Kathmandu. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari has admitted that there is a shortage of chemical fertilizers across the country and said that the government is moving forward with the policy of organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers. Speaking at the meeting of the Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee held at Singha Durbar on Sunday, Minister Adhikari said this.
He mentioned that although the country requires 1.1 million metric tons of chemical fertilizers annually, only 400,000 tons of fertilizers are available. He clarified that the government will move forward with a policy of promoting the use of organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers to maintain food security.
He said that although electricity is essential for irrigation, processing and storage agricultural services, farmers are suffering due to high electricity tariffs. Minister Adhikari said that there is no situation in which agriculture can make a leap forward unless concessions are provided in electricity. He said that there are problems under the Ministry of Finance to make electricity supply easy and accessible to all.
He said that although it is claimed that self-reliance has been achieved in the production of chicken meat, eggs and corn, raw materials are still forced to be imported from outside. He made it clear that agricultural reform will not be possible unless there is effective coordination between the local level, state and federal governments.
He said, ‘We have gone in the context of chemical fertilizers. In the context of chemical fertilizers, our requirement is 1.1 million tons. We have 400,000 tons. There is still a demand in the market. The minister does not provide fertilizers. We have heard this criticism every day. I would like to inform you that despite all the criticism, the ministry has moved forward with the intention that from this time on, we must move towards organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers. We have become unable to manage it.’
‘We have raised the issue of food security. But for this, we had to start from the government level. Another problem is that if we cannot provide concessions on electricity, then there is no situation where agriculture can make a leap. The Ministry of Finance also has many problems in this regard. We are becoming self-sufficient in chicken meat, eggs and corn. But feed is imported from abroad. But if we bring its raw materials and start making it, it will be expensive. Therefore, we have seen a need to sit down and discuss this with the Ministry of Finance,’ he said.
Noting that farmers have been harassed due to wild boars, he said that the government is seriously working towards a solution.
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