KATHMANDU: The government has earmarked Rs 330 million to promote spring paddy (chaite dhan) cultivation in the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26, Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel announced while presenting the national budget to the Federal Parliament.
The allocation is aimed at developing irrigation infrastructure necessary for increasing spring paddy production, particularly in the 22 districts of the inner Madhes region.
“The government will launch a program to promote spring paddy cultivation in 22 districts of inner Madhes with the goal of making the country self-reliant in rice within two years,” Minister Paudel stated during his budget speech.
The initiative is expected to boost production by an additional 1.2 million metric tons of paddy, significantly contributing to Nepal’s food security and reducing dependency on rice imports.
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