Sixth Nepal Agritech Expo Set to Transform Farming Landscape

The "Sixth Nepal Agritech Expo", an international exhibition aimed at the overall development of Nepal's agricultural sector, will be jointly organized by Media Space Solutions Pvt. Ltd and Futurex Trade Fair & Events Pvt. Ltd. This B2B meeting platform for agribusiness, focusing on agriculture, farm machinery, dairy, aquaculture, fisheries, poultry, livestock, food, beverages, and related technologies, will take place at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu from January 26-28, 2024 (Magh 12-14).

Featuring over 100 stalls by domestic and international agricultural companies, the Nepal Agritech International Expo will be inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal. It is being supported by the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project as a promoting partner, Muktinath Krishi Company as an agriculture partner, and collaborative organizations including the Municipal Association of Nepal, National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal, National Farmers Group Federation, and Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Ltd.

The exhibition aims to create an international meeting point in Nepal for all stakeholders across the agricultural sector, promoting commercialization and modernization through technology adoption. Organizers expect entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and representatives of various agricultural organizations nationwide to attend, fostering curiosity and promoting modern technologies.

To address challenges faced by farmers, seminars by experts on various agricultural topics will provide information on techniques and aspects of farming to attendees across the country.

With free entry, the expo will showcase modern tools, equipment, and technologies being adopted nationally and globally to make agriculture more accessible and efficient. The organizing companies aim to contribute to technological advancement and mechanization of Nepal's agricultural sector through this event, ultimately boosting self-reliance in agricultural production.

By highlighting the latest technologies and services, the exhibition is expected to aid the identification and promotion of innovations for the modernization and commercialization of Nepal's agricultural industry.

Brief Analysis: Agriculture in Nepal

Nepal is heavily reliant on agriculture, with the livelihoods of a majority of the population tied to farming. As per the latest National Sample Census of Agriculture 2021/22 by Nepal's National Statistics Office, around 62% of households are engaged in agricultural activities including livestock husbandry. This indicates nearly two-thirds of Nepal's population, approximately 17.4 million people, are directly involved in the agriculture sector. Agriculture contributes about 27% to the national GDP.

However, agricultural productivity in Nepal continues to remain low due to various challenges. Small landholdings prevent economies of scale. Lack of access to modern technology like improved seeds, farm machinery, and precision agriculture limits productivity. Inadequate irrigation infrastructure makes farmers dependent on seasonal rainfall. And poor market linkages hamper commercialization and competitiveness.

In this context, exhibitions like the Nepal Agritech Expo offer significant benefits:

• They provide a platform for farmers and agribusinesses to interact directly with technology companies, enabling technology transfer and mechanization. Adopting new techniques like greenhouse farming and farm mechanization can directly boost yields.
• Seminars and workshops at the expo facilitate knowledge sharing on the latest farming methods, technologies, and best practices. This is crucial for smallholder farmers with limited exposure.
• Business networking and B2B engagement promotes commercialization. Agribusinesses can explore partnerships and export opportunities.
• Showcasing innovations spur entrepreneurship and growth of agritech startups tailored to Nepali needs.
• Exposure to global technologies and standards enhances competitiveness, important given Nepal's LDC graduation target.
• Interaction with policymakers can shape supportive policies and regulations for agricultural modernization.

Therefore, platforms like the Agritech Expo can catalyze technology adoption, productivity growth, commercialization, and modernization across Nepal's vitally important agricultural sector.

Overall, the Agritech Expo can accelerate much-needed technology adoption, productivity growth, commercialization, and modernization of agriculture in Nepal. As a major employer and economic contributor, a vibrant agriculture industry will be key to Nepal's growth and prosperity.