Kathmandu. The government has set the slogan for this year’s National Rice Day as ‘Intensification in Rice Crops, Food Security and Self-Reliance’. This slogan has been set to increase rice production for food security. The Department of Agriculture has organized various programs on Ashad 15 to research climate-friendly technology and increase rice production while celebrating the 22nd National Rice Day and Planting Festival.
A program has been prepared to interact with experts in Khumaltar to discuss planting, respect for farmers, conservation of indigenous crops, dissemination of technology, and mitigation of the impact of climate change on the region. Prakash Sanjel, Director General of the Department, informed that there is a plan to increase rice production and productivity among farmers and other stakeholders and to make farmers aware of food security. Rice is the main food crop used in the country’s economic development, social, cultural and religious traditions. It is considered as the staple food for the average Nepali.
Director General Sanjel said that in view of the diverse importance of rice, the National Rice Day and Planting Festival have been held every year since Asad 15, 2061 BS with the aim of increasing its production, modernization and commercialization. In the fiscal year 2080/81, 57 lakh 24 thousand 234 metric tons of rice were produced, while in the fiscal year 2081/82, the production of rice was 59 lakh 55 thousand 476 metric tons.
In the fiscal year 2080/81, 14 lakh 38 thousand 989 hectares of rice were planted, while in the fiscal year 2081/82, 14 lakh 20 thousand 636 hectares of rice were planted. Despite a modest decrease in the area under paddy cultivation, the total production of paddy has increased due to positive growth in productivity, said Mahananda Joshi, Information Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. It is said that the increase in paddy production is due to the use of chemical fertilizers, improved seeds and timely rainfall.
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