Page 287 - 9 teachers social book 9 @ 2077 ctp_Neat

Importance of Agriculture in Nepal

Agriculture is the primary occupation for all the human beings. Its dependency is
higher in developing countries than the developed countries. So that in terms of
economy also its importance is high in developing countries like Nepal. Some of the
importance of agriculture are given below:

1. Agriculture is the source of foodstuffs not only for the human being but also for
the cattle.
2. It is the main source of national income.

3. The necessary raw materials for the agro-based industries are supplied from
agriculture.

4. The exported agricultural products help to earn foreign currencies.
5. It provides employment to the people.
6. It is the backbone of nation’s economy.

Effort Made by Government

Agriculture is given due priority since the first Five-year Plant (BS 2013). As it is the
primary occupation of the people the growth and development of agriculture is very
essential. So, the government is also bringing a new strategy to develop agriculture.
The traditional way of agriculture is not able to meet the increasing demand of
agricultural products. So, the government of Nepal is going to initiate a long term plan
called “20 years strategies for Agriculture Development” for scientific development of
agriculture. It is very soon launching “patent right” to the farmers. The government
has also launched the programme of “one Village, One Product” for increasing yield
of agriculture for commercial purpose. With the initiation of the government, efforts
are made to provide improved seeds, agricultural tools, insecticides, pesticides, JTA
in agricultural centres, soil testing, crop rotation, easy loan to the farmers, etc. It
is also committed to the farmers to extend old markets, search new markets and
develop transportation and other required facilities for agricultural development.
Hopefully, after the completion of Mid-hill Highway, many districts in the hilly region
get benefits to develop agriculture.

Scope in Agriculture in Nepal

The diverse land features and diverse climate and varieties of soil are responsible to
grow a variety of crops in different parts of the country. The grasslands and meadows
in hills and mountains serve a lot for cattle rearing.

Agriculture is not limited to the growing crops only. It has great scope to develop
Sericulture (rearing silkworms), Horticulture (growing of fruits and vegetables),
Floriculture (growing of flowers), Pisciculture (farming of fish), Apiculture (bee-
keeping) and Poultry farming from where farmers get extra benefits. The Terai has
fertile land. So, it is suitable for growing food crops as well as cash crops. Hills are

287 Dynamic Social Studies - Book IX