Nepal turns to India for emergency fertiliser import as global prices surge
Summary
Nepal has approved the import of 80,000 tonnes of chemical fertiliser from India under a government-to-government deal to address shortages caused by global price rises and supply disruptions. The shipment is expected by mid-August amid concerns over crop yields and food security.
Key Points
- Nepal’s government approved importing 80,000 tonnes of chemical fertiliser from India under a government-to-government arrangement due to global supply disruptions and high prices.
- The procurement includes 60,000 tonnes of urea and 20,000 tonnes of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), expected to arrive by mid-August aligning with paddy top-dressing season.
- Global price rises and geopolitical tensions have reduced Nepal’s fertiliser purchasing capacity from 550,000 to around 440,000 tonnes this fiscal year.
- Nepal and India signed a five-year fertiliser supply MoU in 2022; efforts are underway to renew it as the current agreement expires in 2026.
