Kathmandu, Feb. 28 -- As Nepal's agriculture sector continues to struggle with chronic underinvestment and rising food imports worth billions of rupees annually, major political parties have placed farmers and farm sector reforms high on their election agendas, pledging structural changes, increased investment and policy overhauls.

The Nepali Congress, the country's oldest democratic party now under new leadership, has unveiled one of the most detailed agricultural reform plans among the major contenders. Its manifesto prioritises ending the recurring fertiliser crisis that hits farmers each year during the crucial paddy transplantation season in early June.

"By preparing a calendar for fertiliser procurement, we will ensure supply at t...