 ICT as Enabler in Agriculture Nepal’s agricultural sector can benefit from early stage of ICT adoption in form of inclusive programs and community-based projects. Getting the commodity markets online can help farmers track prices in real-time, enabling better price for yield. Similarly, community centers with internet and media connection can help modern agricultural methods reach rural and hilly areas via tele-conferencing. Using common platforms for selling yield can help reduce distribution costs. There are similar inclusive technologies in place in Africa, India and Bangladesh which have enabled farmers to attain better yields and prices.  Capital Deepening Major investment and growth in ICT technologies has been observed to lead subsequent increase in workforce efficiency and lower equipment cost, resulting in overall capital savings in in long-run. This results in greater savings for further investment in other business or socio-economic areas.21 36.30 40 35 40 35 30 30 25.26 25 25 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 GDP Value in US$ billion Sector wise contribtuion to GDP, in US$ billion Projected GDP Growth DIgital Nepal, 0 2017 Services 2022 Industry Agriculture GDP ( current US$, billion) Investment for Digital Nepal Digital Nepal project will require a large-scale investment with an aggressive plan to achieve the desired benefits. World Bank mentions 10% increase in penetration of broadband to have impact of 1.19% on high-income economies and 1.35% on low- and middle-income economies. Similarly, a 10% increase in penetration of mobile devices is expected to have an impact of 0.21% and 0.40% for high-income and low- and middle-income economies respectively. Nepal’s current internet penetration at close to 60% is mostly 2G based, which needs to be replaced with 3G/4G and broadband fixed line connection in order to harness the benefits. Analysis of select economies estimates the required direct investment from Government to be close around US$350 million over 10 years. 22 The investment in next 5-years could be on higher proportion to facilitate the rapid build-up of basic infrastructure in form of fiber cables, telecom set-up, skilling and re-skilling, R&D, industry development, inclusion of rural areas into IT network and implementation of e-governance programs. A robust 21 22 What is the Impact of ICT on Economic Growth, The Write Pass Journal, December 2012 Frost and Sullivan analysis 29