Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Prioritizes Customs Clearance for Chemical Fertilizers

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Ramnath Adhikari, has called on the chiefs of the Birgunj Customs Office and Dry Port Office to expedite the customs clearance process for chemical fertilizers.

During his monitoring visit to the offices on Tuesday, Minister Adhikari emphasized the importance of smooth and timely customs procedures to ensure that farmers receive essential fertilizers without delay. “Customs checks must be hassle-free so that farmers will get the most essential inputs for cultivation on time,” he urged.

Chief of Birgunj Customs Office, Dilliram Panthi, informed the visiting Minister that the technical report of chemical fertilizers’ tests was prepared promptly, and clearance was made immediately. “The chemical fertilizers brought from abroad need to undergo technical examination in the laboratory,” he explained, adding that such fertilizers cannot be distributed to farmers without lab tests. Once the report is prepared, the process is swift.

The chemical fertilizers are brought from India via the Integrated Checkpoint, transported by heavy equipment such as trailers.

Similarly, Chief of Customs Office, Dhan Bahadur Baruwal, informed that necessary facilitation was in place for testing at the checkpoint.

On this occasion, Ministry Secretary Dipak Kumar Kharal highlighted an issue affecting domestic banana farmers, noting that both bananas and other fruits share the same ‘HS Code.’ He urged for a quick resolution to this problem.

Minister Adhikari also inspected the Office of Authentication of Imported Food Quality, Quarantine Office, and Agricultural Inputs Office in the province, ensuring that all necessary procedures are being followed to support the agricultural sector effectively.