Nepal, July 22 -- A shortage of chemical fertiliser during the peak farming season has been a perennial problem in Nepal. It recurred this year as well. The government has all the information regarding the quantity the country needs, the timing of the demand, and the investment required to make fertilisers available at subsidised prices. Yet, it persistently fails to ensure their timely availability. As a result, farmers, mainly from Tarai, have to rely on the Indian market, fraught with legal risks.

India provides fertilisers-mainly Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), urea and potash-to its farmers at subsidised rates. Under India's Fertiliser (Control) Order and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, subsidised fertiliser distributed for agricu...