KATHMANDU: Despite the fact that Nepal has always been recognized as an agricultural country, the tendency of agricultural products is growing. This year cross-border millet import through the Kakadbhitta checkpoint has been remarkably higher compared to the previous year. 16,035 tonnes of millet priced at Rs 513 million were imported by Nepal in the fiscal year 2079/80, whereas 17,797 tonnes, valued at Rs 854 million, were imported from India in the fiscal year 2080/81. This rise reflects a significant decline in local millet cultivation.

Similarly, the import of vegetables is also on the rise. Despite substantial domestic production of pumpkin in the hilly districts, imported pumpkins dominate the market. At a cost of Rs 211 million, Nepal imported 5,075 metric tons of pumpkin from India last year. Other crops, such as tomatoes, green chilies, okra, and others, are now being imported more frequently.

The trend extends beyond vegetables. Nepal spent Rs 1.2 billion on importing 51,113 metric tonnes of tomatoes and Rs 295 million on 14,787 metric tonnes of green chilies. Additionally, 15,029 tonnes of okra were imported at a cost of over Rs 300.5 million. Other regularly imported agricultural items include onions, gourd, carrots, squash, and yam.

Even products like buckwheat, which can be grown in various regions of Nepal, are imported in large quantities. Last year, Rs 13 million was spent on importing 209 metric tonnes of buckwheat. Livestock feed also saw substantial imports, with 1,443 metric tonnes costing Rs 46 million brought through the Kakadbhitta border.

A total of Rs 4.87 billion was spent on imported grains and fruits. Local farmers are still having trouble finding markets for their agricultural products in spite of this influx of imports, which emphasizes the persistent gap between local supply and demand.