India is set to send fertilisers to Nepal under a government-to-government deal to aid the country during the paddy cultivation phase. Nepal requested pricing details from India’s Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers Limited following approval from its Cabinet on May 4. The shipment, including urea and di-ammonium phosphate, aims to address Nepal’s fertiliser shortage amid global supply disruptions.
Joint Secretary Ram Krishna Shrestha confirmed that the delivery is expected within 120 days after payment, with efforts to expedite the process due to the emergency situation. The procurement plan, approved by Nepal’s government, involves purchasing 80,000 tonnes of chemical fertiliser from India. Despite initial plans for 150,000 tonnes, the volume was reduced due to budget constraints.
Nepal, heavily reliant on fertiliser imports, faces challenges due to rising global prices and supply chain uncertainties. The country’s agriculture sector, particularly during the paddy plantation season, requires substantial fertiliser inputs. The government has allocated significant subsidies for fertiliser imports to meet the demand and support crop yields.
