Nepal and India Discuss Fertilizer Supply and Agricultural Cooperation

Kathmandu. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development and Minister for Forests and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, held a courtesy meeting with the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, on Friday. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Agriculture, focused on bilateral agricultural cooperation, particularly regarding the supply of chemical fertilizers.

During the discussion, Minister Chaudhary expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its support in supplying chemical fertilizers to Nepal and drew attention to the expiration of the previous 'G-to-G' (government-to-government) agreement. She requested the Indian side to facilitate the process for a new agreement.

Noting the supply challenges arising from the current crisis in West Asia, Minister Chaudhary urged the Indian side to facilitate the procurement of 100,000 metric tons of urea and 50,000 metric tons of DAP through the 'G-to-G' system, targeting the upcoming summer paddy season.

Similarly, Indian Ambassador Srivastava briefed Minister Chaudhary on issues related to forest clearance for the Arun Hydropower Project.

He also requested cooperation regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the second cross-border petroleum pipeline from Siliguri, India, to Jhapa, Nepal.

Various proposals were put forward during the meeting to expand cooperation in the agricultural sector. Ambassador Srivastava proposed facilitating knowledge exchange for agricultural entrepreneurs through new agricultural startups, enhancing knowledge on modern agricultural technology, and organizing a visit to India for capacity building.

Furthermore, the discussion included the provision of improved sugarcane seeds through subsidies. Additionally, it was agreed that both countries would move forward with institutional coordination and cooperation to control animal diseases in the Nepal-India border region.

Minister Chaudhary expressed her commitment to further strengthening the agricultural relationship between Nepal and India, stating her confidence that the friendship and cooperation between the two nations would continue.