KATHMANDU: The government has earmarked Rs 28.82 billion for the procurement of chemical fertilizer in the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26, aiming to increase the supply volume to 600,000 metric tons.
Presenting the national budget in a joint session of the Federal Parliament on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel announced that the allocated amount will be provided as a grant to support the import of chemical fertilizers. The move is aimed at ensuring timely and sufficient fertilizer availability to farmers and enhancing national agricultural productivity.
In addition to boosting chemical fertilizer supply, the government has also planned to move forward with the establishment of a chemical fertilizer plant. For this, necessary groundwork will be initiated through the Investment Board of Nepal.
To complement this effort, the government has set aside Rs 400 million for the Organic Agriculture Promotion Programme. This initiative seeks to increase crop yields while preserving soil health and fertility, signaling a dual approach toward conventional and sustainable agriculture.
Finance Minister Paudel further highlighted that agricultural production will be promoted along the Mid-Hill Highway and the Madan Bhandari Highway corridors. These areas will serve as strategic zones for integrated agricultural development.
The budget also includes allocations for expanding the cultivation of cash crops, high-value fruits, and forest products, along with boosting animal husbandry and agroforestry systems.
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