Bhawani Rana Calls for Youth Participation and Modern Agriculture to Drive Nepal’s Green Economy

Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Bhawani Rana has emphasized the need to modernize Nepal’s agriculture sector and increase youth participation to achieve sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient economic growth.

Rana said Nepal can transform agriculture into a modern business and employment-generating sector by integrating technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, finance and market access.

Her remarks highlight the growing importance of agriculture modernization, youth entrepreneurship and green economic development as Nepal seeks to reduce dependence on traditional production systems and create more domestic employment opportunities.

Youth Participation Can Transform Nepal’s Agriculture

A significant portion of Nepal’s population remains directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. However, traditional farming practices, limited access to technology, uncertain markets, inadequate investment and the migration of young people abroad continue to create challenges for the sector.

Rana argued that agriculture should no longer be viewed only as a means of subsistence. Instead, it should be developed as a modern commercial sector capable of creating jobs, businesses and investment opportunities.

According to her, connecting young people with modern agricultural technology, training, finance and markets could make agriculture an attractive career and entrepreneurial opportunity.

“Modern technology, innovation and entrepreneurship can turn agriculture from a sector where young people seek jobs into a sector where they create jobs.”

This approach could also contribute to building a more production-oriented economy in Nepal.

Technology and Innovation Are Key to Agricultural Modernization

Modernizing agriculture requires more than increasing production. Rana has stressed the importance of improving the entire agricultural value chain.

This includes:

• Agricultural production
• Food processing
• Storage and warehousing
• Transportation
• Market access
• Product branding
• Commercial distribution
• Agricultural technology
• Digital market platforms

Connecting farmers with industries and consumers can increase the value of agricultural products while potentially improving farmers’ income and reducing Nepal’s dependence on imported goods.

For Nepal, agricultural technology and innovation could therefore become important components of long-term economic development.

Climate Change Is Increasing Agricultural Risks

Nepal’s agriculture sector is increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change.

Irregular rainfall, floods, landslides, drought, rising temperatures and changes in water availability can affect agricultural production and farmers’ income.

Rana emphasized that Nepal cannot build a sustainable agricultural sector while ignoring climate-related risks.

She called for greater emphasis on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable production systems, soil conservation, water management and biodiversity protection.

Agricultural policies, therefore, need to incorporate both productivity and climate resilience.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Can Support Sustainable Growth

Farmers can potentially reduce climate-related risks through appropriate technologies and production methods.

Examples include:

• Crops requiring less water
• Improved irrigation systems
• Soil fertility management
• Water conservation
• Sustainable farming techniques
• Environmentally friendly production
• Climate-resilient crop varieties
• Better agricultural information systems

Such measures can help Nepal move toward a more resilient agricultural economy while protecting natural resources.

Finance and Market Access Are Essential for Young Entrepreneurs

Rana also emphasized that simply creating employment opportunities will not be enough to attract young people to agriculture.

Young entrepreneurs need access to:

• Affordable finance
• Agricultural technology
• Business training
• Skilled manpower
• Market information
• Supply-chain networks
• Infrastructure
• Government support
• Private-sector investment

A stronger ecosystem could encourage young people to establish agricultural businesses rather than leaving Nepal in search of employment.

Private Sector Can Play a Major Role

The development of Nepal’s green economy will require cooperation between the government, private sector and financial institutions.

The government can provide appropriate policies, incentives and infrastructure, while private businesses can contribute investment, technology, innovation and market development.

Financial institutions can also play an important role by improving access to credit for agricultural entrepreneurs and businesses adopting climate-friendly technologies.

A coordinated approach could help connect agriculture, technology, green finance, entrepreneurship and climate resilience.

Green Economy Creates New Investment Opportunities

The transition toward a green economy is not only an environmental issue. It can also create new business and investment opportunities.

Potential areas include:

• Renewable energy
• Sustainable agriculture
• Agricultural processing
• Green finance
• Electric mobility
• Waste management
• Climate technology
• Sustainable tourism
• Water management
• Environmentally friendly industries

For investors and entrepreneurs, these emerging sectors could become increasingly important as Nepal focuses on sustainable economic development.

What Nepal Needs for Agricultural Transformation

Nepal’s agricultural transformation will require a long-term strategy rather than isolated programs.

Key priorities should include:

1. Modern agricultural technology
2. Youth entrepreneurship
3. Better access to agricultural finance
4. Reliable agricultural markets
5. Improved infrastructure
6. Climate-resilient farming
7. Agricultural research and innovation
8. Private-sector investment
9. Better processing and storage facilities
10. Stronger links between farmers and industries

These measures can help move agriculture from a largely traditional activity toward a competitive commercial sector.

Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Nepal’s Economic Future

Bhawani Rana’s emphasis on youth participation reflects a broader challenge facing Nepal: how to create productive domestic employment and investment opportunities for a growing working-age population.

If young entrepreneurs can access technology, capital, training and markets, agriculture could become an important source of employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

At the same time, integrating climate resilience into agricultural development will be critical for protecting Nepal’s food production and rural economy.

For investors and business professionals, understanding Nepal’s economic transformation, financial markets and emerging sectors is increasingly important.

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Conclusion

Nepal has significant potential to transform agriculture into a modern, technology-driven and environmentally sustainable business sector.

As highlighted by Bhawani Rana, achieving this transformation will require stronger youth participation, agricultural innovation, access to finance, market connectivity and cooperation between the government and private sector.

The combination of modern agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, green finance and climate resilience could play an important role in Nepal’s long-term economic development.

For business owners, entrepreneurs and investors, the emerging green economy may also create new opportunities across agriculture, technology, finance and sustainable industries.