The Economy of Nepal
Farming, Cardamom and the Terai
Most Nepalis farm small plots, growing rice, wheat and maize, and cash crops like cardamom, tea, ginger and lentils.
Farming is changing as people leave.
Staple crops
Rice, maize, wheat and millet feed households.
Cash crops
Large cardamom, tea, ginger and lentil sectors earn exports.
Migration effect
As young men go abroad, farms face labour shortages and land is left fallow.
Food imports
Nepal now imports significant amounts of rice and vegetables despite its farming base.
An empty village
In some hill villages, only elders and children remain while workers are abroad.
Assuming an agricultural country feeds itself
Nepal imports much food.
Key takeaways
- Rice and maize are staples.
- Cardamom is a key export.
- Migration leaves farms short of labour.
- Food imports are rising.
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