KATHMANDU, July 28: The country has recorded almost 79 percent of paddy seedlings transplanted until Sunday, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD). Last year, paddy transplantation had reached 92.6 percent during the same period.
As per the reports collected by the Ministry on Sunday, paddy transplantation is still taking place in some parts of the country.
Among the provinces, Sudurpaschim is leading with 98.94 percent of its target already completed, while 91.38 percent of the target has been completed in Karnali Province, according to the MoALD.
Inadequate rains lead to only 40 percent paddy transplantation...
Paddy transplantation has reached 80.39 percent in Koshi Province, 87.19 percent in Bagmati Province, 85.3 percent in Gandaki Province, and 92 percent in Lumbini Province.
However, Madhesh Province, the key area for paddy production in the country, recorded just 51.83 percent of its target for paddy transplantation due to the prolonged drought this year.
The Terai region is the most fertile and produces about 70 percent of the country’s total paddy, while the hilly regions contribute the remaining 30 percent.
During the previous FY 2081/82 BS, the country witnessed a total rice production of 5.724 million metric tonnes. Unfavorable weather conditions, natural disasters, excessive rainfall, and droughts have created challenges for paddy transplantation, delaying the schedule in some areas.
According to the MoALD, a 10 percent change in rice production can lead to about a 1 percent change in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
