Kathmandu, June 21 -- With the agricultural sector already bracing for a late and "below normal" monsoon, a critical shortage of chemical fertilisers due to a delay in imports is expected to significantly affect paddy plantation during the peak season.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said that its stock of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), the world's most widely used phosphorus fertiliser, is running out and imports have been delayed due to the Finance Ministry not releasing funds on time, said Agriculture Ministry officials. There are 10,000 tonnes of DAP in stock, not nearly enough to meet the country's demand for even 15 days.

The shortage is likely to diminish paddy production for the upcoming fiscal year at a time...