Nepal, Sept. 28 -- That vegetable and fruit prices are spiralling out of control while farmers' produce rot in the fields during the lockdown is a clear testimony of a complete breakdown of the agricultural supply chain in Nepal. Farmers standing in long queues at fertiliser depots to buy urea ignoring social distancing rules not only raises the risk of contagion, but also points to possible shortages due to lowered output for lack of inputs during the growing season.

Agriculture was expected to be least affected by Covid-19 as farms provide the perfect opportunity to work by maintaining social distance. The only thing needed was government support to ensure a steady supply of inputs and unhindered market access for the harvests. But exc...