Nepal sees highest chemical fertilizer import this year, says minister

Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary has stated that this year has seen the highest import of chemical fertilizers compared to previous years.

Speaking at an event in Khairahani, Chitwan on Saturday, Minister Chaudhary clarified that the government is continuously working to provide fertilizers to farmers in an easy and straightforward manner.

Minister Chaudhary acknowledged that although efforts were made to deliver fertilizers to farmers before the start of paddy planting this year, some technical and supply management issues prevented it from happening as planned.

She mentioned that the government is working tirelessly to identify countries from which fertilizers can be imported smoothly.

Highlighting new steps taken to ease supply management, Minister Chaudhary said, “From Shrawan 1, the import of a new ‘lot’ of fertilizers will begin, and the fertilizers have already reached the port.”

She also shared plans to create a ‘calendar’ (annual schedule) for the systematic distribution of fertilizers across the country in the coming days.

To achieve this, necessary coordination among local, provincial, and federal governments will be made to enhance the effectiveness of the distribution process.

Minister Chaudhary noted that with the expansion of farming systems, the demand for chemical fertilizers has increased rapidly, posing a challenge to maintain a balance between demand and supply.

However, she assured that the government is committed to supplying as per the demand and has launched a ‘toll-free number’ to immediately address farmers’ issues and complaints, providing them with convenient services.

Minister Chaudhary clarified that in the current fiscal year alone, the government has dispatched 550,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizers nationwide.