While government authorities frequently cite progress in boosting domestic agricultural output, massive inflows of rice, paddy, maize, and wheat highlight a stark disparity between policy goals and market realities.
Rice and Paddy Dominate Imports
Rice and paddy accounted for the largest share of foreign grain purchases, making up nearly 67% of the total import bill.
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Total Quantity: 741.7 million kg
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Total Expenditure: Rs 39.89 billion
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Paddy Imports: Rs 17.84 billion
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Rice Imports (Basmati & non-Basmati): Rs 20.38 billion (254.7 million kg)
Breakdown of Major Food Grain Imports (FY 2082/83)
| Grain Type |
Quantity (kg) |
Value (NPR) |
Share of Total |
| Paddy & Rice |
741.7 million |
Rs 39.89 billion |
66.87% |
| Maize (Corn) |
306.5 million |
Rs 12.41 billion |
20.81% |
| Wheat & Meslin |
154.6 million |
Rs 6.67 billion |
11.18% |
| Millet (Kodo) |
12.1 million |
Rs 617 million |
1.04% |
| Other Grains (Barley, Buckwheat, etc.) |
3.4+ million |
Rs 513.3 million |
0.10% |
| Total |
1.21+ billion |
Rs 59.66 billion |
100% |
High Demand for Maize and Wheat
Maize remains Nepal's second-largest imported grain, primarily driven by the expanding domestic poultry and animal feed sectors.
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Maize Imports: 306.5 million kg worth Rs 12.41 billion (with feed-grade maize comprising over Rs 10.92 billion of this figure).
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Wheat & Meslin: 154.6 million kg worth Rs 6.67 billion brought in for household consumption and industrial processing.
Root Causes and Economic Impact
Agricultural experts attribute Nepal's alarming trade deficit in food items to systemic bottlenecks, including:
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Slow pace of agricultural modernization
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Inadequate irrigation infrastructure
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Chronic shortages and delayed distribution of chemical fertilizers and quality seeds
The outflow of tens of billions of rupees annually to purchase basic staples continues to place severe pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves and overall economy.
