Rice production decreases in Sarlahi

Kathmandu / Nov. 27: Rice production in Sarlahi has decreased this year, primarily due to a lack of timely rainfall.

The Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Sarlahi reports that the absence of timely rainfall has significantly impacted rice production. Other contributing factors include crop diseases and pesticide-related issues.

According to Farmer Ruplal Chaudhary of Jabdi in Lalbandi Municipality-3, he is disappointed with this year’s rice production, stating, “We are not rewarded for our hard work and investment.” Chaudhary mentioned that he alone spent Rs 10,000 on irrigation for paddy planted on six katha of land (one kattha is equivalent to 3,645 sq. ft).

Last year, the district recorded a rice production of 164,145 metric tons. However, this year, farmers have witnessed a significant decrease, with production averaging just two maunds (approximately 38 kgs) per land plot, compared to five maunds last year.

The Chief of the Centre, Devanand Ray Yadav, explained that areas with irrigation facilities are experiencing satisfactory production, while rain-fed regions are facing a decline. Some areas are also reporting issues with diseases and pesticides affecting production. According to official data, paddy cultivation spans around 46,500 hectares of land in Sarlahi.

Farmers without reliable irrigation facilities have resorted to using water pumping systems or containers for irrigation during rice transplantation due to the delayed onset of rains, leading to increased farming costs.