KATHMANDU: Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary has stressed the need for modern technology, research, and coordinated efforts among stakeholders to achieve self-reliance in rice production while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Issuing a message of best wishes on the occasion of the 23rd National Paddy Day and Paddy Plantation Festival 2083, Minister Chaudhary said the theme of this year—“Climate-Friendly Technology, Self-Reliance in Rice, and Prosperity”—reflects the current needs and challenges of Nepal’s agriculture sector.
She said rice is not only a staple food crop for Nepalis but is also deeply connected with religion, culture, and tradition. According to her, conservation, improvement, and utilization of local and wild rice varieties would significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and long-term food security.
The Agriculture Minister further suggested expanding both monsoon and spring paddy cultivation areas, developing improved rice varieties, enhancing technology transfer, expanding irrigation facilities, and ensuring easy access to agricultural inputs along with fair pricing for farmers. These measures, she said, would help reduce the country’s reliance on imported rice and paddy.
She also emphasized the importance of identifying, collecting, and conserving indigenous and wild rice varieties, along with developing climate-friendly strains suited to changing environmental conditions.
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