Aim to tap 2 lakh tonnes of Additional fertilizer cargo

A five-member Nepalese delegation led by Dr. Govind Prasad Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Department, Government of Nepal, along with the Managing Director of Krishi Samagri Company Ltd., Nepal, and the Assistant CEO of Salt Trading Corporation Ltd., Nepal recently visited Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA).

VPA’s Deputy Chairperson Mr Durgesh Kumar Dubey, IRTS, welcomed the delegation and apprised them of the port’s infrastructure, operational capabilities, and key facilities.

As per an official release from VPA the main objective of the Nepalese delegation visit was to explore the possibility of importing urea and other fertilizers such as DAP through global tenders, wherein Indian Potash Limited is a major supplier to these Nepal government entities.

Discussions were also held on the Indo-Nepal Treaty for the movement of fertilizers, including a proposal to allow bulk movement through Visakhapatnam Port—similar to the current operations at Kolkata Port—with a target of tapping at least two lakh tonnes of additional fertilizer cargo.

The Nepal delegation observed that Visakhapatnam has significant untapped potential, and if enhanced trade facilities are provided, the entire volume of one and a half to two lakh tonnes of cargo could be handled at Visakhapatnam Port.

Mr T. Venu Gopal, Secretary, VPA, along with other officials participated in the meeting and reaffirmed VPA’s commitment to strengthening international trade ties, especially with landlocked neighboring nations like Nepal.