Kathmandu, July 7: The paddy plantation has declined by 12.62 percent this year. It was 45 percent paddy plantation by this time last year, while this year record stands at 32.38 percent across the country.
Till Monday, the country recorded paddy plantation in 443,595 hectares of land, according to Prakash Kumar Sanjel, director general at Agriculture Department. The country has 1.3 million plus hectares of land suitable for paddy cultivation.
Sudurpaschim Province experienced 57.9 percent plantation, while Gandaki Province 41 percent, Karnali Province 40.5 percent, Lumbini Province 37.3 percent, Bagmati Province 33.2 percent, Koshi Province 31.5 percent and Madhes Province 15 percent, according to the Department.
Director general Sanjel said the climate change impacted the entry and spread of monsoon this year, causing delayed plantation. Once the rainfall spreads across the country, remaining parts will cultivate the land for major crop.
Madhes Province has witnessed only 15.6 percent cultivation though it is the most suitable place for rice production. It has caused projection of declined production of rice this year. The southern plains make up nearly 70 percent of total rice production, while hilly region bears 30 percent.
