Lumpy skin outbreak affects paddy transplant

KATHMANDU, July 15: A total of 53 percent of the paddy transplantation has been done so far in the country. 

Paddy seedlings plantation got delayed in the country due to scanty rain in the country in this monsoon, the Ministry of Health and Livestock said. The paddy plantation rate was 65 percent in the country until Asar 29. 

Compared to the last year, the paddy plantation rate is around 12 percent less this year, Ministry's Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Prakash Kumar Sanjel said.

He said that paddy plantation was affected due to delayed monsoon rain in Madhes, Koshi and Bagmati provinces while it is affected in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces due to an outbreak of lumpy skin on livestock. 

The Ministry has expected that the paddy transplant will be expedited with the active monsoon, assurance of chemical fertilizer and reduction in the lumpy skin disease.