Nepal spent Rs 49.83 billion importing chemical fertilizers in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, yet farmers struggle to access supplies during the peak rice transplanting season. According to data from the Department of Customs reported by myRepublica, imports included over Rs 35 billion in urea and significant amounts of DAP and potash.
The Ministry of Agriculture estimates an annual requirement of 700,000 metric tons. Despite allocating over Rs 30 billion for subsidies through state-owned entities, farmers often encounter empty warehouses or delayed deliveries when demand peaks.
Stakeholders attribute the persistent scarcity to weak supply management, delayed international tenders, and transport bottlenecks. Rising international prices and dollar fluctuations have further increased import costs. Discussions regarding domestic fertilizer production have stalled due to high investment costs and raw material uncertainties.
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