Sudurpashim Province reported just 40 percent cultivation of the monsoon paddy till the end of June this year. The data shows 60 percent of rice plantation is awaited in the province due to scanty monsoon rainfall.
The province noticeably depends on the rain-fed rice farming.
According to Agricultural Directorate's official Yagya Raj Joshi, insufficient rains have forced farmers to pump underground water for transplanting rice.
To date, Baitadi and Darchula districts reported the highest- 72 percent rice plantation while Kailali witnessed just 24 percent.
In the entire province, a total of 181,400 hectares of land is used for rice cultivation. Among these, in Kailali district, rice is cultivated in 71,700 hectares followed by 47,500 hectares in Kanchanpur, according to the Directorate. Chaite or pre-monsoon rice farming takes place in these two districts which are ahead of others in view of rice production and productivity as well.
Similarly, 10,670 hectares of lands is used for rice plantation in Doti, 6,136 hectares in Dadeldhura, 16,580 hectares in Achham, 3,310 hectares in Bajura, 4,480 hectares in Darchula, 9,000 hectares in Baitadi, 7,110 hectares in Bajhang.
In the province, 36,483 hectares of land has access to just partial irrigation facility. Rice farming based on monsoon rains yields more results. But to date, the province received no abundant rainfall, it is said.
In case of hilly districts, a period from the end of May to the end of June 5 is considered the best time for rice farming and it is recommended from mid-June to till the end of June in Terai.
According to agro technicians, delayed cultivation is more vulnerable to pesticides.
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