border between the two neighbouring countries."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence had also joined the chorus for the dismissal of the petition. They too cited cooperative initiatives, joint measurements, and border pillar deployment, and the EPG initiative, asserting that unilateral decisions are not the answer.

However, the report prepared by EPG is gathering dust and chances of its acceptance by India appears slim. 

Nepal-India border management issue has been overshadowed by the map row that erupted in 2020. There was no official response from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the latest court order. 

Nepal has ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty proposed by the United Nations.

Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud, who is in New York to attend the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations, signed the agreement on behalf of Nepal.

The BBNJ Treaty sets up a procedure to establish large-scale marine protected areas in the high seas. This facilitates the achievement of the target to effectively conserve and manage 30 percent of land and sea by 2030, which was agreed in December 2022 within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The agreement is intended to ensure conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The Treaty is reportedly key to protect the ocean, promote equity and fairness, tackle environmental degradation, fight climate change, and prevent biodiversity loss in the high seas.

The deadline for signing this Treaty is September 20, 2025, starting from September 20, 2023.

The Treaty is legally binding and will come into force after 60 state parties ratify it.

Many youths in Nepal are exploring foreign employment prospects. Two primary factors are mainly behind this: Limited job opportunities in Nepal and inadequate appreciation for work.

In Nepal, the mindset of giving due respect to all types of professions, devoid of any hierarchy or discrimination, is generally lacking. No job should be considered superior or inferior. This perspective is closely tied to the issue of compensation and salary. Salaries must be substantial enough to sustain a satisfactory standard of living.

In contrast, foreign nations where Nepalis work have dignity of work. 

Conversely, the scarcity of employment opportunities is largely associated with the nation’s economic circumstances. 

Addressing these crucial issues, including fostering a culture of respect for all professions and enhancing economic growth to generate more job opportunities, necessitates collective efforts. Without resolution of these key challenges, the trend of youths seeking employment abroad is likely to persist and potentially increase.

The author is spokesperson at Foreign Employment Board

In my early years, a solitary cherry tree graced the backyard of our Pokhara family home. Each year, we witnessed the splendid transformation from delicate blossoms to verdant fruit. As children, we frolicked with these mysterious cherries, discovering that they concealed twin seeds within. As they ripened into crimson orbs and tumbled to the earth, curiosity piqued, but none dared to taste the enigmatic fruit.

In 1990, a guest came home. As my mother prepared a meal for him, he explored our surroundings, and his gaze fell upon that tree. “Bhauju,” he exclaimed, “you have a coffee tree!” His excitement was palpable, and he promised to return during the harvest season to instruct us in the coffee-making process.

This marked my introduction to the word ‘coffee,’ a beverage that likely found its way to Nepal from Gulmi, where Hira Giri had, in 1938, imported coffee seeds from the Sindu Province of Burma, my maternal family’s place of origin. He nurtured these seeds in the Aapchaur area of Gulmi. While the seeds made their way to Nepal, the knowledge and technology needed to cultivate coffee remained elusive for many hillside homes, cultivating an air of curiosity.

What intrigued me was the timeline of coffee’s arrival in Nepal. While it had been introduced in India in the late 17th century, it took nearly 270 years for coffee to find its roots in Nepal. Baba Budan, an Indian pilgrim returning from Mecca in 1670, clandestinely transported seven coffee beans from Yemen to India, planting them in Karnataka’s Chandragiri hills. At the same time, some coffee experts posit that Gurkha soldiers and Nepali laborers employed in South Indian coffee plantations may have brought coffee seeds back to Nepal, envisioning the prospect of cultivating coffee locally upon their return.

Amidst Nepal’s new coffee generation, we tend to forget the coffee shop that first introduced coffee culture to Kathmandu: Bangalore Coffee House. After struggling to survive in New Road, its proprietors tried their luck opposite Tindhara Pathsala, renaming it the Mangalore Coffee House before vanishing from the coffee scene. This is a chapter of my Kathmandu upbringing that warrants exploration by coffee historians. Nepalis traditionally favored tea over coffee, and it took time for this preference to shift, resulting in limited local demand. Himalayan Java Coffee, a noted coffee outlet, blazed a trail by opening the first specialty coffee shop in Nepal around 1999-2000 when coffee culture was still in its infancy. The gradual growth of tourism after 1990 also played a pivotal role in shaping coffee habits.

Official records reveal that in the late 1970s, the Nepali government began distributing coffee seeds imported from India to farmers in potential districts through the Agriculture Development Bank, marking coffee’s first recognition as a potential cash crop. Interestingly, coffee plantations were also employed as a means to combat soil erosion. The Tinau Watershed Project in 1982 promoted coffee plantation on terrace risers, and not far from this watershed, in Manigram, Rupandehi, coffee processing commenced in 1983 with the establishment of Nepal Coffee Company (NeCCo), which processed dry cherries collected from local farmers.

In 1993, a formal institutional structure, the National Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB), was established, poised to lead initiatives for the coffee sector’s development. Farmers from the mid-hill region began to recognize coffee as a highly lucrative crop due to rising exports and domestic consumption. The first coffee policy in Nepal emerged in 2004 as a result of these developments, followed by the commencement of organic certification a year later. In 2010, the Department of Industry registered the ‘Nepal Coffee’ logo, symbolizing the nation’s coffee identity.

In recent years, Nepal has borne witness to a coffee revolution, driven by the younger generation. Their love for coffee transcends its role as a mere morning pick-me-up; it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Coffee shops provide inviting spaces for socializing, studying, or working, blending aesthetics with the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee to create an atmosphere that resonates with the youth.

These coffeehouses offer an extensive menu, catering to diverse tastes and preferences, from classic brews to intricate espresso concoctions. Whether it’s a caramel macchiato, cold brew, or pumpkin spice latte, coffee shops satisfy the young generation’s desire for choice and customization.

In urban Nepal, coffee serves as a means of social connectivity. Young adults congregate at coffeehouses to catch up with friends, network, and meet new acquaintances. The act of sharing a coffee has evolved into a social ritual, fostering connections and strengthening relationships. For many young adults, coffee is also a source of productivity, providing an energy boost and heightened focus during late-night study sessions or work deadlines.

In my perspective, the bottleneck hindering the coffee enterprise’s growth lies in the lack of adequate research, knowledge, and technology. Overcoming these obstacles could lead to a success story, one that lauds the contributions of figures like Hira Giri, NeCCo, NTCDB, Himalayan Java, and the Nepal Coffee Producers Association.

However, I believe the true heroes of Nepal’s coffee story are the farmers who invested their time, money, and effort to make coffee a success. Their struggle is reflected in every coffee bean, making each cup a unique narrative. The significant disparity between Nepal’s coffee exports (almost 70,000 kgs) and imports (around 270,000 kgs) is a thought that never fails to weigh heavily on my mind. But Nepali coffee has indeed gained popularity in countries like the UK, America, Australia, and Japan, often leveraging branding associated with the Himalayas, Buddha, Everest, ‘Top of the World,’ Sherpa, and Gurkha heritage. Despite its current presence on a smaller scale, there is significant potential for growth in the Nepali coffee industry.

Nepal, a nation already grappling with food security concerns, now faces a growing fear of impending food scarcity. A confluence of issues on both domestic and global fronts threatens to disrupt the supply of grains and exacerbate the situation.

The outbreak of lumpy skin disease on livestock has dealt a severe blow to Nepal’s agricultural sector. This epidemic, coupled with a low monsoon rainfall and reduced rice plantation, has raised alarm bells regarding the prospects of a diminished paddy harvest.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy transplantation has been affected this year due to the late onset of monsoon in Madhes, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces.

As of July 28, paddy had been transplanted on 77 percent of the 1.35m hectares of available rice paddies. Transplantation had been completed on 90 percent of the total cultivable land last year.
 

Shrinking agricultural land and rising food prices 

In addition to these domestic challenges, a decade-long trend of decreasing agricultural land has cast a shadow on food security. The recently released Agriculture Census for the fiscal year 2021/22 reveals a disconcerting decline of 0.3m hectares in agricultural land over the past decade.

According to the census conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Nepal’s total area of agricultural land holdings in FY 2021/22 stood at 2.22 million hectares, down from 2.52m hectares in FY 2011/12. While the number of farming families has increased, arable land is dwindling, with fragmentation becoming a growing concern. Over the past 10 years, both the total number of land parcels and the average number of land parcels per holding have decreased, a clear indication of a more fragmented landscape.

The majority of agricultural land, approximately 1.73m hectares, is allocated for temporary crops like paddy, maize, wheat, and vegetables, but this area has seen a significant reduction in the last decade. Notably, paddy cultivation has suffered a 16 percent decrease over the same period, a trend echoed in maize and wheat production.

Nepal's food security concerns are further exacerbated by rising food prices. The price of rice, a staple food, is surging in the domestic market, primarily due to India's announcement of a global ban on the export of all rice varieties except Basmati. This decision came in response to Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Deal amidst the Ukraine war, straining an already vulnerable global food supply chain.

Despite government reassurances of a three-month stockpile and the upcoming harvest season, panic buying persists, leaving traders capitalizing on the crisis. India's imposition of a global ban on non-Basmati rice exports has only exacerbated the problem.

“The shortage has been created because of the rice export ban by India. But we are hopeful that the new paddy will be produced after two months,” says Sitaram Chaudhary, a rice supplier in Koteshwor, Kathmandu. 

Meanwhile India has also imposed a 20 percent duty on exports of parboiled rice with immediate effect on Aug 25. India had exported 7.4m tons of parboiled rice in 2022.

India’s Ministry of Finance of India issued a notice saying that the government decided to impose export tax on all types of parboiled rice till Oct 16. 

In response to the crisis, Nepal has requested 155,000 tons of grains and sugar from India, highlighting the interconnectedness of the region's food security.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also requested India to remove export restrictions on non-Basmati rice, noting that such restrictions are likely to exacerbate volatility in food prices in the rest of the world. 

Homnath Bhattarai, information officer at the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection, says there is a sufficient amount of paddy and rice for the time being. 

“Even though the festival season is near, the supply chain is faring well. We will not have rice scarcity,” he claims.

Global factors amplify woes

Nepal’s plight is part of a larger global crisis, triggered by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Fertilizer price spikes, coupled with concerns about availability, are casting a long shadow over future harvests, potentially leading to sustained price increases.

The war's impact on Ukraine’s agricultural system has been catastrophic, with machinery damage, grain loss, and disrupted logistics. Many farmers have left agriculture to join Ukraine’s armed forces, and the disruption of agricultural logistics, including increased transport costs and plummeting domestic prices, adds to the crisis.

According to official estimates from Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food (MAPF) and the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) since Russia invaded Ukraine, 84,200 pieces of agricultural machinery have been totally or partially damaged, four million tons of grains and oilseeds have been destroyed or stolen, and storage for 9.4m tons of agricultural products has been damaged or destroyed.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, designed to boost grain exports from Ukraine, has partially offset lost maritime routes with more expensive land-based export options. Rising average shipping costs for agricultural products, coupled with limited access to export routes for Ukrainian farmers, further contribute to food security concerns.

The World Food Program (WFP) reports that a record 349m people across 79 countries now face acute food insecurity due to the global crisis. Low- and middle-income, food-importing countries, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, dependent on Black Sea imports, have borne the brunt of this crisis, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that a prolonged disruption of exports from Ukraine and Russia could lead to an increase of 8m to 13m undernourished people in 2022.

Pakistan floods and fertilizer shortage

Adding to the global challenges, Pakistan's recent floods have impacted rice prices, witnessing a 20-30 percent surge since September 2022, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute. Global stocks have fallen by about five percent year over year, reaching their lowest levels since 2017/18.

Floods have ravaged 1.7 million hectares of agrarian land in Pakistan, damaging major agricultural products, including rice, tomatoes, onions, wheat, and vegetables. The country now faces the risk of food scarcity as a result of these environmental challenges.

Environmental factors, such as the rapid emergence of El Niño and a forecasted positive Indian Ocean Dipole or the Indian Niño, also raise concerns about potential impacts on rice production in South and Southeast Asia.

Moreover, disruptions in global fertilizer markets in 2022 are affecting rice production. China, a major exporter of nitrogen-based and phosphate-based fertilizers to Asia, implemented trade restrictions that significantly reduced exports, causing a spike in fertilizer prices.

Rice is a fertilizer-intensive crop, and 2022 saw large disruptions in global fertilizer markets. 

China, a major exporter of nitrogen-based (N) and phosphate-based (P) fertilizers to many Asian markets, implemented trade restrictions in October 2021 that sharply reduced exports of fertilizer products such as diammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea. Chinese DAP exports, which typically account for 30 percent of global DAP trade, fell by 43 percent in 2022 compared with 2021, while Chinese urea exports declined by 47 percent in the same time frame.

Countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia, responsible for nearly 60 percent of global rice production and over 80 percent of global rice exports, depend heavily on fertilizer imports. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has further exacerbated the global fertilizer price crisis, raising concerns about its impact on future yields.

The global food security crisis underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to address these multifaceted issues. As nations grapple with interconnected challenges, ensuring food security has become a critical imperative.

For Nepal, the ability to mitigate the impending food crisis largely hinges on the formulation and execution of a comprehensive action plan to boost food grain production.

Rice imports from India in MT

Year 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23

Non-Basmati 1,284,631 1,387,355 765,455

Basmati 9,090 19,336 46,593

On a fateful day in Nepal’s history, 16 Sept 2015, the nation stood at a crossroads, poised to embrace a new constitution. The air was thick with anticipation and tension, as the Madhes-based parties and neighboring India exerted immense pressure to delay the process by a few days. In the midst of this high-stakes drama, the then President Ram Baran Yadav found himself torn between the demands of delay and the promise of progress.

In a meeting at Sheetal Niwas, President Yadav handed over Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subas Chandra Nembang a letter that bore the weight of uncertainty. This missive, a plea to postpone the constitution’s endorsement, became a pivotal piece in the puzzle of Nepal's constitutional destiny.

Nembang received this letter, but instead of presenting it at the CA meeting, he boldly set a date, Sept 20, for the grand promulgation of the new constitution. The stakes were high, and the tension palpable. Upon returning from the President's office, Nembang doubled down on his commitment to the cause. 

Had Nembang yielded to the pressure and presented that letter, the course of history might have taken a different turn. The constitution would not have been issued in its current form or might never have seen the light of day. This riveting episode is immortalized in the book, ‘Kathmandu Dilemma: Resetting Nepal-India Ties’, by Ranjit Rae, the former Indian ambassador to Nepal. 

“At a late stage during the Constitution drafting process during the first fortnight of September 2015, he ( President Yadav) had sent a letter to the Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman formally conveying his views but the Chairman of Constituent Assembly, Subas Nembang, refused even to share the message with members in the ground,” recounts Rae.

Nembang, the stalwart chairman of the CA, who played an indispensable role in the birth of Nepal's new constitution, has sadly passed away at the age of 70. He led the CA that had to be elected twice in the run-up to the promulgation of the new constitution.

He once famously quipped to the media: “I am not the former chairman of the CA but ‘the chairman’ of the CA.” Indeed, he presided over a historic body, unparalleled in Nepal’s political history, entrusted with the sacred task of drafting a new constitution. 

Nembang will forever be remembered as a key architect of Nepal’s constitutional renaissance. He skillfully juggled the roles of speaker and CA chairman, navigating treacherous political waters with a remarkable lack of controversy. He was soft-spoken and composed, yet possessed a commanding presence that allowed him to engage in frank and candid discussions with top leaders from major parties, no small feat in a divided political landscape.

In the twilight days of the CA, Nembang, like other senior leaders, faced insurmountable pressure to halt the constitution’s promulgation. Despite these formidable obstacles, he remained unwavering in his commitment to consensus among political parties. He had an innate talent for finding common ground on contentious issues, and he firmly believed that the CA itself could craft the new constitution if parties could unite.

Constitutional experts and former CA members sing Nembang’s praises for his role in ushering in the new constitution. He not only excelled in the constitution drafting and promulgation process, but also championed its effective implementation and protection. Nembang’s conviction that the country could not forge a better constitution in the current climate drove his unwavering dedication, even in the face of mounting challenges to the constitution's legitimacy.

Constitutional expert Radhe Shyam Adhikari says Nembang not only played an exemplary role to draft and promulgate a new constitution, but also championed for its effective implementation and protection. 

Nembang’s conviction that the country could not forge a better constitution in the current climate drove his unwavering dedication, even in the face of mounting challenges to the constitution’s legitimacy.

Even after the constitution’s promulgation, Nembang, as a senior leader of the CPN-UML, continued to play a pivotal role in crafting the laws necessary for its implementation. His final days were marked by intense cross-party negotiations aimed at resolving the lingering issues of the transitional justice process. His parting words held a promise of progress for Nepal’s international standing, a testament to his unyielding commitment.

Nembang harbored aspirations to become the president after the constitution’s promulgation, yet internal dynamics within the UML thwarted this ambition. Throughout his career, he consistently advocated for the middle ground in politics, seeking consensus among parties even during the most trying times.

His counsel to go for a fresh CA elections during the impending dissolution of the first assembly in May 2012 to avoid parliamentary vacuum and his quiet resistance to the 2021 parliamentary dissolution by his party leader KP Sharma Oli, all underscored his dedication to Nepal’s political stability. 

Nembang was a giant of Nepal’s political arena, whose legacy will forever be etched in the annals of the country’s modern political history. He will be remembered as a gentle statesman who expertly navigated the turbulent political waters to chart a course toward progress and unity.

The G20 summit, presided over by India, concluded on Sunday, culminating in the release of the New Delhi Leaders Declaration. This landmark event saw a convergence of minds on a multitude of global issues.

The G20, which comprises 19 nations and the European Union, has recently expanded its ranks to welcome the African Union, making the group “G21.” 

Nepal, not being a member of this esteemed international economic forum, had no representation in the summit's proceedings. While Bangladesh also lacks official membership, India extended a coveted invitation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, extending similar courtesy to Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and the UAE. Foreign policy experts say that Nepal too could have secured a place at this influential gathering had there been more proactive diplomatic overtures by its government.

Nonetheless, Nepal remains tethered to the G20 process through its partial participation in preparatory meetings leading up to the summit. Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat engaged with G20 finance ministers and central governors in July, highlighting the multifaceted challenges confronting least developed nations on a global scale.

Nepal’s vested interest in the G20 summit stems from several compelling factors. Firstly, the country’s prior engagement with G20 activities underscores its ongoing connection to the process. Secondly, the summit's host, India, aspires to assume a leadership role within the Global South, potentially affording Nepal new opportunities and perspectives.

Furthermore, Nepal’s vigilance concerning the G20 summit is warranted given the far-reaching implications of its decisions. The G20, representing a colossal 85 percent of global GDP, over 75 percent of worldwide trade, and nearly two-thirds of the global population, wields substantial influence. 

Ranjit Rae, former Indian ambassador to Nepal, says a multitude of domains offer potential avenues for Nepal to derive benefits from the G20's outcomes, including green energy, biofuels, and digital public infrastructure.

The G20’s commitment to addressing climate change and its consequences is of paramount importance to nations like Nepal. The summit's document outlines its intention to implement decisions made at COP27 regarding funding arrangements for assisting developing countries vulnerable to climate change's adverse effects, including the establishment of a fund. The support for the transitional committee and anticipation of recommendations for operationalizing these funding arrangements at COP28 are of particular relevance to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and developing nations like Nepal.

Recalling the Glasgow climate pact, the G20 has also called upon developed countries to honor their commitment to doubling their collective provision of adaptation finance by 2025, building upon the foundation laid in 2019. This commitment holds promise for countries in need of financial resources for adaptation.

In addition to climate considerations, the arena of digital public infrastructure beckons. India's ambitious plans for a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), a repository of digital public infrastructure shared voluntarily by G20 members and beyond, presents a unique avenue for Nepal to collaborate with G20 nations.

In sum, Nepal’s keen interest in the G20 summit is well-justified by the potential opportunities it presents across a spectrum of critical global issues, underscoring the nation's role in the international arena.

Issues in the declaration that matters us

• Better integrate the perspectives of developing countries, including LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, into future G20 agenda and strengthen the voice of developing countries in global decision making.
• Recognize the importance of WTO’s ‘Aid for Trade’ initiative to enable developing countries, notably LDCs, to effectively participate in global trade, including through enhanced local value creation.
• Facilitate equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other medical countermeasures, especially in Low-and Middle-income Countries (LMICs), LDCs and SIDS.
• Accelerate actions to address environmental crises and challenges including climate change being experienced worldwide, particularly by the poorest and the most vulnerable, including in LDCs and SIDS.
• Continue to support augmentation of capabilities of all countries, including emerging economies, in particular developing countries, LDCs and SIDS, for promoting disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure systems.
• Extend strong support to Africa, including through the G20 Compact with Africa and G20 Initiative on supporting industrialization in Africa and LDCs. Hold further discussions to deepen cooperation between the G20 and other regional partners.
• Increase resource needs of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF Style Regional Bodies and encourage others to do the same, including for the next round of mutual evaluations. Timely and global implementation of the revised FATF Standards on the transparency of beneficial ownership of legal persons and legal arrangements to make it more difficult for criminals to hide and launder ill-gotten gains.

Experts speak

Nepal should follow up on the outcomes 

Navita Srikant, Financial and Security Analyst 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message during the G20 India Summit emphasized "human-centric development" and the integration of perspectives from smaller states in global decision-making. Notably, the #G20LeadersNewDelhiDeclaration mentions LDCs six times. In South Asia alone, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh are on the brink of graduating from LDC status.

These three nations have high expectations from the #G20IndiaSummit, anticipating benefits such as a smoother transition from LDC graduation, improved access to markets, streamlined supply chains, food security, fertilizers, and support for clean energy. 

The declaration also garners support for crucial areas like "WTO's Aid for Trade," accessible and affordable healthcare, a Green Development Pact, Green Credit, and capacity-building for disaster and climate resilience. 

Nepal must now seize the opportunity and develop a clear and definitive Nepal-India road map for the next 10 years, seeking support for enhanced local value creation through comprehensive investments in manufacturing and the agricultural sector.

Furthermore, Nepal should explore the possibility of participating in the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI).

Nepal should grab the opportunity and become a part of PGI

Binoj Basnyat, Political analyst 

Would India become an alternative to China  or a complimentary to the West led by the US in international diplomacy as the political-economy-security-technological order is shifting? The G21 has emerged as a connector between the East and the West, bridging the Global South with Africa and Europe via the Persian Gulf.

The IBSA forum, comprising three major, diverse democracies, has implications for international diplomacy. It's one reason for Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence from the G20 summit and reflects growing challenges to China's global political-economic aspirations.

The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), with a commitment of $200bn by 2027, presents itself as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative. In this shifting landscape, Nepal should seize the opportunity and consider participation in the PGI.

India’s evolution from NAM to G20

Chandra Dev Bhatta, Geopolitical Analyst 

India's journey from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to the G20 is captivating. Sixty-five years ago, India's leadership brought NAM into the political spotlight. Today, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has successfully hosted the G20 summit in New Delhi, marking a significant elevation of its position in international politics.

The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member and representation from diverse organizations and countries further enhances India's position in world politics. The G20 now serves as a forum for discussing a wide array of global issues, distinguished by its consensual decision-making process, in contrast to a veto-based system.

With the transfer of G20 presidency to Brazil, another influential country from the Global South, the future of this intergovernmental organization looks exceedingly promising. India's leadership continues to shape and elevate its role on the world stage.

Clean energy will benefit Nepal

Ranjit Rae, former Indian Ambassador to Nepal

There are many areas of interest to countries like Nepal.I would pick digital public infrastructure, DRR, transition to clean green energy and fighting corruption and resilient supply chains. In addition Nepal could consider joining the Global Biofuels alliance. Also the IMEC corridor will benefit Nepal.

Depends on Nepal’s own ability to take advantage 

Sanjay Upadhay, Geopolitical Analyst 

The Delhi Declaration has placed considerable emphasis on important issues pertaining to developing countries like Nepal. These include clean energy, food security and digital economy, which broadly conform to our development priorities.  An India-Europe-Middle East corridor has been conceived as part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), a G7 initiative. The corridor opens up the possibility for greater connectivity for Nepal. Much will depend on how these opportunities translate into projects and initiatives on the ground and Nepal’s own ability to take advantage of them.

In recent times, a significant shift has been observed in the way Nepali people acquire and prepare fish. Many are now opting to purchase live fish, which they clean at the market before bringing it home to cook. This change in consumer behavior can be attributed to concerns regarding a carcinogenic substance known as formaldehyde solution, or formalin. Indian traders and suppliers have been using formalin to extend the shelf life of fresh or chilled fish, artificially enhancing their sensory attributes.

However, Nepali suppliers have taken a different approach, transporting live fish from regions such as Janakpur, Chitwan, and even as far as Chandrapur to Kathmandu in water tanks. This practice has led to the presence of aquarium tanks in the local fish markets. And this shift in sourcing has made live fish readily available in local markets, where you can now purchase them with ease.

This transformation in the availability of live fish is a relatively recent development. Nepal, a landlocked country surrounded by majestic mountains, boasts numerous rivers but lacks access to the sea. Despite this geographical limitation, fish has always held a special place in Nepali culture. It plays a crucial role in various Nepali rituals, such as Tharu weddings and Newar Mahapuja ceremonies. Fish is an integral part of shagun, a traditional Nepali ritual that blesses individuals through food and drink.

Even though Nepal has lots of rivers and lakes, the availability of live fish has historically been a luxury in the hill regions, including Kathmandu Valley, which is far from the sea. To fulfill cultural rituals, our ancestors turned to dried fish, known as sidra, and combined it with achar, a spicy sauce. While in the Indian context, achar means spicy pickle, in the Nepali context, it can refer to a chutney, spicy sauce, or spicy pickle.

Now, let’s delve into the story of sidra ko achar, the spicy sauce made from dry fish. Dry fish, much like sidra ko achar itself, tends to elicit strong opinions—it’s a dish you either love or love to hate. For those who appreciate it, sidra ko achar stands out for its unique blend of ingredients and distinct aroma.

In my opinion, sidra doesn’t have a bad smell; it’s all about the distinct aroma and cultural essence it brings. You don’t need many ingredients; simply take a piece of sidra and roast it over an open flame to experience the authentic taste of Nepal. You can even transform one kg of tomato chutney into sidra and tomato achar using just one piece of roasted Sidra.

Sidra ko achar isn't just a dish; it’s a culinary tradition passed down through generations. Every Nepali household takes pride in having its version of this delectable creation, reflecting family heritage and regional influences. While the recipe may vary from one kitchen to another, the essence of Sidra Ko Achar remains constant—a celebration of Nepali flavors. It has become a favorite in households across the country, showcasing the art of culinary creativity and the depth of flavor that can be achieved through the harmonious marriage of spices, vegetables, and tradition.

The heart of sidra ko achar lies in its harmonious combination of ingredients. Local sidra varieties, celebrated for their distinct flavors and textures, take center stage. Onions, garlic, green chilies, and tomatoes join the ensemble, each contributing to its unique character. Mustard oil and red dry chilies add depth and an irresistible aroma.

The preparation of sidra ko achar involves a meticulous sequence of steps that gradually build up the dish’s complex flavors. The sidra is gently fried in golden mustard oil until it reaches a tantalizing crispness, creating a flavorful foundation. The sizzle of red dry chilies adds drama to the process as their deepening color signals the imminent arrival of a captivating taste symphony. Chopped garlic and onions join the dance, filling the air with their inviting fragrance. The dish evolves further with the addition of tomatoes, turmeric powder, and cumin powder, weaving a tapestry of flavors that dance on the palate.

As the final notes of this culinary masterpiece approach, fried sidra and timmur powder, derived from Sichuan pepper, are introduced, creating a crescendo of taste that awakens the senses. A squeeze of zesty lemon juice elevates the dish to a new level of vibrancy. Chopped coriander leaves provide a burst of freshness, reminiscent of Nepal’s lush landscapes. The dish is now ready to be savored and shared, embodying the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation.

Sidra ko achar transcends its role as a mere dish; it becomes a journey of taste and togetherness. Each bite encapsulates the essence of Nepali culture, the warmth of family, and the joy of sharing. As the alluring aroma of sidra ko achar permeates Nepali households. It serves as a reminder of the richness embedded in this ancient land—a richness that extends beyond the plate, inviting everyone to savor the beauty of Nepal, one flavorful bite at a time.

In a world where culinary traditions often merge and blend, sidra ko achar remains a steadfast guardian of Nepali heritage. It testifies to the enduring power of tradition, innovation, and the shared human experience of savoring a meal together. So, as you find yourself captivated by the fragrant embrace of sidra ko achar, you not only indulge in a symphony of flavors but also join a timeless celebration of culture, family, and the simple joy of coming together over a shared love for the culinary arts.

The author is a London-based R&D chef  

In what could be an eye-opener for policymakers and the government, the Agriculture Census 21/22 has shown that the agricultural land in Nepal has decreased in the last decade. The census made public by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Thursday shows agricultural land in the country has reduced by 0.3m hectares in the last 10 years.

The census says the total area of agricultural land holdings in Nepal in FY 2021/22 stood at 2.22m, down from 2.52m in FY 2011/12.

According to the census, while the number of families involved in farming has increased, it has been seen that the arable land is decreasing. The number of families involved in agriculture has increased by 0.3m to 4.13m in FY 2021/22 from 3.36m in FY 2011/12.

The land has become more fragmented over the years, according to the census. In the last 10 years, both the total number of land parcels and the average number of land parcels per holding have decreased. “In 2021/22, the total number of parcels is 11,583.9 thousand and the average number of parcels per tenant is 2.8,” says the census. The average parcel size has decreased from 0.21 hectares in 2011/12 to 0.19 hectares in 2021/22.  

Most of the agriculture holdings in Nepal are owned and operated by the owners themselves. The census shows 81.6 percent of land holdings are fully owned, 1 percent are fully rented, 0.2 percent are unidentified ownership and 16.8 percent are either partly owned, or rented or under other arrangements.

Of the total land operated by agriculture holdings, 2.12m hectares (95.6 percent) are used for agriculture, 80,700 hectares are covered by forest, 12,900 hectares are used for ponds, and the remaining 3,200 hectares are other land. The area of forest has increased by 46.9 percent and the area of ponds by more than three times in the last one decade. 

The majority of agricultural land, which amounted to 1.730m hectares is used for temporary crops which include paddy, maize, wheat, and vegetables while 145,400 hectares is used for permanent crops. In the past 10 years, the land used for temporary crops has decreased by 392,316 hectares, and for permanent crops by 23,093 hectares.

Of the total land used for temporary crops, 1.216m hectares is used for paddy plantation. However, there has been a 16 percent decrease in the area used for paddy plantation in the last decade. “The same trend is observed for maize and wheat,” says the census. However, the census has shown a significant increase in the area used for vegetable farming. The area for vegetable farming has increased to 107,700 hectares in 2021/22 from 84,400 hectares in 2011/12. 

While the government and the central bank have been prioritizing agriculture loans directing banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to lend 13 percent of their loans to the agriculture sector, the number of farmers availing such loans has decreased in the last 10 years. According to the census, only 12 percent of farmers have taken agri-loans from the BFIs in 2021/22, down from 22 percent in 2011/12. Of them, 39 percent have taken such loans from cooperatives.  

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