Sign in Subscribe
Agricultural industry

Access to Water Crucial for Nepal's Agricultural Transformation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Kathmandu -- Access to water is critical for transformative changes in Nepal's agricultural and food system, according to Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka. He emphasized that water is essential not only for drinking and sanitation purposes but also for improving people's living standards by strengthening agricultural extension services. The Minister highlighted the need for a transformational shift in irrigation and water management to assist farmers in increasing production and utilizing advanced technology in agricultural activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Minister Deepak Khadka underscored the importance of water access for agricultural transformation in Nepal, citing its role in improving living standards and agricultural productivity.
  • The Irrigation Policy -2080 BS aims to promote the use of appropriate technology, ensure year-round water supply, and encourage local participation in irrigation management.
  • Secretary Sarita Dawadi emphasized the need for collaboration between irrigation and agricultural sectors to assess the significance of water in agri-food system transformations.
  • Secretary Dr. Gobinda Prasad Sharma called for additional collaborations to find and implement strategies for increasing agricultural productivity through proper water utilization.
  • The seminar aims to explore the critical role of water in ensuring sustainable agricultural growth, food security, and equitable development.
  • The national irrigation directorate is responsible for implementing the conclusions of the seminar.

Statistics:

  • 13 organizations, including the Department of Water Resources, ICID, and CGIAR, are co-hosting the seminar.
  • 6 speakers, including Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission Prof. Dr. Shivaraj Adhikari, presented their working papers on various topics related to irrigation and agriculture.
  • The Irrigation Policy -2080 BS aims to ensure round-the-year water supply through coordinated efforts with local communities.
  • The seminar will focus on policies and practices that interconnect water, agricultural production, and food security.
  • The Sustainable Development Goals to be discussed at the seminar include Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Sources:

  • [Minister Deepak Khadka, Irrigation Seminar 2025]
  • [International Water Management Institute]
  • [ICID (International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage)]
  • [Department of Water Resources]
  • [CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research)]
  • [National Planning Commission, Nepal]
  • [Beware that no publication date or timestamp appears for any of the sources mentioned in the provided text.]

Read more