The country recorded almost 79 percent of paddy seedlings transplantation until Sunday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development shared. 

Last year, paddy seedlings transplantation was 92.6 percent during the same period.  

As per the reports collected by the Ministry on Sunday, paddy transplantation is still taking place in some parts of the country. 

Among the provinces, Sudurpaschim is leading with 98.94 percent of its target already completed, while paddy transplantation is completed in 91.38 percent of the target in Karnali Province, according to the Ministry.

Paddy transplantation is completed in 80.39 percent in Koshi Province, 87.19 percent in Bagmati Province, 85.3 percent in Gandaki Province and 92 percent in Lumbini Province.     

However, the Madhes Province, the key area for paddy production in the country, recorded just 51.83 percent of its target in the paddy seedlings transplantation due to the longstanding drought this year.   

Tarai region is the most fertile and produces about 70 percent of the country’s total paddy, while the hilly regions contribute the remaining 30 percent.

During the previous Fiscal Year 2024/25, the country had witnessed a total rice production of 5.724 million metric tonnes. 

Unfavorable weather conditions, natural disasters, excessive rainfall, and droughts create adversities for paddy seedlings transplantation, deferring the schedule in some areas.

According to the ministry, 10 percent change in rice production can lead to about  1 percent change in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).