Madhes Province Sees Sharpest Drop in Paddy Transplantation

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development showed a sharp drop in paddy transplantation compared to last year, with Madhes Province hit hardest due to prolonged dry spell.

By August 10 this year, paddy plantation across Nepal had been completed in 91% of the available area, down from 98.19% during the same period last year. The ministry’s figures, released on Monday, August 11, reveal the most significant decline in Madhes Province.

Experts attribute the drop to prolonged drought, which delayed planting and raised concerns over reduced yields. The parched fields in Madhes developed deep cracks, prompting the provincial government to declare the area drought-hit after weeks of dryness disrupted cultivation.

Although recent rains have brought some relief, experts warn that the delayed planting could lower production. In Madhes, only 76.54% of the paddy fields had been planted by August 10, compared to 97% last year. Of the province’s 372,645 hectares available for cultivation, transplantation was completed on 285,335 hectares.

“The delayed transplantation of paddy seedlings is likely to reduce production by around 27% this year,” said Jitendra Yadav, Director at the province’s Directorate of Agricultural Development. “Transplantation is expected to meet approximately 80% of the target this season,” he added.

Nationwide, out of 1,378,967 hectares of paddy fields, 1,254,887 hectares have been planted. Sudurpaschim Province recorded the highest plantation rate at 99.72%, slightly down from last year’s 100%. Karnali farmers have completed planting on 98.4% of acreage, while Lumbini, Bagmati, Gandaki and Koshi recorded rates of 98.07%, 93.56%, 92.77% and 80.39% respectively.