One of Nepal’s major rice-producing districts, Sunsari, has completed only 68% of its paddy plantation by the first week of Shrawan (mid-July), according to the Agriculture Knowledge Center, Sunsari.
Farmers in the district have been struggling due to a lack of rainfall throughout the month of Asar (mid-June to mid-July). As a result, many had to rely on boring machines and irrigation canals to plant their crops, causing delays in the overall plantation process.
Last year, around 82% of the planting had been completed by this time. However, this year’s erratic weather and insufficient water supply have made it difficult for timely planting, leaving farmers concerned about reduced yields and overall agricultural productivity.
