Page 116 - Health, Population and Environment Education 10

iv. Agricultural Diversity
Due to the variation in the land topography of Nepal, the ways of cultivation and the
production of crops are found to be different. A total of 153 species of different crops have
been recorded under cultivation. There are 92 species of cereals that include 42 species of
rice, 26 species of wheat and 15 species of maize. Among them 10 species are the major
food crops. Along with the agricultural crops, different types of weeds are also found
in the agricultural land. There are 364 species of such weeds in Nepal. Out of 500 edible
plants of Nepal, 200 species are cultivated here. Commercial cultivation of 100 varieties
of 15 major fruits, 200 varieties of vegetables and about 10 varieties of potatoes are found
in Nepal.

Similarly, there are 24 breeds of indigenous genotypes of cattle, goat, and sheep. In
comparison to the plant species, the animal species are comparatively less. So, they need
proper care for their conservation.

Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is very essential for the existence of human beings on the earth. Human
development and biodiversity are interrelated with each other. The importance of
biodiversity is connected with food and habitat, lifestyle, social and economic activities of
human beings. It also helps to regulate natural cycles like water cycle, gaseous cycle, flow
of energy, etc. which are required for the survival of living organisms. Biodiversity can
be taken as the sources of various resources needed for the people. Its importances can be
explained briefly as follows:

a. Agricultural Products
Agriculture includes the cultivation of plants/crops as well as production of animals.
Different types of agricultural productions like paddy, maize, wheat, green leafy
vegetables, fruits, meat, milk, cheese, curd, etc. are used by people. These crops were
available in the wild state in the beginning. People started to select the best seeds and
plants and cultivated them in the form of useful plants later. Similar is the case of animals
and birds. This led to the development of agriculture. To select and produce crops,
vegetables, fruits, birds, animals, etc of better quality, biodiversity is important.

b. Animal Production
Animal production like milk, meat, ghee, curd, etc. are necessary for human beings. The
birds and animals are the beauty of nature. Some animals like horse, camel, donkey, yak,
etc. are used for transportation. Oxen are used for ploughing the field and dogs are used
for security. Similarly, raw materials like bone, skin, hair, wool, leather, etc. to make bags,
clothes, decorative materials, etc. are derived from animals and birds. Different types of
medicines, perfumes, etc. are obtained from birds and animals.

c. Vegetative Productions
Fruits, flowers, timbers, clothes, etc. are obtained from plants and trees. These are also the
sources of furniture, herbs, paper, medicinal herbs, fruits, vegetables, etc. We won’t be able
to get many valuable good from different kinds of plants and trees without biodiversity.
116 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10