Experts express concern over declining pollination in Karnali

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 29: Agriculture experts and policymakers have expressed concern over the declining pollination rates in Karnali Province as it is increasing having its toll on agriculture production and livelihood. 

Speaking at a national workshop on pollinators and pollination, jointly organised by the Karnali Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives and Li-Bird, they emphasised the critical role of pollination in Nepal’s agricultural system. They warned that the recent decline in pollination poses a significant challenge to farming.

Karnali Province is working on strategies to address the decline in pollination and improve environmental sensitivity in agriculture. Efforts are underway to make Karnali a fully organic province, with plans that aim to balance agriculture and ecological sustainability. 

Based on these progresses, stakeholders remain hopeful that effective implementation of these initiatives will support both the region's farming sector and its ecological health.

Pollination is an ecosystem service crucial for biodiversity, ecology, food production and nutrition. Global economic value of pollination services is above US$ 800 billion which 

highlights its importance for global food security and economic prosperity, Executive Director of Li-Bird, Bharat Bhandari said. 

He cited international agreements aimed at pollinator conservation and said that the workshop's primary goal was to highlight the importance of pollinators and pollination. According to him, UN Biodiversity Conference 2016 and 13th Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Cancun of Mexico had recognised pollinators' contribution in Sustainable Development Goals and adopted an action plan for 2018-2030 with a goal to reverse the decline of pollinators by 2030. 

Statistics have shown that cultivation of pollinators-dependent crops such as apple, citrus, cardamom, avocado, mango and kiwi has increased 3.7 times faster than non-pollinator dependent crops during the period of 2001-2018. 

Bhandari identified several factors contributing to the decline in pollinators, including climate change, intensive farming practices, excessive pesticide use, and the destruction of forests and grasslands. 

He also noted the dwindling number of wild bees and stressed the need for a sustainable approach to pollinator management. He called for immediate action to address climate and environmental crises and urged greater coordination in pollinator conservation efforts.

Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, stressed the need for strategic measures to improve agriculture and livestock development in Karnali Province. 

“Agriculture and livestock should be prioritised in Karnali. We must implement plans effectively at the grassroots level,” Mishra said while calling for collective efforts to ensure sustainable development in the region’s ecology and agriculture.

Professor Rishi Ram Kattel of Agriculture and Forest University, suggested to create a long-term strategy at least covering a period of 15 to 20 years. 

"But there have been more talks than actions. We need a long-term strategy and policy and action plans should be formulated to achieve that strategy," he said. 

He stressed greater collaboration and cooperation among the MoALD, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and concerned departments and provincial agencies to achieve the goal.