Kathmandu. About 59 percent of paddy has been planted across the country so far.
According to the Ministry of Agricultural Development, as of Asad 29, 816,405 hectares of land have been planted. This is a decrease of about 8 percent compared to last year.
In terms of percentage, the highest planting has been done in Sudurpaschim Province, about 164,000 hectares. It is said that 93 percent planting has been done in that province.
In Karnali Province, planting has been completed on 64,000 hectares. Here, 83 percent planting has been done. In Lumbini Province, planting has been completed on 223,000 hectares, while 73 percent planting has been done in terms of percentage.
About 67 percent of paddy was planted during the same period last year. According to data collected by the ministry till Sunday, planting is ongoing in some parts of the country. It is estimated that 98 percent planting will be done by the last week of next Shrawan.
According to Mahananda Joshi, Information Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Terai region is considered good in terms of rice production and area. The productivity of rice has also increased from that region, contributing 70 percent of the total production. The hilly region produces 30 percent.
In the last fiscal year 2080-81, 57 lakh 24 thousand 234 metric tons of rice were produced. Adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, heavy rain and drought have negatively affected the sowing, resulting in delayed sowing in some areas.
About 1.4 million hectares of land are sown in the country. It is estimated that production will increase due to the development of knowledge, skills, technology and improved varieties of seeds developed recently.
It is said that if rice production increases or decreases by about 10 percent, the country’s gross domestic product will increase or decrease by one percent. The ministry says that out of the 6 million metric tons of rice estimated to be produced domestically this year, about 3.5 million metric tons of edible rice will be produced. (RSS)