By Shanker Man Singh
Nepal has imported paddy and rice worth Rs 20 billion in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, up to June 15 of the fiscal year 2023/34 Rs. 300.53 million kg of paddy worth Rs. 11.55 billion have been imported. Likewise, during that period, 80.27 million kg of rice worth Rs. 8.69 billion have been imported. Additionally, rice seeds worth Rs. 886. 65 million have also been imported.
The Ministry states that in the fiscal year 2080/81, while rice imports were increasing, this year, the highest amount of rice has been produced in a decade.
In the current fiscal year 2080/81, 57 lakh 24 thousand 234 metric tons of rice has been produced, which is relatively more than the year 2070/71. According to the data made public in Nepal, it seems that 56 lakh 21 thousand 710 metric tons of paddy was produced in 2077/78.
The Ministry claims that paddy production is probably the highest ever. At a glance, it is clear that 54 lakh 86 thousand 472 metric tons of rice was produced in the year 2079/80. This year, 2 lakh 76 thousand 813 metric tons more rice has grown than last financial year. The main reasons for the increase in production are the availability and use of advanced varieties of rice seeds, reduction in the incidence of diseases and pests, and reduction in the negative effects of floods and landslides on rice crops. It is not an exaggeration to say that there has been an improvement in the availability of fertilizer, the use of agricultural tools and technology, and seasonal adaptation have also helped in the increase in production.
The use of hybrids may also increase production and productivity. It seems that the increase in rice production will also help the country’s economic growth rate. The economic prosperity of Nepal is closely linked with the monsoon. Almost two-thirds of the arable land does not have a good source of irrigation, so Nepal’s economy of about 4.85 trillion rupees, which is dependent on agriculture, is dependent on rainwater.
Since 2061, “National Paddy Day” has been formally celebrated in Nepal. But for centuries, there has been a tradition of “eating yogurt”, planting paddy and celebrating the festival on the 15th of Asar. This year, the 20th Paddy Day has been celebrated across Nepal with climate change issues as the theme.
The month of planting paddy and growing maximum with minimal consumption is called ‘Mano Ropi Muri Ubjaune’, thus it is considered a special month for farmers. Although a sufficient amount of rice is produced in Nepal, there is an insufficient supply of quality rice which is in great demand in the country.
About 70 percent of Nepal’s total rice production comes from the Mota Chamal category, which is not a popular rice variety in the country.
Due to the increase in the income of the common Nepali people and the culture of eating rice in their daily meals, the long-grain rice variety is becoming popular in Nepal. Over the last two decades, Nepal has become dependent on imported long-grain rice.
In the past, amid this increasing dependence, India imposed a ban on rice exports, and the market price of rice rose. However, officials and experts said that India’s ban on exports could be a boon for Nepal to promote the consumption of indigenous rice and other food grains, and that is remembered.
In 2080/81, the production of rice increased by 4.33 percent, while the land for rice production has decreased by 8,800 hectares compared to last year.
The government data shows that the production of rice has increased by 4.33 percent in the current financial year 2080/81. The Ministry also said that it is 4.33 percent more than last year 2079/80. The federal government has informed that the data obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture of the seven provinces in collaboration with the partners in the district-wise development of rice production has been estimated using the satellite image of the area of rice planted in the Terai district and the figures of the current year’s planting as the main basis.
Compared to the previous year 2079/80, the area planted with paddy has decreased this year, according to the Ministry. Compared to the previous year, the land for paddy production this year has decreased by 8,800 hectares. This is 0.61 percent less than last year. This year, the total area of paddy crop is 14 lakh 38 thousand 989 hectares, according to the Ministry. It has been analyzed that this is 1.73 percent less than the average area of the last four years.
The average productivity rate of paddy crops has increased by 4.97 percent to 3.98 metric tons per hectare compared to last year, according to the ministry’s data. This is 6.92 percent higher than the average productivity rate of the past four years.
The Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernization Program under the Ministry of Agriculture, says that there is no need to worry about food security since there was enough rice production for the national population in the last financial year and this year as well.
Asar is not only a socially and economically important month but also literary, it has importance. Various exciting and popular songs have been written and sung in the paddy fields during the month of Asar for generations. As such songs are sung during the planting of paddy, they are sung simply and slowly so that the hardworking farmers can forget their fatigue and work for a long time. Every year, Nepali farmers suffer due to shortages of chemical fertilizers, but no effective move has been initiated to end this problem.
Agriculture is the mainstay of Nepal’s economy, employing about 60 percent of the total labor force and contributing about 26 percent to the national economy. In the past, if the expected shipment from India could not be possible, the government had a ‘Plan B’ to bring fertilizers from other countries.
We import sacks of rice, pulses, wheat, etc., keeping the fields barren, which is against Nepali self-respect and ideals of agriculture. Productivity and fertility are hidden deep within the density of our soil and river water. Statistics show that only about 21 percent of Nepal’s total paddy cultivation area has irrigation facilities, but due to sky water and rich soil, other lands are also not hostile to paddy cultivation. Now, on National Rice Day, Asar 15, there is a need for a commitment towards agriculture in Nepalese fields.
Even though there are grounds for improving food security by increasing rice production in the country, becoming self-sufficient in rice and increasing employment and income by connecting production with industry, it could not be implemented.
Rice is the best, most nutritious and most widely used crop in the world. In the context of Nepal, rice is undoubtedly the most important grain. According to our cultural beliefs, 15 Asar is considered as an auspicious day for planting paddy for the year.
The most rice-growing region in Nepal is Koshi Province. According to the data, there has been a slight decrease in the production of Chaiterice, while the production of main rice has increased. This year, the highest number of paddy has grown in Koshi province in Nepal.
In Karnali, it has been observed that low paddy is produced. Even in terms of productivity, Koshi province is ahead. 4.43 tons per hectare has been produced here.
3.49 metric tons paddy per hectare is produced in the Madhesh Province. According to the ministry, Lumbini province is leading in terms of growth in both production and productivity, while Madhesh province’s production and productivity are both negative. According to the available public data, paddy was planted in 3 lakh 24 thousand 401 hectares in Koshi province. In which 14 lakh 35 thousand 578 mats of paddy have been produced. In Madhesh, 383 thousand 183 hectares of rice have been planted and 13 lakh 37 thousand 672 mats of rice have been produced.
The Ministry has mentioned that there has been a decline in production and productivity due to a lack of sufficient rainfall during rice planting in the Madhesh province.
In increasing its overall rice production, the availability and use of advanced seeds, reduction in pest infestation, reduction in the negative effects of floods and landslides, reduction in the availability of fertilizers, use of agricultural tools and technology and seasonal compatibility are considered the main basis.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect People’s Review’s editorial stance.
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