Kathmandu: Nepal’s paddy production has seen a 4.04% increase in the current fiscal year, reaching 5.955 million metric tons, despite a 1.28% decline in the total cultivated area, according to preliminary estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Favorable monsoon conditions, timely rainfall, and improved access to chemical fertilizers and high-yield paddy varieties contributed to the rise in production. The monsoon became active three days earlier than usual, and rainfall levels were higher than the previous year’s average, creating ideal conditions for paddy growth.
The total cultivated area for paddy this year stands at 1.420 million hectares, slightly lower than last year. However, the average productivity per hectare has reached 4.19 metric tons, marking a record high.
Regional Variations in Paddy Production
- Increased production: Koshi, Madhesh, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces recorded a rise in paddy output.
- Declined production: Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces witnessed a drop in production due to various challenges.
In Karnali Province, the decrease in cultivated land, particularly in Rukum (West), affected overall production. Similarly, in Nawalparasi (East), certain areas experienced a lack of grain formation, while in Lamjung, a reduction in paddy-planted areas led to lower output. Satellite data analysis also indicated a significant reduction in harvested paddy area in Madhesh Province.
Meanwhile, spring (Chait) paddy continues to show higher productivity than monsoon paddy, following a trend observed in recent years.
Experts believe that increasing the availability of improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities could further enhance Nepal’s rice production in the coming years. The government is expected to refine these estimates as more data becomes available.
