Paddy Day best wishes

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, June 29: President Ramchandra Paudel extended his best wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness to all Nepalis on the occasion of National Paddy Day.

In a message issued on Saturday, the President said that Nepal’s constitution guarantees every citizen the right to food, and that promoting rice cultivation is essential to uphold this fundamental right and protect lives from the threat of food scarcity.

The message highlighted that, as an agricultural country, Nepal relies heavily on rice, the staple food for most people, which is deeply intertwined with the nation’s culture, economy, and way of life. Rice also holds social, religious, and even touristic significance.

President Paudel stressed the need for the state to prioritise the expansion of irrigation infrastructure in arable land suitable for rice cultivation. He expressed hope that National Paddy Day would inspire the adoption of climate-friendly agricultural practices, increased rice and paddy production, reduced dependency on imports, strengthened food security, and the promotion of a culture that respects agricultural labour.

National Paddy Day, observed annually on June 29 (Asar 15), has been celebrated since 2004 with the aim of boosting rice production, modernising and commercialising rice farming, and uplifting the morale of farmers, while recognising the growing importance of agriculture and the critical role of rice in national food security.