ROME: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has called on multinational companies around the world to make direct foreign investment in Nepal’s agricultural sector.

Addressing a high-level session on agriculture and food systems organized as part of the 44th General Conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Minister Rana emphasized the potential for global markets to benefit from Nepal’s unique and indigenous agricultural products.

She stated, “In line with the government’s policy of increasing private sector engagement in agriculture, large private companies have begun investing. However, due to the lack of large-scale investment and modernization, Nepal has not been able to export agricultural products in significant quantities despite immense potential. We urgently need substantial foreign investment in this sector.”

Minister Rana highlighted Nepal’s ongoing efforts to modernize and scientifically advance agriculture through international cooperation, innovation, use of AI, and technologies like drones.

She noted that farming in Nepal is still seen as a low-status profession, hindering its transformation into a modern and export-oriented industry.

As the former Chairperson of Parliament’s Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee, Rana recalled that people questioned her decision to lead the committee, reflecting the social stigma still associated with agriculture.

“Even today, we have not been able to change the social image of farmers,” she said. “Agriculture needs to be made a dignified and attractive profession.”

She also pointed out that although 83% of Nepal’s land comprises hills and mountains, with fragmented land plots making farming difficult, agriculture remains deeply connected to Nepal’s vision for a self-reliant economy and poverty reduction.

Dr. Rana further noted that remittances, which contribute around 35% to Nepal’s GDP, are the country’s biggest income source, with agriculture contributing about 23%, making it the second-largest contributor. Yet, it still remains the primary source of employment for nearly 80% of the population.

Minister Rana also raised concern over the growing impact of climate change on agriculture, which poses serious challenges for Nepal.