The recent disturbance in the supply of chemical fertilisers from Kolkata port to Nepal has raised fears among Nepali farmers, who are now struggling to nourish the soil in the winter season, which is believed to the best season for farming. According to a source, lack of freight wagons is the main reason for such supply blockade.

While speaking on the issue, AIC Managing Director Amar Raj Khair said that following the disturbance in the supply of chemical fertiliser, Nepali authority contacted their Indian counterpart and came to know that Indian Railways will take two rakes per week to Nepal and each of the rakes is comprised with nearly 2,500 tonnes of fertilizer.

He said that they have requested the Indian government through a number of channels including the Nepal Embassy in Delhi and the Indian Railways has agreed to sanction two dedicated raked for Nepal. He added that nearly 34,000 tonnes of chemical fertiliser are struck in Kolkata Port.

While speaking on the development of the issue, Khair said that Nepal has received nearly 10,000 tonnes of fertiliser so far and they are expecting to receive more 10,000 soon. He said that if all the consignments reach Nepal on time, there will be no shortage of fertilizer for this winter season. In order to avert such unwanted situation, Nepal has requested India to sign a government-to-government agreement that will prevent the shortage of chemical fertiliser in the winter season.

The government of Nepal now fears that fertiliser supplying companies may scrap the contract due to sharp price fluctuation in the international market. However, the government believes that a government-to-government agreement will short the lengthy process and all the consignment will reach Nepal on time.