FMTC to Procure 50,000 Quintals of Paddy in Jhapa at Support Price Above Market Rate

The Food Management and Trade Company (FMTC) Limited has announced plans to purchase 50,000 quintals of paddy from farmers in Jhapa district. The support price for the paddy has been set at Rs. 3,580.62 per quintal, higher than the current market price, according to FMTC Chief Chulmaya Lowa of the Birtamod office.

In the first phase, the company will acquire 15,000 quintals of Sonamansuli and 5,000 quintals of Ranjitmansuli paddy. The initiative is expected to benefit local farmers by providing them with a stable and competitive price for their produce.

This year, paddy production in Jhapa reached 385,196.5 metric tons, marking an increase of 8,791 metric tons compared to last year, despite a decrease in the cultivated area. Chetraj Bhandari, Information Officer at the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Jhapa, attributed the boost in production to favorable weather conditions, timely availability of fertilizers, and the use of advanced paddy seeds.

Paddy was cultivated across 75,459 hectares this year, achieving a productivity rate of 5.10 metric tons per hectare, a notable improvement in agricultural efficiency.

The FMTC’s procurement initiative is expected to support farmers by ensuring fair pricing and contributing to the region’s agricultural sustainability.