KATHMANDU, AUGUST 17

The country has recorded approximately 98 percent paddy plantation this year, with nearly 1.3 million hectares of land cultivated, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. This marks an eight percent increase compared to the 90 percent plantation achieved by mid-August last fiscal year.

The rise in paddy plantation is attributed to adequate rainfall across the country. Mahanand Joshi, Information Officer at the Ministry, stated that rice production is also expected to increase this year due to the higher plantation rate.

Sudurpaschim Province achieved 100 percent paddy plantation, while Koshi Province recorded just under 95 percent. Last fiscal year, Sudurpaschim Province saw 99 percent plantation, and Madhes Province only 60 percent.

In the fiscal year 2080/81, the country imported paddy and rice worth Rs 21.34 billion, a significant decrease from the Rs 35.90 billion imported in 2079/80. Joshi noted that rice production is expected to increase by nearly six percent this year, which could further reduce the need for rice imports.