'Chemical fertilizers to be distributed on scientific bases'

Kathmandu, May 26: The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment is set to distribute chemical fertilizers to farmers on scientific ground. 

The Ministry is distributing fertilizers based on the ratio of their cultivable land area and production in order not to allow shortage of chemical fertilizers. 

As reported, there is a stock of around 145,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizers. A total of 4,585 metric tons was being imported via surface route. 

In view of paddy plantation, a process has been initiated to swiftly import additional 40,000 metric tons of fertilizers, including urea and DAP, Information Officer at the Ministry, Lalkumar Shrestha said. 

While selling fertilizer to farmers, scientific distribution system will be adopted through depots, he added. 

Farmers have been urged to purchase fertilizers only from official depots to facilitate supply and make distribution arrangement effective, as fertilizer is stocked in various depots of the Krishi Samagri Sansthan and Salt Trading Corporation. 

The government aims to bring 600,000 metric tons of fertilizers in the current fiscal year, for which over Rs 28.82 billion has been allocated, Shrestha informed. 

The ministry has stated that so far 491,300 metric tons of chemical fertilizers remain in stock in the current fiscal year. 

The price of fertilizers has increased due to the rise in production costs of chemical fertilizers in the international market. 

The government has announced that it will take action against traders found dealing in substandard or adulterated fertilizers and black marketing, according to prevailing laws. 

The ministry has instructed that fertilizers should be purchased only after quality testing from official depots. (RSS)