68% progress in paddy transplantation, says agri ministry

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has said that paddy transplantation has been completed on approximately 68% of the paddy fields across the country. This figure is notably lower compared to the same period last year when transplantation had been completed on 88% of paddy fields.

The ministry has attributed the slower progress in paddy transplantation to delayed monsoon rains in Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces. In Karnali Province, the transplantation was further hindered by the outbreak of lumpy skin disease. Paddy transplantation in Sudurpashchim Province, however, has reached its final stages.

Since paddy transplantation in Madhesh can continue until the end of July, we are expecting the progress rate to reach 95% by that time, Prakash Kumar Sanjel, the spokesperson for the ministry, said.

Transplantation has already been completed on most of the fields with irrigation facilities. However, transplantation is progressing in fields that rely on monsoon rains.