Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 98% of the available land until mid-August this year, compared to 90% in the same period last year.

The staple crop of the country has been cultivated in nearly 1.3 million hectares of land, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

The rise in transplantation this year has been attributed to adequate rainfall across the country.

The authorities expect production of rice to increase following the growth in cultivation.

Mahanand Joshi, information officer at the ministry, informed that farmers in Sudurpaschim Province have already completed the transplantation in 100% of the available land while those in Koshi have yet to plant the staple crop in more than 5% of the available land.

Nepal imported paddy and rice worth Rs 21.34 billion in the last fiscal year and Rs 35.90 billion in the previous fiscal year.

“We expect around 6% growth in rice production this year,” Joishi added. “It will help us reduce imports.” 

RSS