SUNSARI: Paddy production in Sunsari district has declined this year due to unseasonal rains. According to Prabin Lal Shrestha, Information Officer at the district-based Krishi Gyan Kendra (Center), the district recorded a drop of 5,392 metric tons compared to last year.
He reported that Sunsari produced 217,068 metric tons of paddy last year, while this year’s production stands at 211,676 metric tons. Paddy is cultivated on 48,09 hectares of land in the district. Continuous unseasonal rainfall on October 30 and 31 damaged around 14,000 hectares of paddy, resulting in the decline.
“Although paddy plantation had been delayed earlier due to insufficient rainfall, production was expected to rise because of favorable weather. The incidence of pests and diseases was also low this year. However, the unseasonal rains during the planting period caused significant losses,” Shrestha said.
Farmers in Sunsari primarily grow Radha, Baratarahara, Sabitri, Sunaulo Sugandha, Loknath, Kalo Pokhe, Ram, and Basmati varieties of paddy. Major rice-producing areas in the district include Barahakshetra, Ramdhuni, Koshi, Inaruwa, Dewanganj, Barju, and Duhabi, according to the Krishi Gyan Kendra.
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