Abstract

Sustainable agriculture lies at the heart of global efforts to ensure food security, reduce environmental pressure, and promote responsible consumption. As countries work toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)—the demand for timely, reliable, and integrated agricultural statistics has grown significantly. This paper presents an overview of Nepal’s approach to monitoring sustainable agriculture production and consumption, with a focus on statistical methodologies, data sources, and institutional practices. Drawing on experiences from recent agricultural and livestock surveys, the study examines how data on input use (fertilizers, pesticides, water), organic farming, food losses, and local consumption patterns are collected, processed, and analyzed to inform policy and program design. The paper identifies key challenges such as data gaps in environmental indicators, limited frequency of relevant surveys, and coordination between stakeholders. It also highlights opportunities for improvement through the adoption of international statistical frameworks, integration of administrative and geospatial data, and capacity building in sustainable agriculture measurement. Furthermore, the paper discusses how Nepal’s national statistical system is aligning with the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS) and the FAO guidelines for monitoring SDG indicator 2.4.1 on sustainable agriculture. It also considers how better statistics can support climate-resilient and resource-efficient agricultural practices. This study is relevant for national and international statistical agencies, researchers, and policymakers seeking to enhance the role of data in the transition to sustainable food systems. It calls for greater investment in methodology, technology, and inter-agency collaboration to ensure agricultural statistics are fit for the future.