CHITWAN: Hybrid varieties of paddy have been planted in the trial paddy fields of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, in Chitwan district, with the support of the government of China.
Thirty-six Hybrid varieties of paddy developed by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science in Chongqing have been planted as a pilot in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song.
Similarly, one variety of rice developed in Nepal, as well as eight other popular varieties of paddy, were also planted.
At a programme organised today, the Mayor of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Renu Dahal, shared that the rice varieties were planted as per the agreement made during China visit of the then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
She mentioned that this project would prove a milestone for Bharatpur metropolis and the country in the coming days, adding that hybrid varieties of rice would be expanded across the country, which would help increase paddy production.
Similarly, Chinese Ambassador Song said China, which considered these varieties of rice as a 70-year achievement of the country, gifted the seeds of these varieties to Nepal.
He expressed the belief that these varieties of rice would help increase paddy production of Nepal in the coming days.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Dr Sharada Thapaliya, mentioned that this project has become successful with the help of the Chinese government, Bharatpur metropolitan city, different organisations, and experts.
University Registrar Pushkar Bahadur Pal, Country Director of China Foundation for Rural Development in Nepal, Zou Zhiqiang, among others, also expressed their views on the occasion.
Only one hybrid variety of seeds has been produced and planted in Nepal so far.
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