August 18: Paddy transplantation has taken place only in 92% of the land across the country.

According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, paddy has been planted in only 92% of the land of the total area where paddy is transplanted as of August 18.

This is 3 percent less compared to the same period of the last year. Last year, rice had been planted in 95 percent of the land during the same period.

In Nepal, rice cultivation occurs on approximately 1,488,000 hectares of land. Among them, currently, rice has been planted on around 1,375,000 hectares.

According to the ministry's data, this year, the most rice cultivation has occurred in the Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces. In these two provinces, rice has been planted on 99.99 percent of the total cultivable area.

Often referred to as ‘grain house’ of the country, the Tarai region has the least rice cultivation. Madhes Province contributes to the highest portion to Nepal's rice production.

 In this province, this year's rice cultivation is 82 percent until now, which is 11 percent less than the same period last year. Last year, rice was cultivated in 93 percent of the land in Madhes during the same period last year.

Similarly, in Koshi Province, 97 percent of rice cultivation has taken place, while in Bagmati Province, it's 93 percent, in Gandaki Province, it's 94 percent, and in Lumbini Province, it's 95 percent.

 Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Haribahadur K.C., said paddy plantation had dropped due to delayed monsoon in Bagmati, Gandaki and Madhes Provinces.