Author: space4knews

August 8, Kathmandu – Recently, there has been a significant surge in walnut imports to Nepal. In fiscal year 2082/83, both the volume and value of walnut imports increased by more than double compared to fiscal year 2081/82, confirmed by official Customs Department data.

According to the Customs Department, traders imported walnuts worth NPR 353 crore 66 lakhs 92 thousand, totaling 9,408,262 kilograms (9,408 tons) during this fiscal year.

In contrast, the previous fiscal year 2081/82 saw walnut imports worth NPR 152 crore 31 lakhs 84 thousand, amounting to 4,331,315 kilograms (4,331 tons). This represents a 117% increase in quantity and 132% rise in value for the current year.

Alongside this rapid increase in imports, the government’s customs revenue collection has also grown. Revenue rose from NPR 62.96 crore in 2081/82 to NPR 86.15 crore in 2082/83.

Market experts suggest that traders have turned walnuts into a new source of income.

Previously known for smuggling commodities like betel nut, cardamom, pepper, and areca nut, the border areas are now reportedly new destinations for smuggling watermelon seeds and walnuts.

Import Trends: From NPR 20 Million to NPR 350 Crore

Data from the Customs Department over the last decade shows an upward trend in walnut imports. In fiscal year 2072/73, around NPR 5 crore worth of walnuts were imported into Nepal.

That year, a total of 241,884 kilograms of walnuts entered Nepal, both shelled and unshelled.

At that time, India was the main source of imports, with minor quantities coming from China and France.

Most shelled walnuts were imported from three countries. Imports included 173,570 kilograms (worth NPR 2.28 crore) from India, 560 kilograms (NPR 77,000) from China, and 25 kilograms (NPR 27,000) from France.

However, last fiscal year broke records, with imports reaching 9,408,262 kilograms (9,408 tons).

A decade ago, India accounted for 99% of Nepal’s walnut imports, but now the situation has shifted—only 961 kilograms came from India last year.

China currently dominates the Nepali walnut market. Out of the total 9.4 million kilograms imported last year, 7.75 million kilograms (worth NPR 292 crore) were from China.

Additionally, 1.22 million kilograms came from Chile and 438,000 kilograms from the United States, marking both as strong suppliers.

What used to be limited to three countries has expanded to fifteen, including Bahrain, the UK, Japan, and the UAE.

Walnuts are often regarded as ‘brain food’ due to their omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The COVID-19 pandemic increased health consciousness among Nepalis, boosting regular consumption, according to traders.

However, the unnatural rise in walnut imports isn’t solely explained by domestic consumption. India imposes customs duties ranging from 100 to 120 percent on shelled and unshelled walnuts imported from third countries like the U.S. and China to protect Kashmiri farmers.

In Nepal, walnuts attract only 10% customs duty and 13% VAT.

Taking advantage of nearly 100% customs duty disparity, traders reportedly import walnuts cheaply from China and then smuggle them illegally into India.

An incident in Jestha (May-June) 3 confirmed this trend when armed police seized a large quantity of walnuts being smuggled from Siraha border area to India.

Government officials acknowledge that because walnuts are expensive, not all imported quantities are consumed domestically.

One official stated, “The entire quantity doesn’t get consumed in Nepal. There have been and still are instances of smuggling to India due to their customs policies. Traders may be illegally exporting them.”

He further explained that earlier, traders imported shelled walnuts from China and then exported only the kernel to India. This practice contributed to abnormal import figures.

He added, “Containers disguised like those carrying palm oil were sent to India after adding value to the walnuts, though the government has taken steps to control this practice.”

Walnut Import Statistics

In fiscal year 2073/74, Nepal imported 364,878 kilograms of walnuts worth NPR 9 crore 7 lakhs 34 thousand. This number has been increasing steadily ever since.

In 2074/75, 602,367 kilograms worth NPR 14 crore 42 lakhs 5 thousand were imported, followed by 779,462 kilograms worth NPR 21 crore 78 lakhs 47 thousand the next year.

In 2076/77, imports saw an unusual spike, increasing from NPR 21 crore to NPR 77 crore 44 lakhs 83 thousand, with a quantity of 2,453,409 kilograms.

This growth crossed the NPR 100 crore mark for the first time in 2077/78 when Nepal imported 3,479,837 kilograms worth NPR 105 crore 97 lakhs 3 thousand.

Import volume dipped somewhat in 2078/79 with NPR 72 crore 85 lakhs 62 thousand imports totaling 2,379,197 kilograms.

But this decline was short-lived, rising again in 2079/80 with imports worth NPR 91 crore 52 lakhs 46 thousand and totaling 2,806,871 kilograms.

In 2080/81, imports reached NPR 114 crore 13 lakhs for 3,300,000 kilograms.

Potential for Self-Reliance in Walnut Production

As walnut imports soar, the government maintains confidence in boosting domestic production to achieve self-reliance.

Maheshchandra Acharya, head of the National Fruit Development Centre, stated that barren lands in Nepal’s hill regions are suitable for cultivating high-quality walnut varieties, offering an opportunity for self-sufficiency.

He informed that the center is promoting walnuts under various programs, especially through the Hill Nut and Fruit Development Project (NAFA), which prioritizes walnuts as a main crop.

“NAFA project has prioritized walnuts as a primary crop,” he said. “Barren lands in the hilly region are potential areas for walnut cultivation, so we are promoting it.”

Walnut cultivation occurs in more than 20 districts in Karnali, Gandaki, and Sudurpashchim provinces. Traditionally, Nepal grows the hard-shelled and serrated walnut varieties. Although commercial farming started about 15 years ago, its significance has increased over the past 9-10 years, with local and provincial government subsidies attracting farmers.

Production Levels in Nepal

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment’s ‘Statistical Information on Nepalese Agriculture 2081/82’, walnut cultivation area has expanded over the past 11 years, but productivity remains inconsistent.

In fiscal year 2071/72, Nepal produced a total of 7,839 tons of walnuts, followed by steady incremental growth over the next four years.

Production reached 7,951 tons in 2072/73, 8,176 tons in 2073/74, 8,213 tons in 2074/75, and 8,934 tons in 2075/76.

In 2076/77, walnut production exceeded 10,000 tons for the first time, reaching 10,051 tons.

Production fell to 9,162 tons in 2077/78 but then rose to 10,895 tons in 2078/79.

It declined again to 9,960 tons in 2079/80.

Overall, the highest production over the 11-year period was in 2080/81, when 13,311 tons were harvested from 2,811 hectares, with a yield of 4.74 tons per hectare.

However, production dropped to 9,366 tons in 2081/82, alongside a reduction in cultivated area to 2,161 hectares and productivity to 4.34 tons per hectare.

While 3,651 hectares were under walnut cultivation in 2071/72 across Nepal, this area increased to 5,273 hectares by 2081/82.

July 23, Pokhara — The Gandaki Province government amended the Ride-Sharing and Self-Drive Regulation for the third time in April, easing conditions for existing four-wheeled taxi and small vehicle operators. The amendment allows only black-number-plated four-wheelers to operate as ride-sharing vehicles, replacing the earlier red-number-plate registration system.

Under the new regulations, a single company can be permitted to operate up to 300 vehicles for ride-sharing, either owned or managed by other owners. However, companies previously registered as taxi service providers in Gandaki Province can apply for permits only up to the number of vehicles they currently operate.

This amendment is designed to protect the interests of existing taxi operators. Although new registrations require a minimum fleet size of 300 vehicles, existing businesses are also allowed to continue under the rules.

The government originally issued the regulation at the end of April 2025 (Baisakh 2082 BS) after long discussions with operators. Following the issuance, transport businesses staged a nationwide strike in mid-June, crippling services. The federal government requested a one-month suspension, after which Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey facilitated dialogue with stakeholders and announced that regulations would be issued only after thorough consultations.

As a result of consultations, ride-sharing operations on four-wheeled vehicles now require black number plates and official permits obtained through ride-sharing apps. Permitted vehicles may not be used for other purposes. Despite this, many taxi operators in Pokhara remain reluctant to apply for ride-sharing permits.

Two-wheeled vehicle companies such as InDrive and Pathao continue to operate illegally by charging unauthorized fees. Traffic police have been taking action against these vehicles, but illegal operations remain active.

Dhaka Sharma, head of the Transport Management Office in Kaski, confirmed that strict action will be taken against any company continuing service without proper permits despite the formal regulations being in place to legalize ride-sharing.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport issued a call for applications for ride-sharing service registration on July 2 (Asar 18), with a deadline of July 30 (Shrawan 15). Companies failing to apply by then will face penalties.

According to the ride-sharing regulation, failure to submit documents will result in penalties under Rule 7. The permit fees are set at NPR 25,000 for two-wheelers and NPR 50,000 for four-wheelers.

The total registration fee for both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles is NPR 70,000. In addition, the Gandaki Province Finance Act stipulates fixed annual fees of NPR 2,500 per two-wheeler and NPR 10,000 per four-wheeler. Public taxi operators will receive a 50% discount on these fees. To date, no applications have been received for four-wheeled or self-drive ride-sharing permits, Sharma stated.

Sawari Sewa Nepal: First Company Granted Permit in the Country

Until now, no ride-sharing company operating nationwide had received an official permit from the government. The federal government and most provinces have yet to enact legislation addressing ride-sharing services.

Under the Transportation Management Act issued by Gandaki Province in 2019 (2076 BS) and the subsequent April 2025 regulations, Sawari Sewa Nepal Pvt. Ltd. became the first company authorized to legally operate ride-sharing services in compliance with the law.

This company has already received approval to operate 20 four-wheeled vehicles for ride-sharing and is preparing to apply for permits for an additional 100 vehicles.

Other companies that have submitted applications include Sajilo Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Ecomo Nepal, James Green Electro Mobility Service Pvt. Ltd., and Move In Nepal Pvt. Ltd.

Office chief Dhaka Sharma said, ‘We will take strict actions against ride-sharing vehicles operating without permits by July 30. The Chief Minister has instructed the strict enforcement of these regulations.’

Although a monitoring committee headed by the Transport Ministry’s Secretary has been formed, enforcement, oversight, and penalties remain weak in public transport management.

Chief Minister Pandey has directed quick development of legal ride-sharing app services and stern action against illegal operators.

Permitted ride-sharing vehicles are forbidden from use for any other purpose. Meter installations and taxi identification signs are also prohibited for app-based services.

However, complaints continue about unauthorized taxi fare manipulations by operators without permits in Pokhara.

Service providers must pay the province’s treasury 1% of each transaction’s revenue, currently submitted through monthly self-reporting by drivers or owners.

To ensure data accuracy, a two-member expert team will audit app-related financials after the fiscal year and submit reports within 75 days.

The province offers a 10% discount on fees and up to 15% discounts for public electric vehicle operators.

Originally, the regulation allowed travel distances of up to 20 kilometers for two-wheelers and 50 kilometers for four-wheelers.

Operating without registration permits carries fines of up to NPR 100,000, with penalties doubling for repeat offenses. Offline operations will incur a fine of NPR 4,000 for two-wheelers and NPR 10,000 for four-wheelers.

August 23, Kathmandu – Following action against 598 manpower entrepreneurs by the Department of Foreign Employment, the sector has expressed outrage.

They have issued warnings that workers will be sent under previous demands within the next 15 days, after which the process of sending workers abroad will be suspended, alongside other pressure tactics.

The department had issued warnings to these companies for sending workers via Indian airports, which is unauthorized. For not complying with the second directive, eight companies were fined 50,000 NPR each.

Entrepreneurs have protested what they say is unjustified action by the department, demanding the withdrawal of penalties and an end to harassment.

The Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs Association has declared that they will send workers as per their demands within 15 days and engage in discussions with the government during this period.

They have also threatened a complete halt to sending workers from the 16th day onwards if their demands are not addressed.

The association plans to initiate nationwide protests and pressure campaigns, including shutting down all foreign employment worker dispatch processes if the government does not meet their demands.

During a large entrepreneurs’ meeting in Kathmandu on Thursday, manpower entrepreneurs expressed anger, accusing the state of attempting to criminalize them.

The department’s recent actions were criticized as a “planned attack on entrepreneurs.” They have appealed to revoke penalties related to using Indian airports, end mistreatment, set scientifically determined service charges, eliminate the 13% VAT on tickets, and abolish the SVP and syndicate applied for Saudi Arabia, among their 15-point demands.

Association president Dick Bahadur Khatri alleged that the government is trying to criminalize entrepreneurs over matters previously approved.

He recalled that in 2024, the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation jointly authorized the use of Indian airports for sending workers. He called the new actions deeming it illegal and punitive unjust.

He demanded the withdrawal of the department’s decision, stating entrepreneurs are now being punished for implementing government-approved decisions.

Highlighting that the foreign employment sector has sent over eight million Nepalis abroad and remittances are a major economic pillar, entrepreneurs lamented that instead of respect, the government treats them with suspicion.

They accused authorities of cracking down unnecessarily without clear policies, increasing hardships for entrepreneurs.

The department had requested flight details for workers sent abroad with labor approval from Chaitra 1, 2082 to Jestha 31, 2083. Out of 1,117 operational manpower companies, only 678 submitted details.

156 companies were warned initially for sending workers through foreign airports without department approval.

434 companies that failed to provide details were penalized for not following instructions.

Eight companies repeatedly disregarding orders were fined 50,000 NPR each under Section 54 of the Foreign Employment Act for flights departing from India without approval and for failing to submit requested data.

Fusion International Pvt. Ltd. claimed it submitted data but was still penalized. Its director Kumud Khanal said the department’s action caused losses amounting to 500 workers’ demands.

“Due to the department director general’s actions, my company lost demand for 500 workers. Some limited-interest entrepreneurs smeared my reputation internationally; the government must be held accountable. Nine years of hard work wiped out,” Khanal expressed in frustration.

Multiple entrepreneurs reported being penalized despite providing data.

Advisor of the National Independent Entrepreneurs Group, Balkrishna Shrestha, labeled the Skill Verification Program (SVP) and Qualification Verification Program (QVP) imposed on workers heading to Saudi Arabia as a new syndicate.

According to them, such programs impose additional financial burdens on workers and impose strict rules only on institutional manpower agencies. They called for simpler demand certification processes and an end to discrimination in individual labor approvals.

Entrepreneur Taranath Aryal pointed out that accusations of collecting money from workers are directed at entrepreneurs, while the government remains silent on the 13% VAT and additional charges on tickets. He asserted that negotiation and correspondence will no longer resolve these issues and called for a united movement by entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs accused the department of viewing them as “thieves” and “brokers.” They complained that while there is corruption in individual labor approvals, monitoring and penalties occur only for institutional operations. Some entrepreneurs suggested that time for talks and petitions has ended and urged decisive action via protests.

The meeting submitted a 15-point demand list to the government, including withdrawing penalties based on Indian airport usage, ending mistreatment, transparent labor costs, scientifically determined minimum service charges equivalent to one month’s salary, ending the Saudi SVP and visa center syndicates, removing the 13% VAT on tickets, fully online demand certification, curbing irregularities in individual labor approvals, managing interest on security deposits, and investigating biometric syndicates.

Another entrepreneur, Pragyan Nyaupane, accused the department director general of trying to paint entrepreneurs as thieves and fraudsters. He stressed that no crime was committed regarding Indian airport usage and insisted that government directives were followed.

No Agreement or Deal Can Override the Law: Director General Acharya

The Department of Foreign Employment stated that the Foreign Employment Act is being enforced. Director General Mira Acharya clarified that activities violating the law are unacceptable and that agreements or understandings cannot supersede legislation.

She emphasized that enforcing the law is everyone’s responsibility and entrepreneurs must also cooperate.

She explained that the department will verify compliance and does not need to issue additional notices.

She further stated that the ‘special circumstances’ and maintenance periods ended two years ago and that violations cannot be justified under special circumstances.