KATHMANDU: A 38 per cent rice transplantation was completed across the country by the end of June due to timely monsoon.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, this figure is around three times during the corresponding period last year.

It said that paddy cultivation has been done in 406,662 hectares of 1,371,706 hectares of land.

Ministry Spokesperson Hari Bahadur KC said that this year rice cultivation will be on time as monsoon has become active on the expected date.

Last year, only 14.75 per cent rice cultivation had taken place till June 30.

According to the Ministry data, the Sudurpashim State witnesses the highest 49.54 per cent paddy cultivation or transplantation against 25.22 per cent in the past year in the corresponding period, RSS has said.

Likewise, the Karnali state is in the second position in terms of cultivation with 49.15 per cent so far followed by 45.99 per cent in State-5, 36.22 per cent in Bagmati state, 35.66 per cent in Gandaki, 29.8 in State-1 and 29.02 in State-2.

Likewise, the high hilly areas reported 40.72 per cent cultivation followed by 37.95 in mid-hills and 34.34 in the Tarai, according to RSS.

The figure was 29.96 per cent in high hills, 23.07 in mid hills and 11.7 in the Terai during corresponding period last year, it said.