Boost Rice Production

The country marked National Paddy Day with the slogan of "Utility of rice in biodiversity, support in import substitution" on Wednesday. The day carries special meaning for Nepali farmers as well as the national economy. It takes place in the midst of rainfall that is crucial for paddy plantation in Nepal. Also known as Rice Day, it brings cheers to the face of farmers that mainly rely on the rice production to maintain their livelihood throughout the year. As the irrigation facility does not cover most of the arable lands, monsoon rain serves as the lifeline for the plantation and production of the paddy. According to a news report carried by this daily, paddy has been planted in 17 per cent of the paddy fields across the country, which is almost 10 per cent less than the plantation done by the same time previous year. In the fiscal year 2021/22, paddy was cultivated over an area of 1.47 million hectares. Although the plantation area grew by 26 per cent, only 5.13 million tonnes of paddy was produced, which was a decline by 8.74 per cent due to off-season rains in October that caused crop damage last year.

The Rice Day is also a cultural event for Nepalis as they enjoy delicious foods after the plantation works. But with the onslaught of modernity, the social and cultural aspects of Paddy Day are losing their significance. The new generation should be informed about the cultural value of the Rice Day. The country has been observing Asar 15 as National Paddy Day since 2005. Every year, the government sets different slogans of the Rice Day, highlighting the changing dynamics and need of the agro sector. For instance, last year its theme was: “Increase in rice production: food security, self-sufficiency and prosperity” that bears the health and economic dimensions as it put emphasis on increasing the rice production for food security and economic prosperity. 

This year’s slogan also stresses the economic and trade aspects while addressing the negative impacts of climate change. Conservation of biodiversity helps fight climate change and protect the rare and indigenous plants and species necessary for sustainable ecosystem. Despite being an agrarian nation, Nepal imports food worth billions of rupees every month. Hundreds of hectares of lands have remained barren as many youths have left their villages in search of better jobs in foreign lands. The agriculture sector now lacks reliable irrigation facility, timely fertiliser supply, workers, improved seeds, modern implements, production storage facility and market access. Likewise, fragmentation of arable land has led to the low production.  On the one hand, the country fails to produce required amount of food and, on the other, the domestic food items are expensive, as the market is flooded with India’s subsidised agro products. 

According to the news report, there is a shortfall of around 600,000 tonnes of rice to meet the national annual demand that stands at 4 million tonnes. The country produces around 3.4 million tonnes of rice annually and spends more than Rs. 40 billion to import 600,000 tonnes. During the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, the country imported rice and paddy worth Rs. 45.28 billion. The government has introduced special programmes to substitute at least 20 per cent import of basic foods, including paddy, in the upcoming fiscal year. It is necessary to protect and utilise the local indigenous varieties of paddy to reduce the import of rice.