Banke Anticipates Higher Wheat Yield Despite Shrinking Cultivation Area

Banke. Although the land area dedicated to wheat cultivation in Banke district is decreasing annually, production is expected to increase this year. The Agriculture Knowledge Center, Banke, attributes the projected rise in output to the use of improved seeds, availability of irrigation, and favorable weather conditions.

According to Santosh Pathak, Information Officer and Senior Horticulture Development Officer at the Agriculture Knowledge Center, Banke, the overall production shows a positive trend due to increased productivity despite the reduction in farmland. "The rise in seed replacement rates and the increased use of hybrid varieties by farmers are the primary reasons for the growth in production," Pathak stated.

Last year, Banke produced 77,708 metric tons of wheat across 20,895 hectares. This year, timely rainfall and the absence of significant pest or disease outbreaks suggest that production will exceed last year's figures.

The office noted that technical support, including crop treatment camps, mobile field training, and on-site research, has helped boost production despite the shrinking area. Krishna Bikram KC, President of the All Nepal Peasants' Federation, Banke, confirmed that favorable weather has led to a good harvest. While minor damage occurred due to wind and rain during the harvesting period, he described the overall production as satisfactory.

However, the land area used for wheat cultivation in the district continues to decline. In the fiscal year 2080/081, wheat was cultivated on 21,515 hectares, which dropped to 20,895 hectares last year, with a further decrease observed this year.

The shift is primarily attributed to farmers' growing interest in mustard, spring maize, and vegetable farming. Additionally, rapid urbanization in Nepalgunj, Kohalpur, and Khajura, along with wildlife attacks in the Rapti Sonari region, have led farmers to abandon wheat cultivation.

Currently, farmers in Banke are busy harvesting and threshing wheat, reaping the rewards of their year-long labor.