The government has shortened the time required to procure chemical fertilizers by amending the Public Procurement Regulations 2064 for the 14th time, incorporating fertilizer procurement provisions for the first time. The revised regulations were published in the Nepal Gazette on April 28. The amendment specifies that for national or international bids, a notice must be issued at least seven days in advance, mentioning the venue, date, and time for opening financial proposals related to fertilizer procurement.

Additionally, a new provision requires bidders to clearly mention the validity period of their bid, which must remain valid for up to 30 days from the date of opening the technical proposal. Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Ramnath Adhikari said the amendment was made to simplify the previously lengthy fertilizer procurement process. The ministry stated that the revision aims to address the issue of rapid price fluctuations in the international market and ensure timely fertilizer imports.

Due to delays in procurement, fertilizers often could not be imported on time, causing shortages for farmers during the crucial planting seasons. Minister Adhikari said the amendment now paves the way for completing the fertilizer procurement process within a month.