June 13: Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota has drawn the government’s attention towards the crisis of chemical fertilizer during the peak of planting season and urged the government to address the issue promptly.    

The speaker made such request after the Members of Parliament raised the issue of non-availability of fertilizer during the planting season during a meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday. The lawmakers urged the speaker to issue a ruling to the government to avail fertilizers which the farmers are yet to receive during the planting season.

Responding to the concerns raised by the lawmakers, the speaker drew the government’s attention towards timely management of fertilizers.    
“My attention has been drawn towards the voices of honorable lawmakers in regard with the lack of fertilizer during the planting season and I draw the attention of the concerned ministry and the government towards the management of fertilizer. The government must ensure immediate supplies to farmers,” the speaker said.    

The concerned officials have blamed the war between Russia and Ukraine as the reason behind the delay in supplies of chemical fertilizer this year. They are trying to get away with the excuse of war although the lack of fertilizer is not a new problem in the country.

Around 500 metric tons of chemical fertilizer is stuck at Tatopani customs but the Agriculture Inputs Company Limited has shown no interest in customs clearance.