July 27: Farmers are still not getting chemical fertilizers on time as the government has not prioritized establishment of fertilizer plant. 

As a result, billions of rupees are spent every year to import fertilizers.

According to the data of the Department of Customs, more than Rs 113.90 billion have been spent for importing fertilizer in the last five years. In the fiscal year (FY) 2022/23 alone, Nepal imported 426,007 metric tons of chemical fertilizers worth Rs 40.65 billion.

According to the data of the Department of Agriculture, 88 percent of plantation has been completed across the country as of July 21. In the same period last year, 65 percent plantation was completed.

However, plantation of paddy has been reduced by 12 percent this year compared to last year.

According to the department, lack of chemical fertilizers was considered as the reason behind the delay in planting in the past but there is no shortage this time.

This year, paddy plantation has been reduced mainly because of the delay in the onset of monsoon in Madhesh, Koshi and Bagmati provinces.

Also, the outbreak of the lumpy skin disease in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces has also affected planting this year because the disease has affected cattle used for ploughing.

However, paddy plantation is expected to gradually increase when the monsoon becomes more active and the availability of chemical fertilizers is ensured.

According to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture, two state-owned companies – Agricultural Inputs Company Limited and Salt Trading Corporation – have imported 376,874 metric tons of chemical fertilizers as of July 16. Currently, these two companies have a stock of 64,413 metric tons of chemical fertilizers.

These two companies sold 342,462 metric tons of chemical fertilizers in the last fiscal year (FY 2022/23).