Government Initiative: Measures to Enhance Quality and Supply of Chemical Fertilizers

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has amended the Chemical Fertilizer Control Order 2055 for the second time, tightening regulations on the production, import, and distribution of fertilizers. This revised order reconstitutes the Chemical Fertilizer Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of the Ministry Secretary to ensure fertilizer quality, now including the Ministry of Environment as a member. The Ministry has authorized official laboratories as surveyors to conduct quality surveys of fertilizers, and it mandates the labeling of substandard fertilizers with a ‘Non-Standard’ mark. Kathmandu, 30 Baisakh.

According to the amended order, the entire control system will be fully managed under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Previously, only the ‘Ministry of Agriculture’ was mentioned; the amendment clarifies the ministry’s name and jurisdiction. This committee will advise the government on fertilizer supply, pricing, and quality control. The Ministry will empower its official laboratories as ‘surveyors’ to conduct quantitative and qualitative assessments of fertilizers.

It is now mandatory to label poor-quality fertilizers with a ‘Non-Standard’ tag. Fertilizers found to be below prescribed standards will be destroyed or allowed for sale only under special circumstances. This measure is expected to protect farmers from being deceived with inferior fertilizers. To prevent illegal fertilizer trading in the market, qualified inspectors with degrees in agriculture or postgraduate qualifications in chemistry will be deployed. These inspectors will have the authority to enter warehouses, collect samples, and confiscate relevant documents.