Take Measures to Address Persistent Shortage of Chemical Fertilizers

A shortage of chemical fertilizers during the farming season is nothing new for our country. This problem has persisted for years without any meaningful change. Time and again, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has had to express helplessness over the matter. The incumbent minister, Ramnath Adhikari, has also admitted that the fertilizer shortage continues and is likely to persist. Why is there such helplessness within the state machinery? Why is there never an effort to learn from past mistakes and find a solution? It seems the entire state structure is intent on reducing agricultural productivity and increasing foreign dependency. If the goal is to boost agricultural production, the government must be proactive in ensuring the availability of fertilizers and other essential inputs. Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu on Thursday, Minister Adhikari claimed that fertilizer is in short supply and that this shortage will continue. According to him, last year the Ministry of Agriculture was allocated a budget of Rs 27.95 billion. Despite this allocation, only 450,000 tons of fertilizer were imported. The country’s demand ranges from 1.1 to 1.3 million tons. Yet the government has not been able to meet even a quarter of this demand. Although the minister is aware of the issue, he appears unable to ensure proper supply. This situation persists even under so-called smart and young ministers.