Govt to import additional 210,000 metric tonnes of chemical fertilisers to ease distribution

KATHMANDU: The government will import an additional 210,000 metric tonnes of chemical fertilisers within a month to ease the distribution system, Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press meet at the ministry, Minister Chaudhary said information gathered from across the country on fertiliser supply, the distribution system and farmers’ complaints had been taken into account. She said the government had intensified action to curb artificial shortages, black‑marketing and excessive intermediary activity.

“We have prioritised immediately handling farmers' grievances, instructing the concerned agencies and resolving the issues,” the minister said.

Chaudhary reported that Agricultural Inputs Company Limited sold 53,716 metric tonnes of chemical fertilisers and the Salt Trading Corporation sold 35,478 metric tonnes in the past four months. She added that the two state companies had issued notices to import 350,000 metric tonnes of chemical fertilisers since mid‑March, including 50,000 tonnes under a government‑to‑government arrangement.

Ministry Secretary Rajendra Prasad Mishra said all sugarcane farmers who were owed payments would receive the full cash for their sales within a few days.

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