Market Trend Analysis (2019-2024) of Mixed Chemical Fertilizers and Micronutrient Products in Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

In Nepal agricultural input market is observed growing basically in micronutrient fertilizers. There is no trend analysis for such inputs in recent years and thus hinders evidence-based policy making. This research was carried out to assess five-year trend analysis comparing product categories, formulation types, countries of origin, and registration status between 2019 and 2024 in Kathmandu valley. Further the objective of the study is to classify product categories and minimum nutrient specifications for policy makers.  Baseline market survey was done in 2019 and documented 78 such products across the Kathmandu Valley. Again, market survey was done in 2024, and we found 218 products—a 2.9-fold increase in five years. Of 218 products surveyed across 15 agrovets in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts, only two (0.9%) products were found registered in Fertilizer Control Order with valid government approval. This shows the market of such product is exponentially growing.