Kathmandu – As of now, around 15.6% of paddy plantation has been completed across Nepal, according to recent data released by the Center for Crop Development and Agro-Biodiversity Conservation.
Out of a total of 1,391,321 hectares of land designated for paddy cultivation nationwide, plantation has been completed on 217,289 hectares. Compared to the same period last year, this figure is 1.6% lower, indicating a slower pace in planting activities this season.
Province-wise Breakdown:
- Sudurpaschim Province leads the nation with 45.5% of paddy plantation completed. This marks an improvement from last year’s 40% during the same period. Out of 176,151 hectares of cultivable land, 80,128 hectares have been planted so far.
- Karnali Province follows with 39.1% plantation. Of the 40,884 hectares available for paddy, approximately 16,000 hectares have been covered. Last year, around 24% plantation was completed by this time.
- Bagmati Province has achieved 20.5% completion, slightly higher than the previous year’s 19.5%. Paddy is grown on 120,545 hectares in the province.
- Gandaki Province has reported 13.8% completion, an improvement from 12.4% last year. The province has 94,182 hectares of land under paddy cultivation.
- Koshi Province has reached 14.3% plantation, up from 13.7% last year. The total area for paddy in Koshi is 276,387 hectares.
- Lumbini Province shows a notable drop, with only 9.7% plantation so far compared to 18.5% during the same period last year. Lumbini has 302,889 hectares of paddy fields.
- Madhesh Province has the lowest plantation rate, at just 3.9%. However, data from Saptari, Rautahat, and Mahottari districts have not been included yet, which may influence the final percentage. The province has the largest area dedicated to paddy cultivation, with 380,000 hectares.
The Center notes that monsoon irregularities and regional variations may be contributing to delays in plantation this year. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts intensify to complete planting within the optimal seasonal window.
