Circular Economy and its Prospects in Nepalese Agriculture

Abstract

‘Circular economy‘ in agriculture centres on the production of agricultural commodities using a minimal amount of external inputs, closing nutrient loops and reducing negative discharges to the environment (in the form of wastes and emissions). This can be achieved through the (re)design of maintenance, repair, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recycling. Under the principles of CE, products and materials approaching their end-of-life stage can be regenerated or restored or replaced. Circular agriculture is aimed at closing the loop of materials and substances, and reducing both resource use and discharges into the environment. New measures like environmental taxes, insurance for liability resulting from environmental damage, cap and trade system and environmental labelling can be explored to promote transition of a current linear model to a circular one. The circular economy in Nepal is in infant stage and there is plenty of works to be done in this sector. The results of the paper will be instrumental for the transition of Nepalese agricultural sector to a more circular one.