Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari has cited budget constraints as the main hurdle in resolving the fertilizer crisis.
Speaking at a meeting between Nepali Congress (NC) leaders and party’s ministers in the federal government on Thursday, Minister Adhikari said Rs 63 billion would be required to resolve the issues of chemical fertilizers.
The government has allocated the ministry Rs 27.95 billion which is sufficient to purchase 500,000 tons.
According to Adhikari, this allocation falls far short of meeting farmers’ demands. “With Rs 27.95 billion, we can only import 500 tons of fertilizers. We need Rs 63 billion if we are to meet today’s demand,” he added.
On the occasion, he sought needful cooperation from the Ministry of Finance. “While efforts to reform the agricultural sector are underway, it is becoming difficult to seek more funds as the finance minister is from the other party,” Adhikari said. “Along with the government, the party also needs to devise special plans for the agriculture sector.”
