Nepal's Agriculture Secretary Proposes Private Sector Role in Fertilizer Supply Amid Shortages

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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of Nepal's Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment, has proposed involving the private sector in fertilizer trading to alleviate supply issues, stating the state-controlled system exacerbates the problem. He attributed the current chemical fertilizer shortage to a global supply crisis, not the ministry, and assured efforts are underway to prevent shortages until July, with additional supply expected from India. The ministry is also working to make the distribution system farmer-friendly and increase monitoring to curb black marketing.

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have urged the government to ensure timely fertilizer arrangements for farmers during the planting season.
Some lawmakers suggested prioritizing domestic production of organic fertilizer as a long-term solution to shortages.
The agriculture sector's value-added growth has slowed to 1.58 percent due to drought and unseasonal rainfall, impacting rice production significantly.
Secretary Mishra indicated that the purchase act may need amendment to facilitate private sector involvement in fertilizer trading.
The ministry is increasing monitoring through local governments and cooperatives to prevent black marketing of fertilizers.

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Lawmakers draw government's attention, calling for adequate supply of fertiliser to farmers

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Drought and unseasonal rain hit agriculture sector, Value added growth falls to 1.58%

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Agriculture Ministry Secretary Suggests Private Sector Involvement in Fertilizer Supply

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Ministry of Forests and Environment Agricultural Inputs Company Limited Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra Government of India House of Representatives

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