Kathmandu, June 13, 2025: The onset of monsoon rains has triggered the start of paddy plantation across various regions of Nepal. However, as in previous years, farmers continue to face acute shortages of chemical fertilizers, forcing them to plant without adequate resources.
Fertilizer Scarcity Hits Rajapur Farmers
In Bardiya's Rajapur area, farmers have started planting paddy despite struggling to procure sufficient chemical fertilizers. Many have expressed frustration, citing repeated shortages during peak plantation periods.
Anuja Tharu, a farmer from Geruwa Rural Municipality-6, revealed that her family received only half a sack of fertilizer for their one bigha of farmland. Parshuram Tharu, another farmer from the same region, noted that non-members of cooperatives face even greater difficulties in accessing fertilizers. Only after cooperative members receive their share are non-members able to buy fertilizers, he added.
Fertilizer Supply Fails to Meet Demand
Bardiya district, which cultivates paddy on approximately 51,000 hectares of land, requires around 12,000 metric tons of urea, 7,000 metric tons of DAP, and 1,000 metric tons of potash annually. However, local authorities have been able to supply only 50% of this demand.
Lal Bahadur Tharu, the branch chief of the Agricultural Inputs Company in Bardiya, reported that 6,000 metric tons of urea and 2,700 metric tons of DAP have been distributed so far in the current fiscal year. Meanwhile, Praveen Jung Shah, branch chief of Salt Trading Corporation in Gulariya, confirmed the supply of 13,600 quintals of urea but acknowledged that no DAP has been received this season.
Early Plantation in Lamjung
In Lamjung, farmers have begun paddy planting even before the traditional planting month of Asar. With irrigation facilities and water channeled from local rivers, planting has started in various areas.
Vrish Bahadur Gurung, a farmer from Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-5, reported that planting is progressing rapidly in Ghyerme fields. Groups of farmers are working collaboratively, using oxen and power tillers to prepare the fields. Similarly, farmers in Kwolasothar and Dordhi Rural Municipalities are leveraging river and irrigation resources to begin plantation efforts.
An Alarming Trend
The recurring fertilizer crisis highlights systemic issues in Nepal's agricultural supply chain. With farmers relying heavily on timely access to fertilizers for productivity, the shortage threatens to impact both yields and livelihoods. Agricultural experts emphasize the urgent need for efficient distribution systems and long-term solutions to ensure food security and support the nation’s predominantly agrarian economy.
This year’s plantation efforts reflect the resilience of Nepalese farmers, who continue to adapt and persevere despite significant challenges.
