KAILALI: The Bijbriddhi Agricultural Cooperative, based in Munuwa, Janaki Rural Municipality-4 in Kailali, has cultivated rice seeds on 100 hectares of land this year.
The cooperative, which began seed production nearly two decades ago, has mobilized around 100 farmers from Wards 4 and 7 of Janaki Rural Municipality to produce rice seeds.
Fertile soil and effective irrigation have encouraged farmers to engage in seed production. Last year, the cooperative produced 3,500 quintals of rice seeds.
It also purchased 3,000 quintals of wheat, 60 quintals of mustard seeds, and 12 quintals of maize seeds from local farmers.
The cooperative offers farmers Rs. 300 more per quintal than the market price, which has incentivized participation. Initially started with just 45 farmers, the cooperative has grown into a key player in seed production in the region.
The seeds produced here are supplied to municipalities across Kailali and also reach farmers in Bardiya, Banke, Surkhet, Dang, Kanchanpur, Dailekh, Sarlahi, Saptari, and Siraha.
Former chairman Kamal Bahadur Kathariya shared that once farmers try the cooperative’s seeds, they often return for more. “In the early days, there was little interest in seed production, but now many farmers are actively involved,” he said. “We worked hard to establish trust, and now there is strong demand.”
Kathariya credited the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project for significantly supporting the cooperative through agricultural programs. He noted that seed grading and storage are now well-managed.
Last year, the cooperative cultivated rice seeds on 100 hectares, wheat seeds on 115 hectares, mustard on 10 hectares, corn on two hectares, and lentils on approximately one hectare.
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