Farmers scramble for fertiliser as paddy planting season begins amid shortages
Summary
Farmers across Nepal are struggling to obtain sufficient fertiliser amid shortages as the paddy planting season begins, risking lower crop yields and income.
Key Points
- Farmers in various districts including Banke, Bardiya, Rautahat, Palpa, Kailali and West Nawalparasi are facing severe fertiliser shortages during the paddy planting season.
- Government supplies are insufficient, pushing many farmers to seek fertiliser from Indian markets, sometimes facing police harassment or resorting to smuggling.
- The Nepal government is attempting emergency procurement of fertiliser from India to meet demand but faces challenges including delayed deliveries and budget constraints.
- Farmers experience compounded issues including drought, insufficient irrigation, poor market access, and low crop prices alongside fertiliser scarcity, threatening their livelihoods.
