Gandaki Province Sees 78% Paddy Plantation

Paddy plantation in Gandaki Province has reached 78.36% so far, with 73,349 hectares of land already planted. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management, and Cooperatives, this year’s target is to plant paddy in 93,606 hectares of land.

Senior Agricultural Economist Shashi Adhikari stated that the total cultivable land in the province is 479,617 hectares, out of which around 100,000 hectares are used for paddy cultivation every year. He added that districts like Nawalpur, Kaski, Syangja, and Tanahun have larger areas under paddy cultivation.

Except for the Himalayan districts of Mustang and Manang, paddy is cultivated in all nine districts of the province. However, the area under paddy cultivation has been decreasing over the years. Adhikari explained that four years ago, paddy was planted in 97,769 hectares, which decreased to 96,053 hectares the following year. Last year, the area under paddy cultivation was 94,182 hectares, and this year it is expected to be 93,606 hectares.

Adhikari attributed the decline in paddy cultivation area to factors like land fragmentation, abandonment of fertile land, and the expansion of settlements and infrastructure on cultivable land. Despite the decrease in area, paddy productivity has increased due to factors like timely rainfall, availability of chemical fertilizers, and improved irrigation facilities.

On the other hand, adverse weather conditions, fertilizer shortages, and low-quality seeds can lead to a decline in paddy productivity. In Gandaki Province, various types of paddy are cultivated, including Savitri, Ramdhan, Jethobudho, Khumal, Sukkha, and Ekale.

Certain areas in the province have been designated as pocket areas for paddy cultivation, including Gorakha’s Chevetar, Palungtar, Arughat, Siranchok, and Lamjung’s Dharmikhuwa, Harrabot, Bhorletar, and Karaputar. Similarly, areas like Parvat’s Phalebas, Jaljala, Syangja’s Putalibazar, Aandhikhola, and Galayang have been identified as pocket areas for paddy cultivation.