Paddy Transplantation Reaches 68% Completion Nationwide

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has reported that paddy transplantation in Nepal has reached approximately 68% completion across the country. This figure is significantly lower compared to the same period last year when transplantation had been completed on 88% of the paddy fields.

The ministry has attributed the slower progress to delayed monsoon rains in several key provinces, namely Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki. The scarcity of rain in these regions has affected the transplanting schedule, leading to a decrease in the overall completion rate. Additionally, Karnali Province faced an additional challenge as the outbreak of lumpy skin disease hindered the transplantation process in the area.

In a more positive update, paddy transplantation in Sudurpashchim Province has reached its final stages, showing good progress in that region. However, there is still a significant portion of fields in Madhesh where transplantation can continue until the end of July, providing a window of opportunity to improve the overall completion rate.

Prakash Kumar Sanjel, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, expressed optimism that the progress rate could reach 95% by the end of July, as transplantation continues in the remaining areas that rely on monsoon rains.