Chaitra Paddy Transplanting Begins in Jhapa District

Jhapa. Transplanting of Chaitra (Spring) paddy has begun in the district. The Agriculture Knowledge Center stated that the Chaitra paddy transplanting started from the Kachankawal Rural Municipality area.

The head of the Agriculture Knowledge Center, Sagar Bista, informed that the transplanting across the district is expected to be completed by the second week of Chaitra. He mentioned that due to the increasing trend of using machinery in paddy cultivation in the district compared to traditional farming systems, some areas have already prepared the seeds while others are in the process of sowing seeds. There are 10 paddy transplanters available in various locations across the district.

According to Chief Bista, although approximately 20,000 hectares of land were used for Chaitra paddy cultivation last year, the area for paddy cultivation is expected to decrease by 15 to 20 percent this year as farmers' interest has shifted towards maize cultivation.

He stated that farmers were disheartened and turned to alternative crops because the price of Chaitra paddy last year was only NPR 700 per man (40 kg), resulting in inadequate returns. He said, "Due to last year's price, farmers did not pay much attention to Chaitra paddy cultivation." Companies supplying paddy seeds also reported that they could not sell seeds as expected this year.

Although the Hardinath-1 variety of paddy is predominantly cultivated in the district, this time farmers have also started planting the Hardinath-6 variety after Morang's Arju Rice Mill reached a prior agreement to purchase it for NPR 1,000 per man. Farmers' interest in 'Hardinath-6' has increased due to guaranteed sales and a comparatively better price, but most still prioritize 'Hardinath-1', he noted.

Similarly, the 'Chharuwa Paddy' technology has also been promoted in the district with the support of the Agriculture Knowledge Center. The center identifies new locations every year and encourages farmers to adopt this technology, while older farmers continue to sustain it on their own.

Chief Bista mentioned that although the Chharuwa technology yields good paddy production, farmers face problems with weed control due to a lack of attention to technical aspects. He informed that there is no shortage of chemical fertilizers required for paddy cultivation in the district.