Kathmandu, October 1-Lawmakers have sought answers from Agriculture, Forest and Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary over the shortage of chemical fertilizers, problems in the distribution system and a controversial audio recording linked to the ministry.
During a meeting of the Federal Parliament’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, lawmakers questioned the ministry’s performance over the past six months. They pointed to a contradiction between farmers’ complaints about fertilizer shortages and ministry data showing that adequate supplies were available.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about delays in the tendering process and alleged irregularities in fertilizer distribution. Lawmaker Khagendra Karn urged the ministry to make the distribution system more transparent and effective from the next fiscal year.
Gyanendra Singh Mahat questioned the government about problems faced by farmers in Sudurpaschim and other districts, difficulties in marketing agricultural products, attracting young people to farming and the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He also raised concerns that technologies developed by the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) had not reached farmers’ fields effectively.
The committee meeting also discussed a controversial audio recording that has recently circulated on social media. Lawmakers Punam Agrawal and Laxmi Prasad Pokharel sought clarification from Minister Chaudhary regarding the recording and also questioned the appointment of NARC’s executive director.
Lawmaker Suresh Kumar Chaudhary expressed concern over the lack of a clear land-use policy and irrigation plan, saying these issues were affecting the agricultural sector. He also called for effective implementation of the government’s policy of promoting organic fertilizer and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Lawmaker Sagar Dhakal stressed that the committee should focus on long-term agricultural reforms and policy-level issues rather than becoming preoccupied with smaller matters.
Minister Chaudhary Responds to Audio Controversy
Minister Geeta Chaudhary told the committee that she had no personal or family relationship with the people heard speaking in the controversial audio recording.
The recording, which circulated on social media, allegedly contains a conversation between two individuals discussing financial dealings while mentioning the names of Agriculture Minister Chaudhary, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung and RSP lawmaker Thakursingh Tharu. One of the individuals in the recording reportedly refers to Minister Chaudhary as his “maternal uncle’s daughter.”
Responding to questions from committee members, Chaudhary said she did not know the individuals heard in the recording and had no personal or family connection with them.
She said the matter had already entered the legal process and that an investigation was underway, making it inappropriate for her to comment further on the details.
The minister said she had long been committed to good governance and urged people to raise allegations based on evidence. She also called on journalists and others to verify facts before making such matters public.
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