Paddy transplantation in Madhesh Province hits 77 pc by early August

DHANUSHADHAM: Nearly 77% of paddy seedling transplantation had been completed by the first week of August across the eight districts of Madhesh Province, the Agricultural Development Directorate has confirmed.

Speaking at a press briefing, Director Jitendra Yadav at Agricultural Development Directorate said that Bara district recorded the highest transplant progress, at 95%, while Mahottari reported the lowest, at 61.5%.

Among the other districts, Parsa reported 92% of its paddy fields transplanted, followed by Rautahat at 85%, Sarlahi at 75%, and Dhanusha, Saptari and Siraha each at 70%.

Transplantation activities accelerated once the monsoon rains began. Of the total 372,645 hectares earmarked for paddy cultivation, seedlings have been transplanted on 285,335 hectares to date.

Yadav warned that transplantation is expected to reach only around 80% of the target this year, potentially reducing paddy production by approximately 27% due to delays.

The recent regular rainfall has brought much-needed relief to farmers. Many fields had developed fissures during prolonged dry spells, and the rains have not only irrigated the land but also lifted farmers’ spirits.

Prior to the onset of the monsoon, farmers relied heavily on deep tube wells for irrigation, a costly and challenging option in areas with unreliable electricity supplies.

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