Kathmandu, March 19: The main opposition CPN UML has demanded to roll back the increase price of chemical fertilizers. Earlier, the government decided to cut the subsidy given to farmers on chemical fertilizers. As a result, chemical fertilizers have become more expensive, in some cases double, for farmers.
UML’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock Development has issued a statement reads, “According to the government’s decision, the price of urea has been increased by Rs. 11 per kg, DAP by Rs. 7 and potash by Rs. 9. Nepalese farmers have been hit by this increment.”
UML comments that on the one hand, large quantities of agricultural produce will be imported from India and on the other hand, the increase in the price of chemical fertilizers will increase the cost of production and this will discourage the farmers.
It is clear from the decision to cut subsidies that the government intends to increase the trade of Indian agricultural products by discouraging domestic production, UML says.
The UML has demanded that the government immediately arrange the purchase at the same price as the government is trying to increase its dependence on agricultural produce.
Indicating that the price of chemical fertilizers is decreasing in the international market, CPN UML has requested the government not to cause more problems to the farmers who are already suffering from lack of fertilizers.
