Nepal seeks urgent fertiliser imports from India ahead of paddy season

Nepal's agricultural sector faces a critical juncture as the nation scrambles to secure vital fertilizer supplies for the upcoming paddy season. The Kathmandu Post highlights the government's urgent move to procure chemical fertilizer from India, a crucial step driven by anxieties over global supply chain disruptions exacerbated by the conflict in West Asia. This reliance on imports, particularly from the Persian Gulf, leaves Nepal vulnerable to international market volatility.

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We are expecting the price list this week.

The approval of a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement with India's Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers Limited signals the gravity of the situation. While the initial plan was for a larger quantity, budget constraints have reduced the immediate procurement to 80,000 tonnes of urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). This one-time purchase, under a 2022 bilateral agreement, is intended to meet the demand during the top-dressing phase of paddy cultivation, a critical period for crop development.

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After receiving the price, we will review the rates and formally place the order.

The urgency stems from the fact that Nepal requires approximately 250,000 tonnes of fertilizer for the paddy season alone. With existing stock and pending contracts falling short, and the lengthy process of global tenders, the government is prioritizing a swift supply from India. The potential supply gap poses a significant threat to crop yields, farm incomes, and Nepal's food security, given that rice is a staple food for a majority of the population. The article underscores how geopolitical tensions have inflated global prices, diminishing Nepal's purchasing power and highlighting the delicate balance of its agricultural economy.

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But since it’s an emergency, we have requested a shorter delivery period.