‘Chemical fertilizers to be distributed on scientific bases’

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment is set to distribute chemical fertilisers to farmers on scientific grounds.

The Ministry is distributing fertilisers based on the ratio of their cultivable land area and production to avoid shortages of chemical fertilisers. As reported, we have about 145,000 metric tons of chemical fertilisers.

A total of 4,585 metric tons was being imported via surface route. In view of paddy plantation, a process has been initiated to swiftly import an additional 40,000 metric tons of fertilisers, including urea and DAP, Information Officer at the Ministry, Lalkumar Shrestha said.

While selling fertiliser to farmers, a scientific distribution system will be adopted through depots, he added. Farmers have been urged to purchase fertilisers only from official depots to facilitate supply and make distribution arrangements effective, as fertiliser is stocked in various depots of the Krishi Samagri Sansthan and Salt Trading Corporation.

The government aims to bring 600,000 metric tons of fertilisers in the current fiscal year, for which over Rs 28.82 billion has been allocated, Shrestha informed. The ministry has stated that so far, 491,300 metric tons of chemical fertilisers remain in stock in the current fiscal year.

The price of fertilisers has increased due to the rise in production costs of chemical fertilisers in the international market. The government has announced that it will take action against traders found dealing in substandard or adulterated fertilisers and black marketing, according to prevailing laws.

The ministry has instructed that fertilisers should be purchased only after quality testing from official depots.

RSS