KATHMANDU, JULY 22

This figure shows around 20 per cent decline compared to 88 per cent paddy cultivation across the country during the same period last year.

"Lack of sufficient rainfall n all areas of the country is to partly blame for the decline in paddy plantation," said Prakash Kumar Sanjel, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

The delay in the arrival of monsoon this year in Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces in particular has caused decline in paddy plantation, according to the Department of Agriculture.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, there is a partial impact of monsoon winds in the country.

"The low-pressure line of monsoon has remained towards the south of its average place, resulting in comparatively low rainfall this monsoon," said meteorologist Sanjib Adhikari.

A version of this article appears in the print on July 23, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.