Agriculture is the major sector of Nepalese economy. It provides employment opportunities to 66 percent of the total population and contributes about 36 percent in the GDP.Therefore, the development of agriculture sector is key for the development of national economy. The ministry bears overall responsibility for the growth and development of agriculture sector.
Honorable Minister for agriculture and cooperatives holds the overall charge of the Ministry and the secretary is the administrative head and the chief adviser to the Minister on policy, planning and administration. The Ministry is the central apex body of Government of Nepal to look after the agriculture and allied fields. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives consists of five divisions, two centers, one research and development council, four departments, four projects and autonomous bodies of one research council, four corporations and a few development committees and boards.