Nepal steps up organic fertilizer use, moves to resolve tea export issue

KATHMANDU: Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary has pledged to gradually reduce Nepal’s dependence on chemical fertilizers, stating that the government is promoting the use of organic and bio-fertilizers through increased budget allocations.

Responding to lawmakers during discussions on her ministry’s budget allocation in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Minister Chaudhary said the government has set aside sufficient resources to encourage sustainable agricultural practices and lessen reliance on imported chemical fertilizers.

According to the minister, the federal government has proposed Rs 350 million in subsidies for organic fertilizers, while provinces will receive an additional Rs 112.4 million through conditional grants. She added that Rs 32.46 billion has been allocated for the supply of chemical fertilizers in the upcoming fiscal year.

Chaudhary also informed Parliament that the Ministry of Finance has assured additional funding if required to prevent any shortage in fertilizer supplies. She said a comprehensive fertilizer supply and management action plan for the next fiscal year has already been prepared.

To ensure transparency and efficiency in fertilizer distribution, the government has introduced a coordination mechanism involving federal, provincial and local governments. The minister further stated that subsidy programs have been arranged to provide relief to farmers and support agricultural productivity.

Meanwhile, Minister Chaudhary said the government is actively working to resolve the difficulties faced by Nepali tea exporters in the Indian market. She noted that both technical and diplomatic initiatives have been undertaken and discussions are progressing in a positive direction.

Tea producers across the country, including in Ilam, have suspended operations over the past three days, citing obstacles in tea exports to India. The minister said the government remains committed to facilitating exports and addressing the concerns raised by tea entrepreneurs.

“The ministry is seriously engaged in resolving the problems faced by tea industries and ensuring export facilitation as in the past. Necessary technical and diplomatic efforts have been initiated, and discussions are moving in a positive direction,” Chaudhary said.

The minister also expressed confidence that lawmakers would play an important role in supporting the implementation of the government’s agricultural and environmental plans.