GANDAKI: Gandaki Province has so far recorded 15 percent paddy plantation.

With the onset of the active monsoon, farmers are fully engaged in rice planting.

The Province Agriculture Development Directorate estimates that 98,000 hectares of land are cultivable this year, according to Directorate Chief Basudev Regmi.

Last week alone saw an increase of eight percent in rice planting.

“Most areas are expected to complete rice plantation by the end of Asar (mid-July). Irrigation and fertilizers are available this time,” Regmi added.

Out of the total 479,617 hectares of arable land, nearly 100,000 hectares are used for rice cultivation during the rainy season in the province each year, Regmi shared.

Nine districts, excluding Manang and Mustang, cultivate rice in the province. Major rice-growing districts include Nawalpur, Kaski, Gorkha, Syangja, and Tanahu.

Specific areas have been designated as paddy plantation zones in various districts.

For instance, Chhewetar, Palungtar, Arughat, and Siranchowk are key areas in Gorkha, while Dhamilikuwa, Harrabot, Bhorletar, and Karapurtar are the main areas in Lamjung.

In Kaski, major paddy plantation zones include Pame, Lekhnath, Handikhola, and Makaikhola.

Farmers in Gandaki Province cultivate rice varieties such as Ramdhan, Jethobudho, Khumal, Ekle, Gauriya, and Mansuli.

The Directorate noted that the area for paddy plantation is decreasing each year in Gandaki Province.

Fragmentation of land for infrastructure development and urbanization is rapidly reducing the amount of arable land.