DHANGADI, OCTOBER 31
Local farmers have been facing problems after they could not get chemical fertiliser on time in Dhangadi sub-metropolis, Kailali.
Phul Ram Chaudhary, a local farmer in the sub-metropolis, said he used to visit a cooperative every year for chemical fertiliser, but could not get on time. "Fertiliser is needed to increase production, but I could not get the fertiliser on time," he complained. Chaudhary added that Indian fertiliser was expensive and it was very difficult to get it in the country.
Around 25,000 metric tonnes DAP, 15,000 metric tonnes urea and 1,000 metric tonnes potash is needed. The farmers are facing problems as the federal government has provided only 50 per cent of the demanded chemical fertiliser. More than 50 per cent farmers are compelled to do without fertiliser.
The federal government sends chemical fertiliser twice a year to Sudurpaschim Province.
Fertiliser is needed for seasonal crops such as mustard, paddy and wheat, among others. But there is no fertiliser in the cooperatives.
Managing Director of Agriculture Material Company Provincial Office in Dhangadi, Nawal Singh Bogati said farmers reach the office almost daily, but return empty-handed.
"There is no fertiliser in stock," he said. Bogati said that the order for fertiliser had already been sent and hoped they would get the delivery soon.
According to Sudurpaschim Agriculture Directorate, fertiliser crisis will directly affect wheat production. Agriculture experts said that three levels of government had to be more serious about providing chemical fertiliser to the farmers on time.
A version of this article appears in the print on November 1, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
