Agricultural imports top Rs 87 billion in Saun-Bhadau, oil and vegetables lead

Nepal imported agricultural and food items worth about Rs 87 billion in the first two months of the current fiscal year. According to Department of Customs data, imports in Saun and Bhadau were nearly Rs 28 billion higher than the roughly Rs 59 billion recorded in the same period last year.

The largest share of imports was of vegetable and animal fats and oils. Imports of such items rose from about Rs 27 billion to nearly Rs 49 billion.

Imports of oilseeds and industrial and medicinal plants and fodder more than tripled to reach about Rs 9 billion. Imports of vegetables and tubers rose by more than 43 percent to reach nearly Rs 8 billion, according to the department's data.

In contrast, imports of major food grains such as paddy, rice, maize and wheat declined. Food grain imports fell from about Rs 9 billion to Rs 6 billion.

Imports of fruits, walnuts and almonds fell slightly to remain at about Rs 5.5 billion. Imports of live animals rose from about Rs 15 million to nearly Rs 90 million. Imports of fish and aquatic animals rose from about Rs 160 million to nearly Rs 240 million. Data show that imports of dairy products, eggs and honey, however, declined.