DHANGADI: Paddy saplings planted in various districts of Sudur-Paschim Province including Kailali and Kanchanpur have begun drying up as a result of monsoon not being active in the region.

The long dry spell caused by the inactive monsoon has started affecting the saplings and thus farmers spend days looking at the sky with a hope of rain, said a local farmer.

Balram Chaudhary of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolis-4 said that land cracks developed in the currently planted paddy fields due to desiccation, has increased farmer’s problem.

Rainfall was scarce in Kailali and Kanchanpur even when monsoon was in full swing in all other parts of the country, two weeks ago. The farmers now fear the outbreak of diseases in the paddy saplings if rainfall didn't occur till the end of July.

According to Attariya-based field office of Department Of Hydrology and Meteorology, this year, the monsoon has not been active in the Far-west region yet.

In this monsoon, the highest rainfall was measured at 81.9 millilitres on July 11, informed meteorologist Singal Chaudhary at the field office.

It has been reported that monsoon has remained inactive in the region due to the influence of westerly winds.

Usually, monsoon occurs in Nepal from June 10 to September 23.