Government to import 200,000 metric tons of wheat

Kathmandu, January 29  — The government has initiated the process to import 200,000 metric tons of wheat.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies has assigned the responsibility of importing wheat to the Department of Industry, Department of Commerce, and Salt Trading Corporation Limited, based on the quota set by the Indian government.

According to Govind Karki, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, 100,000 metric tons will be imported through the Department of Industry, 90,000 metric tons through the Department of Commerce, and 10,000 metric tons through Salt Trading Corporation Limited.

Secretary Karki explained that the wheat imported through the Department of Industry will be for industrial purposes, while the wheat through the Department of Commerce will be for commercial purposes, and Salt Trading will import wheat to be sold by the government.

In November, the Ministry had requested India to supply 200,000 metric tons of wheat to ensure there is no shortage of flour during the festival season.

Initially, India showed little interest in exporting wheat. However, on January 4, 2025, India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification allowing Nepal to import the specified quantity of wheat through the National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL).

The process for importing the wheat has already been initiated by the Department of Commerce and the Department of Industry.

The Department of Commerce has issued a notice inviting applications from trade companies and firms interested in importing wheat, while the Department of Industry has also invited applications from industries.

Salt Trading Corporation is also preparing to begin the import process. According to Secretary Karki, the wheat must be imported within the next three months.