Nepal is seeking urgent fertiliser imports from India ahead of the upcoming paddy cultivation season as authorities work to avoid supply shortages that could affect agricultural output.
Government officials and agricultural agencies in Nepal are in discussions with Indian suppliers and trade authorities to accelerate deliveries of key fertilisers, including urea and DAP, before large-scale rice planting begins. Timely availability of fertilisers is considered critical for maintaining crop productivity during the peak sowing period.
The move comes amid rising regional demand for agricultural inputs and concerns over supply chain disruptions, global price volatility and shipment delays affecting fertiliser availability across South Asia. Nepal relies heavily on imports to meet domestic fertiliser requirements, with India serving as one of its major supply sources.
Agriculture and trade experts said delays in fertiliser procurement could impact paddy cultivation schedules and increase pressure on food production. Authorities are therefore prioritizing faster import clearances, transportation coordination and inventory management to ensure adequate supplies reach farming regions in time.
Industry observers expect bilateral coordination between India and Nepal to intensify in the coming weeks as both sides work to streamline supply arrangements and support agricultural trade ahead of the monsoon-linked planting season.