Nepal-China meet to support Nepal in farm commercialization

PRABHAKAR GHIMIRE

KATHMANDU, Sept 19: Amid frequent problems faced by the Nepali traders in exporting animal products due to strict Chinese quarantine rules, Nepal is preparing to push the northern neighbor to simplify its quarantine procedures when the two sides convene for agricultural ministers´ meet in two weeks in Kathmandu.

Senior officials at the Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD) said the issues and agendas of the high-level bilateral talks scheduled from September 30 to October 2 are yet to be finalized. “But quarantine related hassle faced by Nepali exporters will definitely feature at the top of our agenda,” said the source. Dr Ganesh Raj Joshi, secretary of MoAD will be leading the talks on behalf of the Nepali government, while Niu Dun, Chinese Vice Minister for Agriculture will be leading the Chinese seven-member delegation. They are expected to discuss areas of cooperation and also focus on addressing problems seen in trade of agriculture products between the two neighbors, the source told Republica. The MoAD have decided to raise problems of quarantine mainly after sporadic cases of disputes surfaced over the quarantine of Nepali animal products by the Chinese officials. “Our efforts will be aimed at convincing the Chinese sides to simplify the rule so that Nepal´s animal products could find access to the Chinese markets,” said the source. Despite huge potential to export animal products, mainly meats from Nepal to Tibet, its exports have not been smooth due to complicated quarantine system put in place by the Chinese customs officials. Similarly, Nepali officials are also requesting China to sell chemical fertilizers to Nepal, which has been facing frequent shortage due to unreliable sources of imports. “Amid increasing demand from our farmers and absence of reliable sources of supply, we are proposing China to sell chemical fertilizers, as an alternative source,” said the source. Though Nepal has been importing chemical fertilizers from India and other countries, the process of procurement has been lengthy and unreliable. This has led to acute shortage of fertilizers across the country during major farming seasons. Similarly, Nepal is also requesting Chinese officials to support strengthening the capacity of Nepal´s agriculture resource centers, improving farm infrastructures and enhancing capacity of agriculture human resources. The officials said Chinese officials have already conveyed their interest to support Nepal in enhancing its farm productivity and commercializing the animal farming, fishery and boosting agro production in hill areas in Nepal. The official also said China´s proposed supports include commercialization of animal farming through use of improved breeds of animals such as yak, sheep and mountain goats to boost production. “Besides cooperation in animal farming, China has also shown interest in supporting us to expanding fish farming and boosting citrus fruits production and cereal products in hill districts of the country,” said the source. Nepal suffered a trade deficit of around Rs 44 billion with the world second largest economy during the fiscal year 2010/11 due to weak supply strength from Nepali sides. Major commodities being imported to China, which is Nepal´s second largest trading partner, are live plants, milled rice, wheat flour, noodles, incense sticks, hides, jewelries, mattress and vegetables, among others. Similarly, Nepal´s has been importing electronic goods, electrical items, garments, shoes, vehicles, machineries, home appliances, fruits and vegetables from China.
Published on 2012-09-19 04:16:48