Lumbini Province Rice Plantation Reaches 59.94% Completion

Butwal. Rice plantation for this season in Lumbini Province has reached 59.94 percent completion. According to the Provincial Directorate of Agricultural Development, out of an estimated 313,072 hectares of land for paddy cultivation across the province, 180,630 hectares have been planted as of Asar 26. The directorate stated that 132,442 hectares of land still remain for rice plantation. Among the 12 districts in Lumbini Province, Rolpa has completed 100% plantation on all its paddy-cultivating land. Pyuthan has completed 92% of its paddy plantation, Nawalparasi (West) 90%, Rukum East 80%, Rupandehi 72%, Palpa 71%, Bardiya 70%, Dang 65%, Gulmi 52%, and Arghakhanchi 51%. However, the progress of rice plantation appears slow in Kapilvastu and Banke. According to Naveen Gaire, Agricultural Extension Officer at the Provincial Directorate of Agricultural Development, only 31% of rice plantation has been completed in Kapilvastu so far. Out of 66,265 hectares targeted for paddy cultivation in the district, only 20,542 hectares have been planted as of Asar 26, he informed. Similarly, in Banke, out of a target of 33,780 hectares for paddy cultivation, only 14,863 hectares have been planted, which is 44% of the total area. The directorate expects the pace of plantation to increase in the coming days as the monsoon remains active. Since plantation is possible until the third week of Shrawan in some places, the directorate believes this data will improve further. Coordination has been made with local levels and relevant bodies to ensure timely provision of seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation for farmers. However, farmers are complaining about the unavailability of fertilizers. Basudev Acharya from Buddhbhumi Municipality-6 in Kapilvastu said that delayed rainfall and not receiving fertilizer on time have also delayed the plantation. He has only planted 3 bighas of his 7 bighas of land so far. According to the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, Kapilvastu is the district with the least rice plantation in Lumbini. Agricultural Extension Officer Naveen Gaire mentioned that due to the lack of irrigation facilities in many parts of Kapilvastu, some areas depend on rainwater for cultivation. He added that with the recent start of rainfall, plantation will now pick up pace in this district as well.