Nepal's critical paddy planting season is facing significant headwinds as farmers struggle with nationwide shortages of fertilizers and seeds.
The disruption is compounded by mounting production costs that are eroding profit margins for agricultural producers across the country.
The supply chain friction has escalated into legal complications for some growers.
Two Nepali farmer brothers remain detained in an Indian jail after being arrested while attempting to purchase fertilizer across the border.
They are currently awaiting bail, a situation that underscores the desperation and logistical challenges facing the sector as the planting window narrows.
These input shortages are part of a broader squeeze on Nepali agriculture.