Paddy production up 4.04% to 5.955 million tons

KATHMANDU: Paddy production in Nepal increased by 4.04% in the fiscal year 2024/25.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, total paddy production reached 5.955 million tons in the current fiscal year, up from 5.724 million tons in 2023/24.

Paddy productivity rose to 4.19 tons per hectare in 2024/25, compared to 4 tons per hectare in the previous fiscal year. The ministry also said that the productivity of spring paddy (Chaite Dhan) was higher than monsoon paddy (Barkhe Dhan).

Data provided by the ministry shows paddy production increased in four out of seven provinces. The highest growth was observed in Madhes Province, where production rose by 10.7% to 1.48 million tons. In Sudurpashchim Province, production increased by 6.11% to 636,212 tons, while Lumbini Province saw a growth of 4.06% to 1.36 million tons. Koshi Province also recorded a 2.16% increase, reaching 1.46 million tons.

However, production declined in three other provinces. Karnali Province experienced the sharpest drop of 10.3% to 305,191 tons. Similarly, Gandaki and Bagmati provinces recorded declines of 3.22% and 1.13%, with production falling to 379,032 tons and 498,662 tons, respectively.

Paddy was cultivated on 1.42 million hectares this year, including both spring and monsoon crops, according to the ministry.