Costly fuel adds to farmers’ woes

The ripple effects of the ongoing West Asia conflict are keenly felt across Nepal's agrarian heartlands, with a significant surge in petroleum prices placing immense pressure on farmers and rural economies. This escalation in fuel costs is directly translating into higher production expenses, squeezing the livelihoods of those who form the backbone of our nation's food security.

Farmers, contractors, and small-scale entrepreneurs are finding it increasingly challenging to operate the machinery vital for both agricultural tasks and essential infrastructure development. The situation is particularly dire as dry conditions necessitate a heavy reliance on diesel-powered pump-sets for irrigation, a cost that has become unsustainable for many. With wheat harvesting underway and the crucial pre-monsoon rice crop nearing maturity, the timing of this price hike adds a layer of financial burden to what should be a period of productivity.

In regions like Bardiya, the diesel price hike to Rs234.5 per litre is described as unsustainable by many farmers. For those without access to canal irrigation or electricity, the dependence on diesel pumps is absolute. Meghnath Godiya from Gulariya Municipality highlighted that harvesting costs have escalated dramatically, with machine operators charging significantly more. He voiced concerns that if diesel prices remain high, the next planting season will bring severe hardship.

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I paid Rs8,000 per bigha [20 kattha= 72,900 square feet] to machine operators. The next planting season is approaching, and if diesel prices remain high, farmers will face serious hardship.

Ratan Lal Tharu of Thakurbaba Municipality noted that the shift towards mechanized farming has made farmers more vulnerable to fuel price volatility. He explained that the cost of harvesting wheat has increased substantially compared to last year due to higher diesel prices, compounded by the government's low support price for wheat. Even in areas with canal systems, maintenance issues have forced reliance on diesel pumps, increasing expenses for various crops.

In the hill districts like Palpa, farmers face similar pressures, often compounded by limited access to infrastructure and markets. The struggle is real, and the current economic climate, influenced by global events, is disproportionately affecting our agricultural sector. The government must consider measures to support these farmers who are vital to Nepal's sustenance.

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We used a power tiller for cutting and a tractor for threshing. Because of the diesel price hike, harvesting wheat costs much more than last year. On top of that, the government has set a low support price for wheat.