Kathmandu: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, acknowledged that the current budget for grants on chemical fertilizers is insufficient, leading to a nationwide shortage of these essential agricultural inputs. The admission was made during a meeting of the Committee on Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance under the National Assembly.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Adhikari emphasized that the inadequacy of grants is the primary reason behind the fertilizer shortage. Despite these challenges, the ministry is actively working to ensure the timely supply of fertilizers from the limited grants available. Minister Adhikari noted that the ministry previously allocated Rs 87 billion from a total of Rs 501 billion under a five-year agricultural grant and is conducting a detailed study to identify the recipients of these grants.
Furthermore, Minister Adhikari disclosed that discussions are underway with relevant stakeholders to reduce the use of chemicals in agricultural products. In a related development, an executive director has recently been appointed to the Nepal Agricultural Research Council to support these efforts.
Committee Chair Kamala Panta highlighted the urgency of the situation by stating that the committee engaged in discussions with the Minister to address farmers’ complaints regarding the insufficiency of chemical fertilizers, especially as they prepare for paddy cultivation. The committee has directed the Minister, as well as provincial and local governments, to take necessary measures to ensure a steady supply of chemical fertilizers to meet the demands of the agricultural sector.