Food security is a major challenge in Asia and the Pacific, with the region having the highest number of people facing acute food insecurity globally. Rising rice prices, exacerbated by climate change impacts like floods and droughts, are eroding the purchasing power of people in the region, particularly poor families. The region's food systems are vulnerable and fragile, with many ecosystems degraded beyond repair. To address these challenges, investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as cold storage and rural connectivity, are crucial. Furthermore, improving access to healthy and nutritious food through nutrition education, food fortification, and diversification is essential.
India - India Food Price Dashboard
India is a major rice exporter, becoming the world's largest in 2014/15. India's rice exports have increased significantly since 2010, rising by 20 million tons. India is a key supplier of rice to several important markets in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. India's recent export bans on rice have raised concerns about food security in the BIMSTEC region, which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. These bans were lifted in September 2024 but have also disrupted global markets and increased rice prices.
Nepal - Nepal Agricultural Systems dashboard
Nepal is a country located in South Asia, bordering India and China. Nepal's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with two-thirds of the population dependent on it. However, Nepal imports billions of rupees worth of food grains from other countries. Nepal has been a significant exporter of edible oils to India, taking advantage of duty-free benefits under trade agreements. However, India's recent tariff adjustments have led to a decrease in edible oil imports from Nepal.