Nepal faces agricultural crisis as floods and landslides result in $6 billion loss
Nepal is grappling with a severe economic crisis following recent floods and landslides, which have resulted in an estimated $6 billion loss in agriculture and livestock. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, relentless rainfall has wreaked havoc across multiple agricultural sectors, raising urgent concerns about food security.
Paddy plantations have been particularly hard-hit, with 20 districts reporting significant damage. The situation is especially critical in Madhesh Pradesh, where floodwaters have destroyed paddy fields and fish ponds, threatening the region’s rice production for the year.
The devastating impact extends to livestock, with over 26,000 animals reported lost due to the flooding and landslides. This loss compounds the difficulties faced by farmers, many of whom are also struggling with substantial financial setbacks in the cultivation of crops like cardamom, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables.
In the wake of these disasters, there are increasing calls for the government and local agencies to take immediate action to support affected farmers and revitalize the agricultural sector. The economic fallout from this crisis highlights the pressing need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilience strategies to combat climate-related challenges in the future.
