Nepal spent around Rs 20.386 billion on rice and paddy imports during the first half of fiscal year 2025/26, according to the Department of Customs. This represents a 6.73 percent rise, or more than Rs 1.28 billion, compared to the same period last fiscal year. Imports of basmati rice totaled Rs 4.271 billion, while polished rice accounted for Rs 6.2 billion. Despite the increase in import value, revenue collection declined to Rs 1.442 billion, highlighting growing concerns over food dependency.
