In the face of climate change, effective utilization of its rich agrobiodiversity, which include not only conservation of resources but also promotion of their sustainable use to enhance livelihood and national prosperity. As climate change continues to threaten agriculture and food systems, it is essential to make full use of our country’s rich agrobiodiversity.
This doesn’t only mean protecting traditional crops, native animals, and plant species, but also using them in ways that benefit both people and the environment. These resources can help farmers cope with extreme weather, poor soil, and new pests. By using agrobiodiversity wisely, we can improve food security, create more jobs in rural areas, and support the economy. It also helps keep local knowledge and traditions alive. In short, agrobiodiversity is not just a natural resource—it’s a powerful tool for building a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous future.
From the high Himalayas to fertile Terai
Nepal’s diverse geography has not only gifted us a myriad of plant species, indigenous crops, wild edibles and native’s livestock breeds but also are climate resilient solutions. “From the towering peaks of the High Himalayas to the lush plains of the Terai, Nepal’s diverse landscape has blessed the country with a rich variety of plant species, traditional crops, wild edible plants, and native livestock breeds. These natural resources are more than just part of our heritage—they hold the key to climate resilience. Many of these indigenous species have adapted over generations to survive in harsh and changing environments, making them valuable assets in the face of increasing climate challenges. By recognizing, conserving, and wisely using this biodiversity, Nepal can build stronger food systems, support rural livelihoods, and develop sustainable solutions tailored to its unique geography.”
Traditional to commercial farming
Unfortunately, our Agri-system rapidly change from traditional to commercial farming, which was necessary, but it cannot come at the expense of ecological and cultural erosion. We must have to balance, honoring innovation while protecting our biological resources, where many of them are beings pushed to margins of erosions. We generally rush toward hybrid seeds and commercial farming, without protecting our native seeds, has offered short term gains but left long term vulnerabilities. As traditional varieties disappear, we loose genetic diversity which is needed to withstand this erratic weather, pest and shifting ecological patterns.
That’s why, agrobiodiversity must need to take center stage of discourse for Agri-system development in Nepal. Indigenous crops—such as millet, buckwheat, beans, and native rice varieties- which demand fewer external inputs and often carry higher nutritional value. Wild and traditional plants also offer untapped medicinal, culinary, and commercial potential —are better suited but are at vulnerable condition.
Why promoting agrobiodiversity?
Promoting agrobiodiversity is not only about preservation but also about progress and sustainable utilization and management. Supporting local crops always stimulate local economics, green jobs and promoting indigenous knowledge of different ethnic groups. Our agricultural policy incorporates agrobiodiversity but there is lack of effective implementation which hinder process to t enhance food sovereignty, reduce dependency on costly imports and make our own food system more just and sustainable
Seed Bank: Best way to manage agrobiodiversity
Seed Bank provides a practical model for conserving and utilizing our resources. These community run institution ensure that small holders and marginal farmers have proper access to native seeds during shortage and crop failure
Right now, Nepal and Nepali need to focus on its own field and forest, if it is to address the climatic disaster, must guarantee food security and enhance rural livelihoods. Agrobiodiversity is way of survival and prosperity, not only emotional concept.
The seeds of our future are already in our hands. It’s time we start germinate them.
