KATHMANDU: The Australian government has imposed a complete ban on the import of plant-based food products originating from Nepal.

The decision follows the detection of insects in recently imported Nepali goods such as fermented leafy greens, millet, soybean, maize and buckwheat.

Australia has taken the step citing biosecurity concerns, which is expected to affect both Nepali agricultural exports and Nepali communities residing in Australia.

Under Australia’s quarantine regulations, plant-based imports from other countries must undergo fumigation using methyl bromide gas for 24 to 48 hours before entry. However, the absence of internationally standard fumigation facilities in Nepal has been identified as a key reason behind the issue.

The move is likely to widen Nepal’s trade deficit. In the last nine to ten months alone, Nepal exported around Rs 1.5 billion worth of agricultural goods to Australia, while importing goods worth approximately Rs 10 billion from Australia.

This already existing trade gap of nearly Rs 8.5 billion is expected to increase further due to the suspension of exports.

The Plant Quarantine Division under Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has confirmed the ban. Although the government had initiated the process of establishing a fumigation center near the Horticulture Center in Kirtipur, the project has been delayed due to a land dispute with Tribhuvan University.

Experts say the development highlights an urgent need for Nepal to adopt internationally compliant processing and quarantine systems if it aims to sustain and expand access for its agricultural products in global markets.