To ensure timely supply of chemical fertilizers to farmers, the government has reduced the procurement timeline by amending the law. The 14th Amendment to the Public Procurement Regulations, 2064 published in the Nepal Gazette on April 28, introduces—for the first time—specific provisions aimed at expediting fertilizer purchases.

Under the revised rules, authorities must announce the place, date, and time for opening financial proposals, and bidders—whether domestic or international—must be given at least seven days' notice. In a significant shift, the validity of bids has been capped at 30 days from the date of opening the technical proposal, reducing the window for procedural delays.

The amendment follows repeated concerns that Nepal's fertilizer procurement process was too slow, leading to missed agricultural seasons and higher costs due to fluctuating global prices.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari, who pushed for the changes, said the new provisions are expected to significantly reduce delays.
“With this amendment, the fertilizer procurement process can now be completed within a month,” Minister Adhikari said, adding that outdated regulations had previously been a major barrier to timely fertilizer distribution.

The ministry hopes this regulatory reform will help farmers receive fertilizers when they need them most.