POKHARA, JUNE 30 The area under paddy cultivation in Gandaki Province continues to shrink every year as urban expansion, land fragmentation and growing fallow farmland reduce agricultural land, according to provincial agriculture officials. The province expects paddy cultivation on 93,606 hectares this year, down from 97,769 hectares four years ago. Officials say farmland is steadily disappearing as agricultural land is converted for settlements and infrastructure development. Despite the decline in cultivated area, rice productivity has improved due to better seeds, irrigation facilities and improved farming practices. As of Monday, only 24.9 percent of paddy transplantation had been completed across the province, compared to 28.2 percent during the same period last year, largely because of delayed rainfall. Agriculture officials say timely monsoon rains and adequate fertilizer supply will determine this year's harvest.