Nepal’s imports of agricultural and food products rose 47% to Rs. 87.10 billion in the first two months of FY 2026/27, up from Rs. 59.18 billion during the same period last fiscal year.

According to Department of Customs data, import expenses on major agricultural commodities increased by Rs. 27.92 billion during the review period.

The largest increase came from vegetable and animal fats and oils, whose imports rose to Rs. 48.57 billion from Rs. 27.41 billion.

Imports of oilseeds, legumes, industrial and medicinal plants, and fodder more than tripled to Rs. 8.86 billion from Rs. 2.73 billion.

Import expenses on vegetables and root products also increased 43% to Rs. 7.93 billion from Rs. 5.53 billion.

However, imports of major food staples declined. Combined imports of paddy, rice, maize and wheat fell to Rs. 6.03 billion from Rs. 8.79 billion, a decrease of Rs. 2.76 billion.

Imports of fruits and dry fruits, including walnuts and almonds, edged down to Rs. 5.59 billion from Rs. 5.64 billion.

The country also recorded higher imports of live animals, meat, and fish and aquatic products. Live animal imports rose to Rs. 90.4 million from Rs. 14.1 million, while meat imports increased to Rs. 3.23 million from Rs. 649,000. Fish and aquatic product imports rose to Rs. 239.6 million from Rs. 159.1 million.

Meanwhile, dairy products, eggs and natural honey imports declined to Rs. 69.9 million from Rs. 155.9 million. The decline in dairy imports has been attributed to increased domestic self-sufficiency in the segment.

Imports of tea, coffee and spices also edged down to Rs. 2.03 billion from Rs. 2.17 billion. Nepal exported these products worth Rs. 3.04 billion during the period, resulting in a trade surplus of around Rs. 1 billion in the category.