PM Oli directs Agriculture Ministry for timely availability of chemical fertilizer

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 13: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ram Nath Adhikari, met with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today to update him on the progress and challenges faced by the ministry in implementing various agricultural initiatives.

During the meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Minister Adhikari discussed several key issues, including the stock of chemical fertilizers, the Agriculture Investment Decade (2081-2091), the National Agriculture Policy and Agriculture Bill, the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, the restructuring of the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, grants to sugarcane farmers, and the provision of subsidized agricultural loans.

Prime Minister Oli emphasized the need to eliminate difficulties faced by farmers and instructed the ministry to ensure the smooth, transparent, and efficient supply and distribution of chemical fertilizers. He also called for preparations to establish a domestic fertilizer industry and suggested prioritizing the use of organic manure.

Additionally, the Prime Minister urged the timely announcement of tenders for chemical fertilizers and emphasized the need for prompt distribution—within 10 days in the Tarai region and 15 days in hilly areas after the fertilizer arrives.

According to the ministry, an annual budget of Rs 27.95 billion has been allocated to purchase 550,000 metric tonnes of chemical fertilizers. So far, 240,000 metric tonnes have been imported, and 263,000 metric tonnes, including last year's stock, have been sold. An additional 30,000 metric tonnes of urea fertilizer is currently in the import process. The ministry highlighted challenges related to the legal provision requiring a 45-day period for global tenders.

The meeting also included discussions about organizing the upcoming BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture, scheduled for April 8-9 in Kathmandu. Prime Minister Oli encouraged the ministry to actively participate in the forum, aiming to enhance multi-regional economic collaboration and contribute to Nepal's prosperity.

He also suggested removing the term "Prime Minister" from the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project to promote institutional ownership.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Chief Secretary Eak Narayan Aryal, and Agriculture Ministry Secretaries Dr. Govinda Sharma and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra were also present at the meeting.

 

 

 

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