Kathmandu, Aug. 4 -- Imports of raw and processed agricultural goods have started to surge again following India's easing of export restrictions on key food items.

This uptick has been further fueled by Nepal's re-exports of edible oils to India by leveraging tariff loopholes between the two countries.

In the last fiscal year 2024-25, which ended on July 16, Nepal's agricultural import bill soared to a staggering Rs360 billion ($2.57 billion).

India has intermittently banned the export of essential staples such as wheat, rice, sugar, onions, and paddy, citing domestic supply concerns. These policies have directly influenced Nepal's import patterns.

In fiscal year 2019-20, Nepal's agricultural imports were just over Rs250 billion.The C...